How to enable events on an ARK server?

Want seasonal skins, dino colors, and boosted rates on demand? You can enable ARK events anytime with a simple launch parameter. Follow these steps and flip any event on in minutes.

Prerequisites

• Access to your Oxygenserv panel (login and password)
• An ARK: Survival Evolved server installed on Oxygenserv
• Server stopped before changing startup parameters
• Exact event name to activate (examples: Easter, FearEvolved, SummerBash, TurkeyTrial, WinterWonderland, LoveEvolved)
• Admin access in-game if you plan to run commands (e.g., cheat DestroyWildDinos)

Detailed steps

1. Cleanly stop your server
   Log into your Oxygenserv panel and open your ARK service. Click the red “Stop” button. Wait until the console shows the server is fully stopped (no new lines, status shows “Stopped”). If it hangs, wait 10–20 seconds and refresh.
2. Open the startup settings
   Go to the “Startup” or “Command line” section. Find the custom arguments field (often labeled “Additional arguments” or “Custom parameters”). This is where you’ll add the event parameter—no quotes, leading dash required.
3. Add the ARK event parameter
   Type exactly: -ActiveEvent=Easter (or replace Easter with your target event: FearEvolved, SummerBash, TurkeyTrial, WinterWonderland, LoveEvolved). Use only one -ActiveEvent=... at a time. Example full line: -log -ActiveEvent=FearEvolved -UseBattlEye (order doesn’t matter, spacing does).
4. Save and start the server
   Click “Save/Apply” (green button). Go to the “Console” tab and hit “Start”. Watch the boot logs. Once the server is ready, join in-game to confirm the event (seasonal engrams/items, dino color variations, themed drops/visuals).
5. Force wild dino respawn for event colors
   Existing wild dinos keep their old colors. Log in as admin, open the console, and run: cheat DestroyWildDinos. The server will repopulate wildlife (expect a short CPU spike 1–3 minutes depending on map). Rejoin and scout for new event-colored dinos.
6. Change or disable the event
   To switch, replace the value (e.g., -ActiveEvent=SummerBash). To turn events off, remove -ActiveEvent=... entirely, save, then restart. If nothing changes in-game, check spelling and ensure there isn’t a duplicate -ActiveEvent.

Tips & optimization

Want event-like progression even outside events? Tweak multipliers in GameUserSettings.ini ([ServerSettings]):
XPMultiplier=2.0
TamingSpeedMultiplier=2.0
HarvestAmountMultiplier=2.0
BabyMatureSpeedMultiplier=2.0
EggHatchSpeedMultiplier=2.0
MatingIntervalMultiplier=0.5
Why? It recreates typical event boosts without waiting on the official calendar. Keep exactly one -ActiveEvent to avoid conflicts. After switching events, always run cheat DestroyWildDinos to refresh wild spawns.

FAQ

The event didn’t activate. What should I check?

Verify exact spelling: -ActiveEvent=WinterWonderland (not WinterWonderLand). Make sure the server was fully stopped before editing. Remove duplicate -ActiveEvent. Don’t use quotes. If you run mods that alter loot tables, update them and restart.

Which event names can I use?

Common ones: Easter, FearEvolved, SummerBash, TurkeyTrial, WinterWonderland, LoveEvolved. Only one works at a time via -ActiveEvent=....

Can I enable multiple events at once?

No. ARK supports a single -ActiveEvent only. Pick one, restart, then change the value and restart again if you want to switch.

Will destroying wild dinos wipe my base?

No. cheat DestroyWildDinos only affects wild creatures. Your bases, tames, and structures are safe. Expect brief lag during repopulation.

You’re set to run any ARK event on demand. Flip the switch, refresh spawns, and give your players a seasonal experience year-round.

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