ark-survival-evolved

Start the server with a specific map

$ [path/to]/ShooterGameServer [TheIsland]

$ [path/to]/ShooterGameServer [TheIsland]?SessionName=[session_name]?ServerPassword=[server_password]?ServerAdminPassword=[admin_password]

$ [path/to]/ShooterGameServer [TheIsland]?Port=[7777]?MaxPlayers=[1..70]

$ [path/to]/ShooterGameServer [TheIsland]?ServerPVE=true

$ [path/to]/ShooterGameServer [TheIsland]?DifficultyOffset=[1.0]

$ [path/to]/ShooterGameServer [TheIsland] -ActiveEvent=[Summer]

$ [path/to]/ShooterGameServer [TheIsland] -automanagedmods

$ [path/to]/ShooterGameServer [TheIsland] -crossplay -PublicIPForEpic=[ip_address]

ark-survival-evolved [-option=value]... [mapname]

-windowed
    Start in windowed mode

-fullscreen
    Force fullscreen mode

-ResX=width
    Set horizontal resolution, e.g., -ResX=1920

-ResY=height
    Set vertical resolution, e.g., -ResY=1080

-winx=x
    Window X position

-winy=y
    Window Y position

-language=code
    Set language, e.g., en_US

-log
    Enable verbose logging

-NoTransferFromFiltering
    Disable transfer filtering

-UseAllAvailableCores
    Use all CPU cores

-sm4
    Force Shader Model 4

-d3d10
    Use Direct3D 10 (for compatibility)

-Port=port
    Server port for hosting

?listen
    Host a listen server

The ark-survival-evolved command launches ARK: Survival Evolved, a popular open-world survival game developed by Studio Wildcard. Players tame dinosaurs, craft tools, build bases, and survive in a prehistoric world with modern twists like guns and tech.

On Linux, this is not a native binary but a wrapper script or Steam/Proton executable (Steam AppID 346110). It runs the Windows game via compatibility layers like Proton (Valve's Wine fork) or Lutris/Wine setups. Installation typically occurs via Steam: steam steam://install/346110, then launch from library. Third-party launchers like Heroic Games Launcher (Epic Store version) or Lutris may create this alias.

The command supports Unreal Engine 4 parameters for graphics, networking, and debugging. It's single-player/multiplayer capable, joining servers or hosting local games. Performance depends on GPU drivers (Vulkan/Mesa for AMD/Intel, NVIDIA proprietary). Expect tweaks for optimal framerates on Linux.

Game features intense survival mechanics, PvP/PvE modes, mods via Steam Workshop, and expansions like Scorched Earth. Linux users report good Proton compatibility (Gold/Platinum rating on ProtonDB). Total playtime often exceeds 1000+ hours.

Not native Linux; requires Proton/Wine. High VRAM/GPU needs (8GB+ recommended). Proton Experimental for best compatibility. Check ProtonDB for tweaks. Multiplayer needs Steam/Epic account.

Steam: steam steam://install/346110. Lutris: Search ARK install script. Epic: Heroic Launcher with Proton-GE.

For dedicated: Use ShooterGameServer binary, e.g., ./ShooterGameServer TheIsland?listen?SessionName=MyServer?Port=7777 -server.

Launch with -game=modid or Steam Workshop. Linux mod tools via Protontricks.

Released 2015 (Early Access), full 2017. Linux support via Proton (2018+). Dedicated servers native Linux since 2015 (ShooterGameServer binary). Active community, sequel ARK 2 announced 2020.

steam(1), proton(1), wine(1), lutris(1)