So you've built your ARK server, tamed some dinos, and maybe even established a thriving base. But now you're looking to spice things up a bit, maybe experiment with some new features, or simply make things a little easier. That's where enabling cheats comes in. This guide will walk you through the process, clarifying the differences between single-player and multiplayer cheat enabling and offering troubleshooting tips.
Understanding Cheat Commands in ARK
Before diving into the how-to, let's quickly understand what cheat commands do. They essentially give you god-like powers within the game, allowing you to:
- Spawn dinosaurs: Summon specific creatures, instantly boosting your collection.
- Give yourself items: Obtain resources, weapons, armor, and even structures without the grind.
- Teleport: Instantly move yourself or your dinos across the map.
- Modify game settings: Adjust the difficulty, weather, and more.
Important Note: Using cheats significantly alters the game experience. While great for single-player fun or testing, using cheats on a multiplayer server is generally discouraged, as it can disrupt the balance and fairness for other players. It might even lead to bans depending on the server's rules.
Enabling Cheats on a Single-Player ARK Server
Enabling cheats on your single-player ARK game is straightforward. Follow these steps:
- Launch ARK: Start your single-player game as you normally would.
- Access the Console: Press the
Tabkey (or the equivalent key for your platform) to open the in-game console. - Enable Cheats: Type the command
cheat enableand press Enter. You should see a confirmation message. - Use Cheat Commands: Now you can use any cheat command prefixed with
cheat. For example, to summon a Tyrannosaurus Rex, you would typecheat summon Tamed_Character_Tyrannosaurus_Character_BP_Cand press Enter. A comprehensive list of cheat commands can be found online via a quick search.
Enabling Cheats on a Multiplayer ARK Server (Admin Commands)
Enabling cheats on a multiplayer server requires different steps and usually involves admin privileges. Here's a breakdown:
-
Server Configuration: Cheats aren't directly "enabled" like in single-player. Instead, you need to grant yourself admin privileges either through your server's control panel (if you're using a hosted server) or by configuring your server's configuration file (
GameUserSettings.ini). The exact method depends on the hosting provider or the way you set up your server. Check the documentation for your server software (e.g., Nitrado, SteamCMD) for specific instructions. -
Adding your Steam ID: Once you have access to the server's administration panel or configuration file, you'll need to add your Steam ID to the list of admins. This allows you to execute commands with admin privileges.
-
Using Admin Commands: After successfully adding your Steam ID and connecting to your server, you can then use admin commands (which often overlap with cheat commands) in the console. These commands are not prefixed with
cheat. For example, to summon a T-Rex as an admin, you might use a command likeadmincheat Summon Tamed_Character_Tyrannosaurus_Character_BP_C. The specific commands will vary slightly based on the game version and server setup.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Console not appearing: Make sure the console is enabled in the game settings. The location of this setting varies slightly across platforms.
- Commands not working: Ensure you've typed the commands correctly, including capitalization and spelling. Check for typos! Also verify that you have the correct admin privileges.
- Server-side issues: If you're having trouble enabling cheats on a multiplayer server, double-check your server's configuration and any relevant documentation from your hosting provider.
This guide should help you navigate the world of ARK cheats. Remember to use them responsibly and always respect the rules of any multiplayer server you join. Happy gaming!
