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1) Prerequisites

  • A working ARK Dedicated Server (Survival Evolved or Survival Ascended).
  • Access to the admin panel.
  • RCON can be enabled on the server.

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2) Configure RCON on the server

  1. Open the file below. The path changes by operating system.
    • Windows: ShooterGame\Saved\Config\WindowsServer\GameUserSettings.ini
    • Linux: ShooterGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/GameUserSettings.ini
  2. In the [ServerSettings] section, add or update these lines:
[ServerSettings]
RCONEnabled=True
RCONPort=27020
ServerAdminPassword=YOUR_PASSWORD
  • ServerAdminPassword: Must match the RCON Password you enter in the panel.
  • RCONPort: Example 27020. If you use a different port, enter the same value in the panel.
  1. Restart the server so the settings take effect.
  2. On the firewall or cloud firewall, open the RCON port (for example 27020) and allow the panel server IP.
You can also pass these as startup parameters:
... ?RCONEnabled=True?RCONPort=27020?ServerAdminPassword=STRONG_PASSWORD ...

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3) Create a server record in the panel

  1. Go to Servers.
  2. Click Add Server.
  3. Fill in the fields:
    • Plugin: RCON
    • Server IP Address: The server IP or an accessible domain
    • RCON Port: From GameUserSettings.ini then RCONPort (for example 27020)
    • RCON Password: From GameUserSettings.ini then ServerAdminPassword
  4. Click Check Plugin Connection.
  5. If you see a success message, click Publish to save.
The RCON Password in the panel must match ServerAdminPassword exactly.

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4) Troubleshooting

  • Connection failed or timed out
    • Are IP and port correct? Did you allow the port in the OS and provider firewalls?
    • Can the server be reached at all, for example with ping or tracert?
  • Unauthorized or wrong password
    • Do ServerAdminPassword and the panel RCON Password match?
    • Many failed attempts may trigger a temporary block. Wait, then try again.
  • Settings do not apply
    • Is GameUserSettings.ini in the correct directory?
    • Did you restart after the change?
    • Do the lines sit inside [ServerSettings]?

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5) Security tips

  • Use a strong, long, and unique ServerAdminPassword.
  • Open the RCON port only to the panel IP.
  • Log failed attempts and rotate the password regularly.
  • Serve the panel over HTTPS.

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6) FAQ

What is the default RCON port?
People often use 27020 to 27021. Enter the port you configured in the panel. Can I use a domain instead of an IP?
Yes. You can use a domain the panel can reach. Can I add more than one ARK server?
Yes. Create a separate record for each server and enter the correct IP, port, and password for each. How should I write commands?
Do not use a leading slash in the panel. For example saveworld, broadcast Hello, kick PlayerID, destroywilddinos.