ARK Survival Ascended has a modern modding system that supports cross-platform mods, meaning a mod can work on PC and console simultaneously. Here is how to find, install, and manage mods for both players and server owners.
How ASA Modding Works
Unlike the original ARK which used the Steam Workshop exclusively, Survival Ascended uses a built-in mod system through CurseForge integration. Mods are available across platforms because they go through a shared mod portal rather than being tied to one storefront.
This means:
- Console players can use mods (a huge improvement over the original)
- Server owners can run modded servers accessible to all platforms
- Mod management happens partly in-game and partly through the mod portal
Finding Mods
Browse available mods through:
- The in-game mod browser
- The CurseForge ARK: Survival Ascended section
- Community recommendations and server mod lists
Popular mod types include quality of life improvements, creature additions, building enhancements, map mods, and total conversion mods that change the entire game experience.
Installing Mods as a Player
For single player or joining a modded server:
- Open the in-game mod browser
- Subscribe to the mods you want
- They download automatically
- Enable them in your session or they auto-enable when joining a server that requires them
When you join a modded server, the game tells you which mods are needed and offers to download them. Accept and the game handles the rest.
Installing Mods on a Server
As a server owner:
- Find the mod on the mod portal and note its ID
- Add the mod ID to your server configuration (startup parameters or settings file)
- The server downloads the mod on next start
- Set the load order in your config if multiple mods interact
Keep mods updated and watch for compatibility issues between mods after game updates.
Cross-Platform Mod Considerations
Not every mod supports every platform. Check the mod listing for platform compatibility. Mods that work cross-platform are marked accordingly. If you run a crossplay server, only use mods that support all platforms your players use.
Performance and Mod Count
Modded servers use more resources. Each mod adds loading time, memory usage, and potential for conflicts. A reasonable mod list for a community server is usually under 20 mods. Going beyond that needs careful testing and more powerful server hardware.
Load Order
Some mods need to load before others, especially if one mod depends on another as a library or framework. Set load order in your server config and follow mod author instructions for dependencies.
Troubleshooting
Mod fails to load: Check for updates. Game patches can break mods until the author updates them.
Server crash after adding a mod: Test mods one at a time to isolate the cause. Remove the new addition and try again.
Players cannot connect: They are missing a required mod or have a version mismatch. Ensure all mods are up to date on both server and client.
FAQ
Can console players use ARK Ascended mods? Yes. The new mod system supports cross-platform mods on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.
Where do I find ARK Ascended mods? The in-game mod browser or the CurseForge ARK: Survival Ascended section.
How many mods can a server run? There is no hard limit, but performance degrades with more mods. Under 20 is a reasonable target for community servers.
Related: ARK Survival Ascended server hosting, ARK Survival Ascended console commands, ARK vs Ascended comparison