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Getting started

  1. Install YARK

    Download the current Windows installer and run it. After install, open YARK server manager.

    Before running an unsigned prerelease, follow Verify your download below and compare it with the matching official release asset.

  2. Point SteamCMD

    Install SteamCMD somewhere writable. In YARK → Settings, set the SteamCMD path (folder that contains steamcmd.exe).

    Settings page with SteamCMD path, default base folder, and app preferences
    Settings — set the folder that contains steamcmd.exe.

    One SteamCMD home is shared across profiles. Next to it, YARK maintains:

    CacheRole
    steamapps/depotcacheCompressed Steam downloads
    asa_content_cacheShared expanded ASA files copied into each server

  3. Create a server profile

    Add a server with:

    • Install path — absolute Windows path (C:\ARK\MyServer or UNC)
    • Map + session name — official maps from the list; CurseForge map packs need the pack on Mods (enabled) plus the launch token under Map (Map mods or Custom…)
    • Ports — unique game / query / RCON within the profile and across other profiles (the form shows live port conflicts vs the fleet)
    • Admin password — at least 4 characters
    • Cluster — None, or pick an existing fleet cluster (fills Cluster ID + shared directory). If you have no clusters yet, use Create a cluster first… from the form, or create one later on the Clusters page.

    You can leave a new profile disabled until files are ready; Enable does not require a Ready install. Start, Restart, and auto-start still do. For a first custom map, see Mods → Maps / custom worlds.

  4. Install dedicated files

    From the server actions, run the files install / update. First sync can take a long time and needs free disk for the shared cache and the per-server copy. Worlds under ShooterGame\Saved are not overwritten by the cache sync.

  5. Start the server

    Press Start. Status stays starting until RCON answers on localhost — that means “accepting players”, not merely “process spawned”. Use Logs → Runtime / Events if it stalls.

    Servers overview listing profiles with status and actions
    Overview — install/update and Start live on each server card.

  6. Take a backup before experimenting

    Open the workspace Backups tab and create at least a world backup. Prefer safe update / restart later so critical-path snapshots run for you.

Tip: Ctrl+K opens Quick jump to pages and servers. Structured ASA launch flags live on the workspace Launch tab (see Start, stop, restart).

Verify your download

Section titled “Verify your download”

Use the exact installer name for the version you downloaded:

Terminal window
Get-FileHash ".\YARK-server-manager-Setup-VERSION.exe" -Algorithm SHA256

Open YARK Releases, select the matching version, and compare the complete SHA-256 value. Do not install the file if the values differ or if it came from a mirror you do not trust.

Current prereleases are unsigned, so Get-AuthenticodeSignature will not show a verified YARK publisher yet. This page will document the expected publisher and RFC 3161 timestamp once signed releases are available.

Next reads

Section titled “Next reads”