DriversRecommendedOutdated drivers can make a good PC feel brokenScan driver issues before chasing fixes manually.Scan NowOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsWindows FixRecommendedWindows errors stealing your time? Find the fix fastScan stability, cleanup and performance issues.Fix Now×
Skip to content
VGSources
Blog

How to Change the Difficulty Level on an ARK Server

Set DifficultyOffset and OverrideOfficialDifficulty in GameUserSettings.ini, restart your ARK server, then run DestroyWildDinos so newly spawned wild creatures use the updated levels.
Length5 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

To change the maximum wild-creature level on an ARK dedicated server, stop the server, edit GameUserSettings.ini, add or update DifficultyOffset and OverrideOfficialDifficulty under [ServerSettings], save, and restart. For a maximum wild level of 150, a common setting is OverrideOfficialDifficulty=5.0. After the restart, run DestroyWildDinos to remove existing wild creatures so the server can spawn replacements using the new difficulty.

What the difficulty settings change

On an ARK server, difficulty settings determine the levels of newly spawned wild creatures. They do not directly change the level of tamed creatures or instantly update the wild creatures already on the map. That distinction matters: after changing the settings, you may need to clear wild creatures before you see the new level distribution.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The settings are in GameUserSettings.ini, under the [ServerSettings] section. The two relevant keys are DifficultyOffset and OverrideOfficialDifficulty. For a straightforward target maximum, administrators commonly set the override to the desired maximum level divided by 30. For example, a value of 5.0 corresponds to a maximum wild level of 150.

Choose a target maximum wild level

Community wiki explanations describe the maximum wild-creature level as 30 times the final Difficulty value. With OverrideOfficialDifficulty set, the override is used as that final value, so the practical calculation is:

#1 Best Overall
Sale
Gaoye Blue Light Blocking Glasses
  • BLUE LIGHT BLOCKING GLASSES: Our blue light glasses for women boast UV400 protection, blocking harmful blue rays from computer screens. With these bluelight glasses women, you can enjoy gaming, reading, or watching TV with no worries of eye strain.
  • EYE RELIEF: Our blue light glasses are engineered to reduce blurry vision or strain caused by prolonged screen time. These womens blue light glasses aid in better sleep by preventing blue light from disrupting your natural sleep cycle, helping you fall asleep faster and enjoy a more restful night's sleep, making them the perfect christmas present.
  • COMFORTABLE: Crafted from durable material, our trendy blue light glasses for woman or blue light glasses men ensure long-lasting comfort. The high-transmittance lenses accessories, gamer gifts for men, help keep your eyes relaxed. Perfect stocking stuffers, gifts for gamers men, christmas gifts for men, halloween costumes.
  • LIGHTWEIGHT: These clear blue light glasses feature a lightweight frame, meaning they’ll stay comfy for long-term wear. Perfect as blue blockers glasses for women or mens blue light glasses, these non-prescription fake glasses for men can be worn throughout the day. The blue light blocking glasses women feature polycarbonate HD lenses, which are anti-reflective and restore true color.
  • WORRY-FREE PURCHASE: If you experience any issues, our support team is ready to assist you quickly. These are the perfect costume glasses for cosplay dressing up.

OverrideOfficialDifficulty = desired maximum wild level / 30

Target maximum wild level Override value
150 5.0
300 10.0

The 150-level target is a common standard. The 300-level example follows the same calculation; whether a particular value is accepted can depend on the game version and server setup. The wiki.gg changelog lists patch 312.27 as setting a maximum Override Difficulty of 5, while a Fandom wiki entry says patch 247.95 allowed servers to override difficulty above 4.0. These are historical wiki references, not confirmation of the current cap for every ARK edition or patch. Check the patch notes for the version your server runs before relying on a value above 5.0.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #2
Windex Gaming Cleaning Wipes, Pre-Moistened Wipes to Instantly Clean all Gaming Gear and Electronics, Resealable Packaging for a Freshness Lock, 25 count (Pack of 1)
  • WINDEX GAMING WIPES: effortlessly clean all your gaming gear and gaming electronics in one easy step with our new Windex Gaming Wipes
  • AMMONIA FREE: our ammonia-free formula is safe to use on all of your favorite gaming equipment like consoles, headsets, controllers, screens, keyboards, and more
  • PRE-MOISTENED WIPES: each wipe instantly removes dust, dirt, and stubborn smudges and fingerprints leaving a streak-free shine
  • ANTI-STATIC: great for cleaning and wiping down your gaming gear and electronics leaving behind no visible residue
  • COMPACT RESEALABLE PACKAGE: store your pack of Windex Gaming Wipes anywhere in your home for whenever a quick and easy wipedown is needed

Change the settings in GameUserSettings.ini

  1. Stop the server. Use your host’s control panel or stop the dedicated server process before editing its configuration. This avoids the server saving old values over your changes.
  2. Open the server’s configuration file. In the Linux dedicated-server layout described by hosting guides, the folder is /ShooterGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer. Open GameUserSettings.ini in that folder. A single-player configuration uses a WindowsNoEditor folder instead; do not edit a local single-player file when you intend to change a separate dedicated server.
  3. Find [ServerSettings]. Add the keys beneath that section if they are missing. If they already appear there, edit those entries rather than creating duplicate lines.
  4. Set the values. For a maximum wild level of 150, use the following entries:
[ServerSettings]
DifficultyOffset=1.0
OverrideOfficialDifficulty=5.0
  1. Save the file and restart the server. Confirm that the server finishes starting before reconnecting.
  2. Refresh wild spawns. Run DestroyWildDinos from the server console or through RCON. Wild creatures that were already spawned retain their old levels until removed; newly spawned creatures use the updated configuration.

If your file already contains other settings under [ServerSettings], leave them in place. The example shows only the two difficulty entries and does not replace the rest of the section.

Understand how the two keys interact

DifficultyOffset

DifficultyOffset is commonly described as the map-scaled setting, with a default of 0.2. The Fandom wiki gives the offset-only calculation as Difficulty Value = DifficultyOffset × (Official Difficulty − 0.5) + 0.5; the maximum wild level is then that Difficulty Value multiplied by 30. Guides often recommend setting the offset to 1.0 because it makes the value easier to reason about.

Rank #3
Sale
LISEN Cell Phone Stand Phone Holder for Desk, Office Decor Gadgets for Men
  • Ergonomic & Adjustable Design: Fight "text neck" and improve your posture. Designed for comfort, it offers an adjustable height (7.1in-8.5in) (1.4in adjustable range) and angle (5°-85°) Please note: cell phone stand is only 9 inches tall—the length of a standard pencil
  • Without blocking subtitles Perfect for office desk Tiktok Face Time Zoom video—this is the ultimate kitchen desk essential for phones! Perfect viewing experience while reducing neck back strain, A must-have for gamers streamers desk, and anyone who values both style and support!
  • Sleek & Stable Design fits Otterbox Case: Say goodbye to bent cables, tangles, and tip-overs! LISEN’s stylish adjustable desk phone holder features a built-in charging hole and smart cable management, keeping your phone secure and your workspace clutter-free cool gadgets for men
  • ANTI-SLIP DESIGN free hands: The under 10.00 items easy gadgets back and the bottom of this kitchen essentials for women are fully covered by anti-skid silicone, which LISEN stand up desk decor can provide maximum protection device from any scratches and slides
  • Your Perfect Viewing Companion:If your product arrives damaged or breaks within 365 days, reach out to LISEN for a quick and hassle-free solution. Struggling with assembly, like tightening the screw? We’ve got your back! Your experience matters to us. (Product including: phone Holder stand*1, screw*1, hexagon screwdriver*1, specification*1)

OverrideOfficialDifficulty

When OverrideOfficialDifficulty is set, wiki explanations describe it as the final Difficulty value, without the offset calculation or per-map variation. This is why administrators aiming for a known maximum commonly configure an override instead of trying to infer the result from the offset alone.

Community forum reports also say the override takes precedence over DifficultyOffset. One user reported that an override of 10 still produced creatures up to level 300 with an offset of 0.5. That is an anecdotal report, not a verified test or proof of a bug. The published explanations are not fully consistent about the formula in all dedicated-server cases, so use the override-based calculation as a practical configuration method, not as a guarantee for every game version or map.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #4
Ledagic IC+RGBW USB Powered Led Light Bar with App & Remote Control, 2 Pack
  • Easy Installation: Our gaming lights have been designed to enhance your entertainment experience. Simply position the led light bar next to your TV or game console to create a game room environment with ease. They come with USB power and a 60 inch cord for direct mounting and mobility
  • Audio Syncing & Extensive Mode: The built-in high-sensitivity music sensor allows you to sync the TV led lights to your favorite music. Lights react and move to the beat of music, film and game audio, creating an incredible immersive sound and light experience – and all without the need for an additional hub. You can choose from 64+ patterns, including strobe, illusion, jump, energy, gradient, running, chasing, fluttering mode etc. Each mode can be applied to different scenes
  • 64+ Chasing IC+RGB & W Effect: The independent control design of IC+RGB and white all-in-one multifunctional rgbw led bar lights monitor backlight allows you to easily switch the led lights for desk between IC+RGB and white to enjoy a variety of lighting effects, you can choose white lighting mode with high brightness for better illumination when working, etc. Choose IC+RGB lighting mode when you need to create an entertaining atmosphere for the light show, 16 million colours of Color changing rgb light bar let you dance to the beat and create a dynamic party atmosphere
  • Dynamic and Dimmable Lights: 1%-full brightness free brightness adjustment gives you the flexibility to adjust dimmable led light bar for room decorations or a variety of occasions
  • USB Powered: USB light bars for room can be powered by powernank, usb charger, TV, Monitor, laptop PC mainframe, making behind TV led lighting bar easy to install in any location.TV led lights are powered by the TV usb interface / PC mainframe, can be turned on/off synchronously with TV / PC

Use a host control panel or edit the file directly?

Both approaches exist, but their details depend on the hosting provider. Some panels expose difficulty controls or a command-line setting for the override; other guides direct administrators to edit GameUserSettings.ini. A panel may generate or overwrite the configuration file during startup, so use the provider’s documented method when it conflicts with direct file editing.

  • Panel setting available: Set the target there, then restart the server. Check whether the panel labels the value as a maximum level or as OverrideOfficialDifficulty; those are not interchangeable numbers.
  • No relevant panel setting: Stop the server and edit the INI file as described above.
  • Panel and file disagree: The panel may write the file on launch. Change the value in the authoritative control used by that host, restart, and inspect the saved configuration if you have file access.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Troubleshoot when the new levels do not appear

Check that the edited file belongs to the server

Make sure you changed the configuration for the dedicated server and map you are actually running, not a single-player configuration or a different server instance. On Linux, the cited dedicated-server configuration folder ends in LinuxServer; single-player uses WindowsNoEditor.

Best Value
Sale
HUANUO FlowLift™ Dual Monitor Stand, Fully Adjustable Gaming Monitor Desk Mount for 13–32″ Computer Screens, Full Motion VESA 75x75/100x100 with C-Clamp & Grommet Base, Each Arm Holds 4.4 to 19.8 lbs
  • Compatible with Wide Screens - To ensure compatibility with the dual monitor mount, your each monitor must meet three conditions at the same time: First, computer screens size range: 13 to 32 inches. Second, screen weight range: 4.4 to 19.8 lbs. Third, the back of the monitor screen must have VESA mounting holes with a pitch of 75x75mm or 100x100mm.
  • Regarding the compatibility with desks - Your desk must meet three conditions at the same time: First, desk material: Only wooden desks are recommended, plastic or glass desks cannot be used. Second, desk thickness range: 0.59" - 3.54". Third, the bottom of the desk should not have any cross beams or panels, as this will interfere with installation. We recommend carefully checking that your desk and monitors meets all above conditions before purchasing.
  • Dual C-Clamp Hold - Worried your dual monitors might wobble or slip? Our upgraded base uses a larger platform plus a dual C-clamp structure to lock the dual monitor arm firmly to your desk. Each arm safely keeps your screens steady while you type, click and game—no shaking, no sliding, just a clean and secure setup you can trust every day. It also provides Grommet Mounting installation choice, both options ensure stable and secure fixation for your 0.59" - 3.54" desk.
  • Full-Motion Adjustment For Comfortable View - Pull the screen closer when you’re deep in a spreadsheet, push it back to watch videos, or rotate to portrait for coding — moving everything smoothly with just one hand. The monitor stand offers +85°/-50° tilt, ±90° swivel and 360° rotation. Raise your monitor up to 15.75″ to support a healthy sitting posture. Whether you’re working from home, gaming through the night, or switching between video calls and documents, getting the screens to your natural line of sight helps relieve neck, shoulder and back strain so you can stay focused longer with less fatigue.
  • Keep Your Desk Organized: By lifting both screens off the desktop, this dual monitor stand opens up valuable space for your keyboard, notebook, docking station or a simple, clutter-free work area. Built-in cable management guides wires along the arms, keeping cords out of sight and out of the way. Enjoy a tidy, modern workstation that looks as good as it feels to use.

Check the section and duplicate entries

Both values belong under [ServerSettings]. If there are duplicate copies of a key, the server may not use the value you intended. Keep one active entry for each setting and verify the file after the host panel has applied its startup configuration.

Restart, then refresh existing wild creatures

Saving the file alone does not change a running server. Restart it, then run DestroyWildDinos through the server console or RCON. This removes wild creatures so replacements can spawn under the new settings; it is not an immediate level-up operation for creatures already present.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Check whether your chosen override is supported

If the server does not appear to honor a high override, test a value appropriate to the version and consult its patch notes. Historical wiki entries give different context for overrides above 4.0 and the stated maximum of 5, and do not establish the current cap across all editions. Do not assume that a value accepted by one server build will work on another.

Settings at a glance

Setting Common or cited value Effect
DifficultyOffset Default 0.2; guides commonly recommend 1.0 Used in the offset formula when an override is not controlling the final Difficulty value. Map variation may affect the result.
OverrideOfficialDifficulty 5.0 for a commonly used maximum wild level of 150 Used as the final Difficulty value in wiki explanations; maximum level is calculated as the value multiplied by 30.
DestroyWildDinos Run after restarting Removes existing wild creatures so new spawns can reflect the changed difficulty.

Value and formula descriptions above reflect community wiki and guide material; no primary Studio Wildcard documentation is cited here. The precise behavior and current maximum should therefore be checked against the patch notes and configuration interface for the specific ARK edition and server build in use.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More quests from Patch Notes

  1. How to Set Up a RedM (RDR2) Server in 2026: License Key, txAdmin and server.cfg, Step by StepBlog11min
  2. Best RedM (RDR2) Server Hosting in 2026: Comparing Four Hosts on Slots, Memory and PriceBlog10min
  3. How to Host a Mindustry Server in 2026: server-release.jar, Port 6567 and the Commands That MatterBlog7min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.