October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run ScanOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
VGSources
Blog

How to Raise the Level Cap in ARK Using Game.ini

Edit the correct Game.ini, build a complete zero-based LevelExperienceRampOverrides list, add matching engram-point entries, restart, and verify progression on the live server.
WorldARK Using Game.ini Length9 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team

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.

Raise an ARK dedicated server’s level cap by editing its active Game.ini, adding a complete LevelExperienceRampOverrides sequence, and restarting the server. On Windows, the usual file is ShooterGame/Saved/Config/WindowsServer/Game.ini; on Linux, it is ShooterGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/Game.ini.

The experience list defines how many levels exist and how many experience points each level requires. It does not automatically grant engram points, so add one OverridePlayerLevelEngramPoints entry for every configured player level when you want level-up engram rewards.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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

What you need to change

ARK reads level progression from the dedicated server’s Game.ini. The documented directive is:

LevelExperienceRampOverrides=(ExperiencePointsForLevel[0]=<points>,ExperiencePointsForLevel[1]=<points>,ExperiencePointsForLevel[2]=<points>,...)

Replace each <points> value with the experience threshold for that index. Indexing starts at zero, so ExperiencePointsForLevel[0] is the first level entry, [1] is the second, and so on. The list must contain one sequential entry for every level you want the server to make available. A list that ends at index 99 does not define level 100 or any level after it.

#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.

Put the complete directive on one line in the INI file. The first occurrence configures player levels. A second occurrence can configure dinosaur levels. Keep the two lists separate and complete; changing the player list does not automatically change dinosaur progression.

Find the active Game.ini file

Windows dedicated server

For a standard Windows server installation, edit:

ShooterGame/Saved/Config/WindowsServer/Game.ini

Linux dedicated server

For a standard Linux server installation, edit:

ShooterGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/Game.ini

Those paths are relative to the server’s installation directory. A rented-server control panel may expose an editor instead of a normal file browser. In that case, use the panel’s Game.ini text editor, not a field intended for GameUserSettings.ini. If the panel regenerates files, inspect the generated file after saving and after the next restart.

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.

Back up before editing

Stop the server before changing the file if your host permits it, and save a copy of the existing Game.ini. A backup gives you a known-good way to remove a malformed line or restore the previous progression. Keep the backup outside the panel’s automatic configuration area if the panel overwrites files.

Build a valid LevelExperienceRampOverrides line

Use zero-based, sequential indexes

Every index must increase by one with no gaps:

ExperiencePointsForLevel[0]=1,ExperiencePointsForLevel[1]=5,ExperiencePointsForLevel[2]=10,ExperiencePointsForLevel[3]=20

Do not jump from [2] to [4], and do not start at [1]. A skipped or misnumbered index can leave the parser without a usable threshold for a level you intended to add.

Keep the complete override on one line

Use one physical INI line for the entire parenthesized list:

[/script/shootergame.shootergamemode]
LevelExperienceRampOverrides=(ExperiencePointsForLevel[0]=1,ExperiencePointsForLevel[1]=5,ExperiencePointsForLevel[2]=10,ExperiencePointsForLevel[3]=20,ExperiencePointsForLevel[4]=35)

The numeric values in this example only demonstrate the shape of the setting. They are not ARK’s default progression and are not a recommended balance. Replace them with a complete sequence designed for your server and edition.

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

Include every level you intend to expose

If you add 20 levels above your previous cap, the override must include the entries needed for all levels represented by your server’s progression list, not only the final 20. The server needs a threshold at each index. Do not paste a short five-entry example and expect the game to infer thresholds for later levels.

Step-by-step: edit, save and reload

  1. Stop the dedicated server. Editing while it is writing configuration can cause your changes to be lost or leave a partially written file.
  2. Open the active Game.ini. Use the WindowsServer or LinuxServer path that matches the operating system, or the hosting panel’s Game.ini editor.
  3. Locate the game-mode section. Place the setting under [/script/shootergame.shootergamemode] if that section is present. Do not put this directive in GameUserSettings.ini.
  4. Add one complete player override. Write LevelExperienceRampOverrides= followed by the parenthesized, comma-separated sequence. Keep indexes zero-based and consecutive.
  5. Add engram entries if required. Add one OverridePlayerLevelEngramPoints line for each configured player level, in the same order as the level list.
  6. Optionally add a dinosaur override. A second LevelExperienceRampOverrides occurrence can define dinosaur thresholds. Leave it out if only player levels should change.
  7. Save the file exactly as text. Check that the editor did not wrap the experience list onto multiple physical lines or silently change the section name.
  8. Start the server and allow a full restart. ARK must reload Game.ini; saving while the process is running is not enough.
  9. Test on the live server. Gain experience normally or use an administrator test character available in your edition. Confirm that the intended level appears, that the next threshold is reachable, and that the level-up interface behaves correctly.

Engram points are a separate setting

Changing the experience ramp only changes the thresholds and the number of levels represented by the list. It does not decide how many engram points a player receives at each level.

Use OverridePlayerLevelEngramPoints once for every configured player level. The entries are read in order, so the first line corresponds to the first player level entry, the second line to the second level, and so forth. If you configure 20 player levels, provide 20 matching engram-point lines when you want explicit rewards for all 20.

A compact illustrative configuration looks like this:

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
[/script/shootergame.shootergamemode]
LevelExperienceRampOverrides=(ExperiencePointsForLevel[0]=1,ExperiencePointsForLevel[1]=5,ExperiencePointsForLevel[2]=10,ExperiencePointsForLevel[3]=20,ExperiencePointsForLevel[4]=35)
OverridePlayerLevelEngramPoints=5
OverridePlayerLevelEngramPoints=8
OverridePlayerLevelEngramPoints=8
OverridePlayerLevelEngramPoints=10
OverridePlayerLevelEngramPoints=10

This example has five indexed experience entries and five engram-point entries. The values are illustrative only. Choose numbers appropriate to the target edition, map progression and server rules rather than copying them as a balance recommendation.

Diagnosing missing engram points

If a player reaches an added level but receives no expected engram points, first count the player-level entries and then count the OverridePlayerLevelEngramPoints lines. They should match. Also verify that the lines are in the active Game.ini, that the section header is correct, and that the server was fully restarted after the edit.

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)

Player levels and dinosaur levels

The documented behavior treats the first LevelExperienceRampOverrides occurrence as the player progression list. A second occurrence can configure dinosaur progression. This lets a server raise player levels without necessarily changing tame levels, or define separate thresholds for each.

Goal Configuration approach What to verify
Raise player cap only Use one complete override for player levels; add matching engram entries when desired. Player XP and level-up rewards after restart.
Raise dinosaur cap only Use the dinosaur override occurrence with its own sequential list. Dinosaur XP and available tame levels.
Raise both caps Provide complete, separate lists for players and dinosaurs. Test each progression independently.
Raise levels without explicit engram rewards Change the experience list but do not add matching engram lines. Do not assume extra levels will grant the points you want.

Because the exact parser behavior can vary with ARK edition, patch and mods, test both progressions on the actual server rather than assuming a configuration accepted by one installation will behave identically on another.

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

How many levels can ARK have?

The ARK: Survival Evolved level reference lists a maximum player level of 220 under its stated progression conditions. That figure combines normal levels with map, boss, explorer-note, chibi and Fjordur-rune unlocks. It is context for the published Survival Evolved progression, not a universal ceiling for every ARK release or custom server.

A custom Game.ini override can define a different configured progression. Your practical result depends on whether the server runs Survival Evolved or Survival Ascended, the installed patch, the map, enabled mods and the hosting environment. No single cap should be assumed across those combinations.

Self-hosted server versus rented hosting panel

Editing environment Advantages Risks and checks
Self-hosted Windows or Linux server Direct access to the file, backups and version history. Confirm the operating-system path and avoid editing while the server is writing.
Rented server with a Game.ini editor Convenient browser-based access and automatic deployment. The panel may rewrite files, enforce line wrapping or expose the wrong configuration file.
Rented server with file manager or FTP Lets you inspect the generated file directly. Verify that the file belongs to the running instance and survives a restart.

For a panel-managed server, paste the line into the panel’s Game.ini area, save, restart, then reopen the generated file if the interface allows it. If the panel’s preview differs from the live file, treat the generated file and post-restart behavior as authoritative.

Validation checklist after restart

  • The edited file is Game.ini, not GameUserSettings.ini.
  • The path matches the server operating system: WindowsServer or LinuxServer.
  • The game-mode section is spelled exactly as [/script/shootergame.shootergamemode].
  • The experience list is on one physical line and enclosed in parentheses.
  • Indexes begin at zero and increase without skipped numbers.
  • The list contains an entry for every level the server should expose.
  • A second override is used only when dinosaur progression also needs customization.
  • Engram-point lines match the number of configured player levels when explicit rewards are wanted.
  • The server was completely stopped and restarted after saving.
  • A live character or administrator test confirms the new threshold and level-up behavior.

Troubleshooting common failures

The cap did not change

Recheck that you edited the active server instance rather than a local client copy or an unused configuration directory. Confirm the setting is in Game.ini, not GameUserSettings.ini, and perform a full restart. On a rented server, inspect the panel-generated file because some control panels replace manual edits.

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

Levels stop before the intended cap

Count the indexed entries. The override does not generate levels beyond its final index. Add the missing sequential entries and make sure none of the indexes are skipped. Keep the complete list on one line if the host parser requires that format.

The server ignores the line

Look for a malformed section header, unmatched parentheses, accidental line breaks or nonnumeric threshold values. Restore the backup, re-enter a known-valid structure, save, and restart. If the panel reformats the line, use its raw-text editor and inspect the resulting file.

Extra levels exist but engram points are wrong

Compare the number and order of OverridePlayerLevelEngramPoints lines with the player level list. The XP ramp and engram rewards are independent settings; extending one does not extend the other.

Dinosaur progression changed unexpectedly

Check whether a second LevelExperienceRampOverrides occurrence is present. Remove or correct the dinosaur list if only player levels were intended, then restart and test a dinosaur separately from a player character.

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

Changes disappear after reboot

A hosting panel may regenerate configuration from its own editor or template. Make the change through that editor, save it, restart, and verify the generated Game.ini. Keep a local backup so you can compare the file before and after a reboot.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Planning a balanced custom progression

Before choosing thresholds, decide how many additional levels the server should expose and whether those levels are meant to be reached through ordinary play or reserved for a long-term progression path. Write the intended indexes in a separate list first, then assign thresholds to every index. This prevents an attractive final-level number from hiding missing intermediate entries.

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.

Plan engram rewards at the same time. A server can technically expose extra levels while granting no additional points, or it can grant points at a rate that makes the new levels dramatically stronger. Treat the XP sequence and engram sequence as two linked design decisions that must be maintained together.

Keep edition and map context in your notes. The published Survival Evolved maximum of 220 includes several unlock systems beyond ordinary leveling, while a custom override and a different ARK edition may present a different practical progression. Record the target edition, patch, map and mods alongside the configuration so future administrators know which behavior was tested.

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

What to record for future maintenance

  • The server operating system and exact configuration path.
  • The ARK edition, patch, map and enabled mods.
  • The highest player index and highest dinosaur index in each override.
  • The number of engram-point lines and the reward intended at each level.
  • The date of the last successful restart and live test.
  • A backup of the prior working configuration.

The Game.INI Modification Tutorial describes the directive as configuring “the total number of levels available to players and dinosaurs and the experience points required to reach each level.” That is the key distinction: the override defines level availability and XP thresholds, while OverridePlayerLevelEngramPoints separately defines player engram rewards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which file raises the ARK level cap?

Edit the dedicated server’s Game.ini: ShooterGame/Saved/Config/WindowsServer/Game.ini on Windows or ShooterGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/Game.ini on Linux.

Why did my new levels give no engram points?

Add one OverridePlayerLevelEngramPoints line for every configured player level. The experience ramp and engram rewards are separate settings.

Can I change dinosaur levels separately?

Yes. The first LevelExperienceRampOverrides occurrence configures players; a second occurrence can define dinosaur thresholds.

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

Do I need to restart after editing Game.ini?

Yes. Stop and fully restart the server so it reloads the file, then test the new threshold on the live server.

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
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute
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.