ARK Server Admin Commands and How to Use Them

ARK admin commands let an authenticated server administrator change player permissions, spawn items and creatures, test mechanics, repair a world, or shut a server down. In ARK: Survival Ascended (ASA), first enable the console in Settings > Advanced, bind a Toggle Console key, and then authenticate each multiplayer session with enablecheats <ServerAdminPassword>. Most gameplay commands still require the cheat or admincheat prefix.

This guide covers ASA and ARK: Survival Evolved (ASE), including keyboard and controller controls, command syntax, player IDs, item and creature spawning, server-management commands, destructive-command precautions, and fixes for commands that appear not to work.

How do I enable admin commands in ARK: Survival Ascended?

Console access and administrator permission are separate. Turning on the console only gives you a place to type commands; a multiplayer server still requires the server password before most cheats execute. You also need to be an administrator on that particular server. A password from a different server, an old password, or a password with an extra space will not authenticate the session.

ASA setup on PC and console

1. Confirm that your account is an administrator for the server.
2. From the game menu, open Settings, choose Advanced, and set Console Access to On.
3. Open Keyboard, assign a key to Toggle Console, and save the settings.
4. Join the server and use that key to open the console.
5. Enter enablecheats <ServerAdminPassword>, replacing the placeholder with the server’s exact ServerAdminPassword.
6. Test the session with cheat fly. When finished testing, enter cheat walk to return to normal movement.

You normally need to enter enablecheats again after reconnecting because authentication applies to the current multiplayer session. If you change the server password, use the new value the next time you authenticate.

ASA controller shortcuts

If you did not create a custom binding, the controller combination depends on the console:

Platform	Console toggle
Xbox	LB + RB + Y + X
PlayStation	L1 + R1 + Square + Triangle

Keybinds and shortcuts can differ between versions, so the in-game binding is the safest reference when a combination does nothing. Press the buttons together as the game expects rather than assuming a keyboard shortcut from a PC guide applies to a controller.

A quick authentication test

After entering the password, use a reversible command first. cheat fly changes only your movement state; cheat walk restores it. This confirms that the console is open, the session is authenticated, and the command prefix is accepted before you attempt a spawn or a world-wide operation. Do not use a deletion command as your first test.

How do I open the admin console in ARK: Survival Evolved?

ASE uses platform-specific console controls rather than the ASA settings path. On PC, the command reference uses Tab; consoles have their own controller shortcuts. After joining the server, open the console, enter enablecheats ADMINPASSWORD with your actual password, and then run a command such as showmyadminmanager.

ASE servers and commands may identify players with Steam or older UE4-style IDs, while ASA commonly exposes EOS IDs. Always use the identifier format returned by your own version’s ListPlayers output. An instruction written for ASE can therefore fail on ASA even when the command name looks identical.

ASA versus ASE at a glance

Task	ASA	ASE
Enable console	Turn on Console Access in Settings > Advanced and bind Toggle Console.	Use the platform-specific console control; PC references commonly use Tab.
Authenticate	enablecheats <ServerAdminPassword> after joining.	enablecheats ADMINPASSWORD after joining.
Player identifiers	Often EOS identifiers.	May use Steam or older UE4-era identifiers.
Command syntax	Check the ASA command reference and preserve its argument order.	Check the ASE reference; do not assume an ASA identifier or shortcut works.

Which command prefix should I use?

The prefix determines whether ARK interprets a line as a gameplay cheat or a server-management command. Authentication is a separate step and is not a prefix.

Input form	Use	Examples
No prefix	Many server-management actions	ListPlayers, KickPlayer <player-id>, Broadcast <message>
cheat <command>	Most gameplay actions after authentication	cheat fly, cheat god, cheat GFI ...
admincheat <command>	Equivalent gameplay prefix in the ASA admin guide	admincheat fly
enablecheats <password>	Authenticates the current multiplayer session	enablecheats MyServerPassword

Commands are generally case-insensitive, but keep the spelling, spaces, quotation marks, and argument order shown in the syntax. If a command is documented with cheat, use that prefix unless your server documentation specifically requires admincheat. Do not put enablecheats in front of every command: enter it once to authenticate, then use the appropriate command form.

Reading a command line correctly

Angle brackets identify values you replace; they are not normally typed literally. For example, in KickPlayer <player-id>, replace the entire placeholder with the ID from ListPlayers. Keep quotation marks when a syntax line shows them, as with GMSummon "<CreatureID>" <Level>. A missing quote can make the game treat the rest of the line as one malformed value.

Which commands help test or protect my character?

These commands affect the administrator’s character and are useful for construction, debugging, or testing map settings.

Command	Effect	Important detail
cheat fly	Enables flight.	Use cheat walk to disable it.
cheat walk	Restores normal movement after flight.	Use this after a flight test before playing normally.
cheat god	Toggles god mode.	Drowning can still kill you unless infinite stats are also enabled.
cheat infinitestats	Prevents normal stat depletion.	Pairing it with god mode addresses the drowning limitation.
cheat enemyinvisible true	Makes enemies ignore you.	The value true explicitly enables the effect.
cheat GiveCreativeMode	Enables creative-mode abilities.	Use only on a server where creative access is intended.
cheat GMBuff	Applies god mode and boosted stats.	It is a combined shortcut rather than a permanent server setting.
cheat ShowMyAdminManager	Opens the graphical admin manager.	The interface includes player, ban, whitelist, server, and command tools.

These are player-state tools, not substitutes for server configuration. For example, GMBuff changes the administrator’s current character, while a setting change affects how the server behaves for everyone. Turn temporary abilities off when testing is complete so later gameplay results are not distorted.

How do I list, kick, ban, or message players?

Run ListPlayers before any command that targets a person. The output supplies the connected player’s identifier, and the format can differ between ASA, ASE, and platforms.

Command	Syntax	Purpose
List players	ListPlayers	Displays connected players and the IDs required by targeted commands.
Broadcast	Broadcast <message>	Shows a server-wide announcement.
Kick	KickPlayer <player-id>	Removes a connected player.
Ban	BanPlayer <player-id>	Bans the specified player.
Server chat	ServerChat <message>	Sends a server chat message.
Private server chat	ServerChatTo <player-id> <message>	Sends a message to one identified player.

If a kick, ban, kill, or targeted item command fails, do not guess the ID from a name. Run ListPlayers again and copy the identifier exactly as your game version displays it. A player who reconnects may appear with a different session line, so refresh the list rather than reusing an old copied value.

Use Broadcast for maintenance notices before a restart or shutdown. Use ServerChatTo when a message is intended for one player and should not distract the whole server. Moderation commands are easier to audit when you announce the reason and timing before removing someone.

How can I spawn items and resources?

Item commands differ in how they identify the object. GFI is usually the quickest method when you know a unique short blueprint name; the full blueprint and numeric forms are alternatives when a short name is ambiguous.

GFI syntax

cheat GFI <blueprint-or-short-name> <amount> <quality> <force-blueprint>

• Blueprint or short name: the item’s identifier. Prefer a unique short name.
• Amount: how many copies to add.
• Quality: the quality value for equipment or other quality-bearing items.
• Force blueprint: use 1 or true for a blueprint, and 0 or false for a finished item.

The arguments must remain in that order. A valid command with the final argument set to 1 creates a blueprint rather than the completed item. If you wanted a usable item and receive a blueprint, the command probably worked; rerun it with the final value set to 0 or false if that is the result you need.

Other item commands

Command	Syntax	When to use it
GiveItem	cheat GiveItem <blueprint-path> <amount> <quality> <force-blueprint>	When you have the complete blueprint path.
GiveItemNum	cheat GiveItemNum <item-number> <amount> <quality> <force-blueprint>	When your reference uses an item number.
GiveResources	cheat GiveResources	Adds a resource bundle without entering each resource separately.

For an item command that appears to do nothing, check the blueprint spelling, whether quotation marks are required, and whether you accidentally placed quality or quantity in the wrong position. Also check that the command belongs to your game version. A path or item number copied from an ASE list may not identify the same asset in ASA.

What is the command to tame or spawn a dinosaur instantly?

Choose the creature command based on whether you want a wild spawn, a random-level tame, or a tame at a specified level.

Command	Syntax	Result
Summon	cheat Summon <CreatureID>	Creates a wild creature.
SummonTamed	cheat SummonTamed <CreatureID>	Creates a tamed creature at a random level.
GMSummon	cheat GMSummon "<CreatureID>" <Level>	Creates a tamed creature at the level you specify.
ForceTame	cheat ForceTame	Instantly tames the creature under your crosshair.

GMSummon is the direct answer when you want an instantly tamed dinosaur at a chosen level. The creature ID must be valid for your game version, and the quotation marks shown in the syntax should be preserved. Spawned tames do not include a saddle, so you must obtain and equip the appropriate saddle separately before riding.

The commands have different targeting implications. Summon creates a wild animal that can be handled normally; SummonTamed skips the taming process but does not let you choose the level; GMSummon skips taming and accepts a level value; and ForceTame acts on whatever creature is directly under your crosshair. Aim at the intended creature before using the last command, because it does not ask you to select a target afterward.

Which commands control wild creatures and the server world?

World-control commands have effects far beyond the administrator who enters them. Announce maintenance, save the world, and verify the target before using any destructive or restart command.

Command	Effect	Risk or use case
cheat DestroyWildDinos	Removes untamed creatures.	Often used after changing wild-dinosaur settings so the population can respawn under the new rules.
cheat DestroyMyTarget	Removes the entity under your aim without leaving a corpse.	Check your crosshair carefully; the command acts on the current target.
cheat DestroyAllEnemies	Removes non-player creatures.	It can include tamed creatures, so it is not a safe substitute for removing only wild spawns.
cheat DoRestartLevel	Restarts the current map.	Players can be disconnected and unsaved progress can be affected.
cheat SaveWorld	Saves the current world state.	Run it before planned disruptive maintenance.
cheat DoExit	Shuts down the server.	Warn players and save first; use it only when a full shutdown is intended.

DestroyWildDinos is narrower than DestroyAllEnemies: the former removes untamed creatures, while the latter can remove non-player creatures, including tames. If your goal is to clear only a population after a settings change, do not substitute the broader command. DestroyMyTarget is narrower still, but it is easy to misuse because the result depends entirely on your aim.

How do I use admin commands safely on a community server?

Separate routine moderation from irreversible world changes. A simple maintenance sequence reduces surprises:

1. Use Broadcast <message> to tell players what will happen and when.
2. Wait for players to leave dangerous areas or finish critical actions.
3. Run SaveWorld before a restart, shutdown, or mass deletion.
4. Recheck the command and its target, especially for DestroyMyTarget and player IDs.
5. Enter the command once and watch the result instead of repeatedly submitting it.
6. After maintenance, reconnect or ask a player to verify that the intended change occurred.

In practice, destructive commands should be treated as irreversible. A save protects the state before the action; it does not provide an in-game undo button for an accidental deletion. For a scheduled restart, distinguish DoRestartLevel, which restarts the map, from DoExit, which shuts down the server. Tell players which operation you are performing so they know whether to wait for a restart or expect the server to remain offline.

Permissions for a community

Give admin access only to people who need it. For a larger team, an allowlist can be more convenient than repeatedly granting access through the game. The documented approach uses AllowedCheaterAccountIDs.txt; confirm the correct file path and account-ID format with your host before editing it, because both can vary by service and game version. Dedicated ARK hosting providers commonly expose password and file-management controls, but the exact panel and path are host-specific.

What should I do when an ARK admin command does nothing?

The console will not open

• In ASA, verify Settings > Advanced > Console Access is set to On.
• Check that a Toggle Console key is assigned under Keyboard.
• On a controller, confirm that you are using the shortcut for the correct game version and platform.
• If you changed the binding, save the settings and try the new key rather than the default shortcut.

The console opens but rejects every command

Authenticate again with the exact server password using enablecheats <ServerAdminPassword>. Then check the prefix: ListPlayers can run without one, while flight, taming, spawning, and god mode generally require cheat or admincheat. Authentication is session-based, so repeat it after reconnecting.

An item or creature spawn fails silently

Validate the ID for ASA versus ASE, preserve quotation marks around a creature ID when the syntax shows them, and verify argument order. A typo in the blueprint or creature identifier can produce no visible result. For items, check the amount, quality, and final force-blueprint value separately; for creatures, check that the level is present for GMSummon.

A targeted command cannot find its player

Run ListPlayers and use the returned ID, not the player’s display name. ASA and ASE can expose different identifier formats, so an ID copied from an older guide may not work on the current server. If the player has rejoined, refresh the list before trying again.

A world command produced a bigger effect than expected

Stop issuing further commands, announce the situation, and inspect the result. DestroyAllEnemies is broader than DestroyWildDinos, and DestroyMyTarget follows your crosshair. A previous SaveWorld preserves the earlier state for external recovery procedures, but the console itself does not provide an undo command.

Can I use the graphical admin manager instead of typing commands?

Yes. cheat ShowMyAdminManager opens a graphical interface containing player, ban, whitelist, server, and command tools. It can reduce typing errors during routine moderation, but the same permission and authentication requirements still apply, and destructive actions still need careful confirmation. Use the text console when a guide gives an exact command and the graphical interface when reviewing players or moderation options.

Are ARK admin commands case-sensitive?

Commands are generally case-insensitive, but that does not make syntax optional. Keep the documented command name, spaces, quotation marks, argument order, IDs, and Boolean values intact; most failures come from an invalid identifier or malformed arguments rather than capitalization. Treat capitalization as a readability aid, especially when comparing a command with a reference, but troubleshoot the values and prefixes first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I undo DestroyWildDinos after running it?

There is no normal in-game undo command for the deletion. The removed wild population must respawn naturally, so save and verify your settings before using the command.

How do I know whether an ID is an EOS or Steam identifier?

Run ListPlayers on the same server and copy the identifier exactly as displayed. Do not substitute a name or an ID copied from an ASE guide when playing ASA, because the formats can differ.

Why does my spawned dinosaur not let me ride it?

A spawned tame is created without a saddle. Obtain the saddle that matches the creature, equip it, and then attempt to ride.

What should I check before using DoExit?

Tell connected players with Broadcast <message>, run SaveWorld, and confirm that a full server shutdown—not merely a map restart—is what you intend.

Do I need to authenticate every time I open the console?

No. Authenticate once with enablecheats <ServerAdminPassword> for the current multiplayer session. Enter it again after reconnecting or starting a new session.

Why does cheat god not prevent drowning?

The command reference notes that drowning can still kill a player in god mode. Enable cheat infinitestats as well when you need protection from normal stat depletion and drowning.

Which command should I use for a tame at a specific level?

Use cheat GMSummon "<CreatureID>" <Level>. It creates a tamed creature at the level you specify, but you still need to provide the appropriate saddle.

What is the difference between DestroyWildDinos and DestroyAllEnemies?

DestroyWildDinos removes untamed creatures. DestroyAllEnemies can remove all non-player creatures, including tamed creatures, so it has a much wider effect.

Can an allowlist replace repeated admin-password entry?

An allowlist may be used through AllowedCheaterAccountIDs.txt, but confirm the file path and account-ID format with your hosting provider before editing it.

The Bottom Line

For ASA, enable Console Access, bind Toggle Console, join the server, and authenticate with enablecheats <ServerAdminPassword>. Use ListPlayers for current IDs, add cheat or admincheat to gameplay commands, and preserve every argument, quote, and Boolean value. Test with reversible commands first, save and announce before world changes, and treat deletion, restart, and shutdown commands as irreversible.