Fix ARK Mods Not Downloading or Updating
mods not downloadingmod version mismatchstuck installing modsARK mods break in predictable ways: a mismatch after an update, a stalled Workshop download, or the wrong mod IDs in your config. Here's how to get them downloading and in sync again.
How ARK loads mods
The server downloads Workshop mods via SteamCMD and loads the IDs you list in your launch parameters / GameUserSettings. Both the server and every client must have the same mod version — a mismatch kicks players.
Set the mod IDs correctly
List the Workshop IDs (comma-separated, no spaces) in your start command:
?GameModIds=731604991,895711211
# or on newer setups, the -mods= launch argument:
-mods=731604991,895711211Force a clean re-download
If a mod is stuck or corrupted, clear the Workshop cache and let SteamCMD pull it fresh, then restart the server:
# stop the server first, then remove the cached mod folder
steamapps/workshop/content/346110/<modid>/
# restart — SteamCMD re-downloads it on bootUpdate the server first, then let mods update. Players also need to update those mods in-game — a server/client version gap is the #1 "can't join modded server" cause.
Still stuck?
- Check the mod isn't hidden/removed from the Workshop (it can't download then).
- Make sure there's enough disk space — big mods fail silently when the disk is full.
- Load mods one at a time to find a broken or conflicting one.
Right IDs, a clean cache, and matching versions on server and client — that's 95% of ARK mod problems solved.
ARK: Survival Evolved / Ascended is a trademark of Studio Wildcard / Snail Games. Mods are the property of their authors. ESAGAMES is an independent hosting provider, not affiliated with or endorsed by Studio Wildcard.
ARK hosting with easy mods
Our ARK hosting handles Workshop mods and updates for you on fast NVMe, protected in Frankfurt.
Frequently asked questions
Why won't my ARK server download mods?
Common reasons: wrong Workshop IDs in the config, a stalled/corrupted SteamCMD download, no disk space, or a mod removed from the Workshop. Clear the mod cache and restart to force a fresh download.
Why do players get a mod mismatch?
The server and the player have different versions of a mod. After any update, the server must update its mods and players must update theirs in-game so the versions match.
Where are ARK Workshop mods stored?
Under steamapps/workshop/content/346110/ (346110 is ARK's Steam app ID), one folder per mod ID. Deleting a mod's folder forces a clean re-download on the next boot.
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