How to Host a PixARK Server (Dedicated Server Guide 2026)

To host a PixARK server, install the dedicated server with SteamCMD (app 824360), start PixARKServer.exe with a launch line such as CubeWorld_Light?listen?SessionName=MyTribe?Port=27015?QueryPort=27016?RCONPort=27017 -CubePort=15000 -cubeworld=world -NoBattlEye -server -log, and open all four ports. Rates go in GameUserSettings.ini and Game.ini, edited while the server is stopped. Players find it under the Unofficial filter. The -cubeworld name is the world, so never change it once players have built.

Why host your own PixARK server?

Official servers come with official rates and strangers. A private PixARK server gives a tribe of friends a world where tames and bases are safe while everyone is offline, rates that fit how much time the group has, and no wipes. PixARK is finished and gets little new content, so a server you control is also the most reliable way to keep playing it the way you like.

What do you need to run a PixARK server?

PixARK is an Unreal Engine survival game with a generated voxel world, and active creatures and the world save take real memory. The server is a Windows program. On Linux, hosts run it under Wine.

How do I install the PixARK dedicated server?

1. Download the server with SteamCMD:

steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir C:\pixarkserver +app_update 824360 validate +exit

2. Create a start script, for example start.bat:

start "" /NORMAL "C:\pixarkserver\ShooterGame\Binaries\Win64\PixARKServer.exe" "CubeWorld_Light?listen?MaxPlayers=10?SessionName=CubeTribe?Port=27015?QueryPort=27016?RCONPort=27017?ServerPassword=tribeonly?ServerAdminPassword=ChangeMe123" -CubePort=15000 -cubeworld=CubeTribe -NoBattlEye -nosteamclient -NoHangDetection -game -server -log

3. Run it and wait. The first start generates the voxel world and can take several minutes, so wait until the console reports a full startup before joining.

The part in quotes is the map (CubeWorld_Light) followed by ?option=value pairs. The parts after it starting with - are switches. This launch line format comes straight from ARK, which PixARK is built on.

What does each part of the launch line do?

Launch line values win over the ini files. If ServerPassword or MaxPlayers is on the launch line, editing the same setting in GameUserSettings.ini does nothing. Change it in the launch line instead.

What ports does a PixARK server use?

PixARK needs one more port than ARK, and forgetting it is the classic PixARK mistake. The cube port carries terrain updates for the voxel world and has to be reachable from the internet, so a server with only the ARK style ports open will not work properly for anyone outside your network.

Any free ports work, as long as the launch line and your router agree. If you run a second server, give it four new ports. Our port forwarding guide covers the router side.

How do I change rates in GameUserSettings.ini?

The server reads GameUserSettings.ini and Game.ini from its ShooterGame/Saved config folder (normally Config/WindowsServer). Stop the server first: it writes its settings back on shutdown, so edits made while it runs are lost. Common settings go under [ServerSettings]:

[ServerSettings]
XPMultiplier=2.0
TamingSpeedMultiplier=3.0
HarvestAmountMultiplier=2.0
DayCycleSpeedScale=1.0
AutoSavePeriodMinutes=15
MaxPersonalTamedDinos=25
KickIdlePlayersPeriod=3600

Start the server again after saving. Small friend groups usually like 2x to 3x taming and harvesting.

How do players join a PixARK server?

1. Launch PixARK and choose Join Game.
2. Change the filter at the bottom of the list to Unofficial. Without this, only official servers show.
3. Search for the server name, select it and join.
4. Enter the server password if one is set.

How do I use admin commands?

Open the console in game and type:

enablecheats ChangeMe123

with your ServerAdminPassword. You can then use admin commands to spawn items, teleport and fix problems. Keep the admin password private, since it gives full control, and take a backup before trying anything risky.

How do saves and seeds work?

Each world is stored under ShooterGame/Saved in a folder tied to its -cubeworld name, with tribes and player profiles alongside. Back up the whole Saved folder before rate changes, updates or risky commands.

The seed is fixed when the world is first generated. If your world is missing a biome you need, the only fix is a new world with a new seed. Players have moved their tribe files into a fresh world to keep levels and engrams, but inventories are lost, so treat that as a rescue rather than a feature.

Moving an existing world onto it

To move a world from another PixARK server, stop both, copy the old server's whole ShooterGame/Saved folder (world, tribes and profiles together) into the new server, and start it with exactly the same -cubeworld name and map. A different world name means the server generates a new world and your upload sits unused.

The easy option: host it with GamezServers

Our PixARK server hosting handles the install, the four ports and the launch line. On our servers the Settings page sets the server name, server password, admin password and max players on the launch line, so change them there. Two things to know: the server name is also used as the -cubeworld world name, so renaming the server starts a new world, and the start line uses a fixed seed, so email support@gamezservers.com if you need a different one. The ini files are in the file manager, and a one click backup protects the world before you change rates.

New customers get 50% off the first month on monthly plans, the tribe can split the bill so each person pays their own share, and you can change plans as the world grows. More on sizing in how much RAM a game server needs.

FAQ

What ports does a PixARK server need?

A game port, a query port and the PixARK specific cube port for terrain, plus an RCON port if you use RCON. All four must match the launch line.

Why can't I find my PixARK server in the list?

Switch the filter at the bottom of the server list to Unofficial, then search for the name.

How do I change taming and harvest rates on PixARK?

Stop the server, edit TamingSpeedMultiplier and HarvestAmountMultiplier under [ServerSettings] in GameUserSettings.ini, then start it again.

Why did my PixARK server make a new world?

The -cubeworld name changed. Set it back to the old name and the old world loads again.

Does PixARK support mods on a dedicated server?

PixARK has no Workshop mod scene like ARK. Customisation comes from the ini settings and admin commands.