Fix GameUserSettings.ini Resetting on Server Restart (ARK)

If your GameUserSettings.ini file resets every time the server restarts, there's almost always an error in the file — usually a syntax mistake or a required setting that's missing.

Back up first: before changing anything, make a copy of the file so you can restore it if it resets again.

1. Quick checks

1. Make sure the file contains the [/Script/ShooterGame.ShooterGameUserSettings] section. If it's missing, the server regenerates the file on restart. You can restart the server to generate this section, then copy it into your own config.
2. Check for typos. Each section starts with [SquareBrackets], and every line should be exactly Key=Value — no spaces around the equals sign.

2. If it still resets, start from a clean file

1. Make a backup of the config you want to use (so you keep your chosen options).
2. Restart the server — this regenerates a working GameUserSettings.ini.
3. In the new file, replace the [ServerSettings] section with the one from your backup. Copy over any other sections you use, such as [MessageOfTheDay].
4. Restart the server again to apply the settings (and take a fresh backup).

Using an INI generator? Generators often leave out required settings, which is why ARK resets the file. Instead of pasting the whole generated file, start from a working config and add only the options you want, making sure each goes under the correct section.

Still stuck? Open a support ticket and attach the GameUserSettings.ini you want to use.