Configure rates without mixing files
Build a small, testable ARK settings change
ARK: Survival Ascended splits commonly changed rates across two INI files. This generator keeps the output in separate copyable blocks so a progression setting does not accidentally land in the breeding section. Enter the multiplier you intend to run, review the plain-language effect beside each field and test the result on one known task before changing the rest of the server.
GameUserSettings.ini controls the general server rates
XPMultiplier, TamingSpeedMultiplier and HarvestAmountMultiplier are written under [ServerSettings] in GameUserSettings.ini. A value of 1 means the normal configured rate. A value of 2 doubles the affected gain or speed, while 0.5 reduces it to half. These fields describe different systems, so a server advertised as “5x” does not automatically prove that XP, taming and harvesting all use the same value.
XP affects experience gained by players and creatures. Taming speed changes the affinity progress awarded during taming and usually reduces the number of feedings required. Harvest amount changes resources gained per successful action, but practical yield can still vary with the tool, creature, node and any other harvesting settings. Keep the first test simple: note the result at the old value, restart with one changed setting and repeat the same action.
Game.ini contains the breeding timeline
MatingIntervalMultiplier, EggHatchSpeedMultiplier and BabyMatureSpeedMultiplier are placed below [/script/shootergame.shootergamemode] in Game.ini. Hatch speed applies to incubation and gestation. Mature speed scales the complete growth timeline. Mating interval is easy to reverse mentally because it is an interval multiplier: a smaller value shortens the wait between mating attempts.
For example, 10x hatch speed and 10x mature speed make those stages finish in roughly one tenth of their normal time. A mating interval of 0.25 produces a cooldown around one quarter of the normal range. Random cooldown selection and engine rounding still apply, so the actual timer may not be an exact single duration. Use the ARK Breeding Calculator to view the species-specific incubation, baby, juvenile and adolescent stages at the generated rates.
Fast maturation can break the intended imprint window
Changing mature speed without reviewing cuddle timing is one of the most common breeding configuration mistakes. A baby can reach adulthood before enough care requests fit into the schedule. The displayed imprint amount can also be affected by the relationship between maturation time, cuddle interval and any imprint amount multiplier. Faster growth therefore needs a matching plan, not just a larger number.
After choosing a mature speed, open the ARK Imprint Calculator and enter the same values. Check a fast-growing creature as well as a slow-growing one. A configuration that works for a Rex may leave a much shorter creature with too few complete care windows. Treat results marked tight as cases that need an in-game test because startup delay and timer rounding can remove the last possible interaction.
Stop the server before editing either file
Shut the server down cleanly and wait for the process to exit. Make a dated copy of GameUserSettings.ini and Game.ini before pasting a new block. A hosting panel may expose the same values through form fields, and some providers regenerate configuration files from that panel during startup. If panel values and manual file edits disagree, learn which source the host treats as authoritative before trying to maintain both.
Do not duplicate the same section header several times when one existing section can be updated. Search the file for the setting name first. If it already exists, replace the active value instead of adding a second copy at the bottom. Duplicate keys can make troubleshooting confusing because the value ARK applies may not be the one a player notices first while reading the file.
Verify the change after restart
Start the server and confirm it reaches a completed world startup. Use one observable timer or action to verify each family of settings. Gain XP from a repeatable action, harvest a familiar node, inspect a tame calculation, start one breeding cooldown and record one egg or gestation timer. If the result is unchanged, check the exact file path, section heading, duplicate keys and whether the hosting panel replaced the file.
Keep a small change log containing the date, previous value, new value and reason. This is more useful than a large undocumented preset when players report that progression suddenly feels wrong. Once the rates are confirmed, estimate unattended raising food with the Baby Food Calculator. Faster maturation reduces total raising time, but newborn inventory limits and spoilage can still decide whether the plan survives.
Use generated blocks as a controlled starting point
The generator deliberately focuses on a small group of high-impact multipliers. It does not rewrite an entire production configuration, erase unrelated keys or assume that every server should use the same preset. Copy the required lines into the existing files, preserve unrelated settings and keep backups that can be restored without rebuilding the world.
For a broader explanation of file locations, difficulty and practical rate choices, continue with the complete ARK Survival Ascended server settings guide. The guide explains the decision around each value, while this page remains the quick place to generate and copy the exact blocks.
ARK server settings generator FAQ
Which ARK file contains XP, taming and harvest multipliers?
The general XP, taming speed and harvest amount multipliers generated here belong under the ServerSettings section of GameUserSettings.ini.
Which ARK file contains mating, hatch and mature speed?
The mating interval, egg hatch speed and baby mature speed settings generated here belong under the ShooterGameMode section of Game.ini.
Should I type 5 or 0.2 for a five-times rate?
Enter 5 for a five-times speed or amount. An interval is different: a lower MatingIntervalMultiplier shortens the cooldown, so 0.2 is roughly one fifth of the normal interval.
Do I need to restart the server after changing INI files?
Yes. Stop the server cleanly, edit the files while it is offline, save them and start it again. Editing a live file can be overwritten during shutdown.
Can the generator guarantee an imprint schedule works?
No single mature-speed value guarantees imprint compatibility. Use the Imprint Calculator with the same mature speed, cuddle interval and imprint amount before raising the creature.