How to Add a Password to Your ARK Server

Overview

Adding a password to an ARK server is useful when you only want approved players to join. You might use one for a private tribe server, a temporary build or testing session, or any situation where random visitors are not invited to the dinosaur party.

There are two common ways to set the password: through the HolyHosting server panel or by editing the configuration file manually. The panel method is the quickest option for most servers.

Set the Password in the Panel

1. Open your HolyHosting server panel.
2. Stop the ARK server before changing settings.
3. From the panel sidebar, open your server settings.

1. Find the Server Password field.
2. Enter the password you want players to use.
3. Return to the main server page.

1. Start the server again so the new password takes effect.

After the restart, players will need to enter that password before they can connect.

Set the Password Manually

Manual configuration is helpful if you prefer editing files directly or need to confirm the value inside the ARK config.

1. Open your HolyHosting server panel.
2. Stop the server.
3. Open the file manager (or connect via FTP) and log in.
4. Navigate to this folder:

`/ShooterGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/`

1. Find `GameUserSettings.ini` and choose Edit.
2. Locate the `ServerPassword=` line.
3. Add your chosen password after the equals sign.

1. Save the file, then start the server again.

For example, if the password should be `RaptorGate42`, the line should look like this:

`ServerPassword=RaptorGate42`

After It Is Enabled

Once the server starts, anyone joining must know the password. This adds a simple access barrier, even for players who already have the server address.

To change who can join, update the password and only share the new one with the players you want to allow. If you keep it private, the server becomes a useful solo testing space while you adjust settings, mods, or maps without spectators wandering in.