To run Primitive Plus, install the ARK: Survival Evolved dedicated server, enable the total-conversion setting with Primitive Plus’s conversion ID, restart, and require every player to install the matching Primitive+ content. This is an ASE procedure; Primitive Plus is not an ARK: Survival Ascended feature.
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Primitive Plus is a free official total-conversion DLC that replaces advanced technology with primitive resources, engrams, and systems. Its Steam description lists more than 100 primitive structures, 11 historical weapons, 10 historically accurate crops, more than 60 recipes, and more than 40 new resources. The conversion was recorded as apparently abandoned on April 16, 2023, so treat it as legacy software: make a save backup and test that the server and clients still work together after every ARK update.
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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ARK: Survival Evolved - PlayStation 4 | $12.20 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Ark: Survival Evolved Plush - Poop | Buy on Amazon | |
| 3 |
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The unofficial ARK Survival Evolved Guide incl. Add-ons up to Genesis Part1 | $16.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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ARK: Survival Evolved Pins - Dodo | $11.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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ARK: Survival Evolved Pins - Rex | $11.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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An ASE-compatible server
Use a 64-bit Windows or Linux machine, or a rented game-server account that supports ARK: Survival Evolved dedicated servers. Reserve storage for the server binaries, updates, world saves, player and tribe files, logs, and any other mods. Primitive Plus does not convert an ARK: Survival Ascended server; the instructions and conversion setting below apply to ASE.
A recovery copy
Stop the server and copy the world save plus player and tribe data before changing the conversion or updating ASE. Keep the backup outside the live server directory and label it with the date and ARK build. A conversion change can expose compatibility problems, and the legacy status of Primitive Plus means you should have a way to roll back.
#1 Best Overall
- Capture and Tame Dinosaurs: Discover over 100 different dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures on the island, finding ways to tame them into useful additions for your tribe's dino herd
- Survive Above All: Hunger, thirst, basic safety, and protecting yourself from the weather are all part of the game
- Harvest, Hunt and Build: Cut down trees and turn them into a basic home, which you can quickly expand into a Jurassic estate. Hunt for meat, scavenge for plants (or start your own garden!)
- Customize Everything: An extensive crafting system invites you to mix and match materials scavenged from the island, while also modifying the colors, textures, shapes, and styles
- Explore the Island: Solve the mystery of The ARK as you explore this massive island, discovering Explorer's Notebooks (filled with clues!) throughout
Matching client content
Each player needs ARK: Survival Evolved and the Primitive+ add-on. The add-on requires the base game. Tell players to select the Primitive Plus mode or content when the client offers that choice, and keep client and server builds compatible.
Choose self-hosting or a managed host
Both approaches use the same total-conversion concept, but the amount of server administration differs. Ask a host to confirm Primitive Plus compatibility before paying; support for an old conversion can vary by provider and by current ARK build.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches| Decision point | Self-hosted server | Managed game-server host |
|---|---|---|
| Files and launch flags | Full access to directories, scripts, and command-line flags. | Access depends on the control panel; some flags may be hidden. |
| Backups and logs | You create, retain, and restore them yourself. | Panel tools may automate backups and expose logs; confirm retention and restore access. |
| Ports and other mods | You can select ports and add compatible server content directly. | Changes are limited to the provider’s controls and policies. |
| Updates and restarts | You schedule SteamCMD updates and process restarts. | The provider may offer scheduled updates and restart automation. |
| Support response | There is no provider support; you diagnose the host, firewall, and files. | Support can investigate platform issues, but may not debug an abandoned conversion. |
| Price | Depends on hardware, bandwidth, electricity, and administration; no universal price applies. | Monthly pricing and resource limits vary by provider and plan. |
| Verified Primitive Plus compatibility | You test your chosen ASE build and clients. | Obtain explicit confirmation that the current panel and image support Primitive Plus. |
Install the ASE dedicated server with SteamCMD
1. Create a server directory
Choose a directory with enough free space for the installation, updates, saves, logs, and backups. On Windows this is commonly a dedicated folder such as D:ARKServer; on Linux use a directory owned by the account that will run the server. Avoid placing live saves in a temporary directory.
2. Run SteamCMD
Open SteamCMD and install the ASE dedicated-server application with the following commands. Replace <install_dir> with the absolute path you selected; keep the angle-bracket value inside your command only as a reminder to substitute your own path.
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- Official ARK: Survival Evolved licensed merchandise, turning one of ARK's best-known running jokes into a plush
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force_install_dir <install_dir>
login anonymous
app_update 376030 validate
exit376030 is the Steam application ID for the ARK: Survival Evolved dedicated server. The validate operation checks the downloaded files and can take time after a large update. SteamCMD can also run these commands in a single automated command-line invocation if you are scripting installation or updates.
3. Check the platform directories
On Windows, the server executable and launch batch file belong under ShooterGame/Binaries/Win64/. On Linux, place the shell script under ShooterGame/Binaries/Linux/. The rest of the installation retains ARK’s normal ShooterGame/Saved/ area for configuration and saves.
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Enable Primitive Plus on a self-hosted server
Use the total-conversion launch flag
ARK’s server reference documents -TotalConversionMod=<ModID> for total conversions. Primitive Plus uses conversion ID 111111111 in provider documentation, so a Windows launch line can be structured like this:
ShooterGameServer.exe MAP?SessionName=SERVER_NAME?Port=GAME_PORT?QueryPort=QUERY_PORT?MaxPlayers=PLAYER_LIMIT -server -log -TotalConversionMod=111111111On Linux, use the same arguments with the Linux executable and shell syntax:
./ShooterGameServer MAP?SessionName=SERVER_NAME?Port=GAME_PORT?QueryPort=QUERY_PORT?MaxPlayers=PLAYER_LIMIT -server -log -TotalConversionMod=111111111Replace the uppercase values with your map, session name, game port, query port, and player limit. Add the administrator password through the server-settings method supported by your build or control panel. Keep the map and argument syntax used by the current ASE server setup reference for your platform; a typo in the launch line can make the process start as ordinary ASE.
Use GameUserSettings.ini when your build exposes the setting
The corresponding configuration option is ActiveTotalConversion. In ShooterGame/Saved/Config/WindowsServer/GameUserSettings.ini on Windows, or the Linux server configuration directory on Linux, add the setting in the server-settings section:
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[ServerSettings]
ActiveTotalConversion=111111111Some server versions and control panels expose the launch flag, while others expose this configuration key. Use the option your version documents, save the file, and restart the server. Do not assume that a panel’s field has the same name or behavior as a raw configuration file; if a panel provides a Primitive Plus preset, follow that panel’s current instructions.
Create and run the launch script
- Stop any existing ARK server process.
- Create a
.batfile inShooterGame/Binaries/Win64/on Windows, or a shell script inShooterGame/Binaries/Linux/on Linux. - Put your map, session name, ports, player limit, administrator settings, and the total-conversion option in the script.
- Save the script, start it from the server directory, and watch the console log for a clean startup.
- After the process is fully running, check the server browser and join locally before opening the server to other players.
Enable Primitive Plus in a managed hosting panel
Panel labels differ, so look for a setting named Active Mods, Active Total Conversion, or a Primitive Plus selector. One provider’s current instructions tell customers to set Active Mods to 111111111, save, and restart. That value and field are provider-specific documentation, not a guarantee that every host uses the same control.
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- Official ARK: Survival Evolved licensed merchandise, featuring the Dodo sculpted in textured iron
- Compact pin measuring about 1.6 in (4 cm) across and 0.5 in (1.2 cm) thick - light enough for caps, denim and tote bags
- Raised, textured surface gives the design real depth instead of a flat printed look
- Made in Japan - the pin back attaches securely and sits flat without dragging the fabric down
- A gift for ARK players, survival game fans, and dinosaur enthusiasts
- Stop the server from the panel.
- Open the configuration page that controls active mods or total conversions.
- Enter the Primitive Plus value required by that provider, or select its Primitive Plus option.
- Save the configuration and restart the server.
- Read the startup log and verify that the conversion is loaded before inviting players.
If the panel overwrites manual files at restart, make the change in the panel rather than editing GameUserSettings.ini through a file manager. Ask support which setting survives restarts and updates.
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Confirm network settings
A dedicated server needs a unique session name, a game port, and a query port. Allow those ports through the host firewall and, for a home server, forward them through the router to the server’s local address. Verify that the ARK process is listening on the selected ports before troubleshooting the browser listing.
Have players install the same content
Players should install ASE and Primitive+, start the game, and choose the Primitive Plus mode or content when prompted. A client without the add-on, or a client on an incompatible build, can fail to connect even when the server is configured correctly.
Perform a controlled first connection
Search for the exact session name, connect from the same region or network first, and check that Primitive Plus engrams and systems appear rather than the standard technology tree. Test spawning, harvesting, crafting, and saving before announcing the server publicly. This catches a vanilla launch or a bad conversion setting while your backup is still available.
Best Value
- Official ARK: Survival Evolved licensed merchandise, featuring the Tyrannosaurus sculpted in textured iron
- Compact pin measuring about 1.6 in (4 cm) across and 0.5 in (1.2 cm) thick - light enough for caps, denim and tote bags
- Raised, textured surface gives the design real depth instead of a flat printed look
- Made in Japan - the pin back attaches securely and sits flat without dragging the fabric down
- A gift for ARK players, survival game fans, and dinosaur enthusiasts
Troubleshooting
The server starts as ordinary ASE
- Stop the process and inspect the launch script for a misspelled or missing
-TotalConversionMod=111111111. - If you use configuration instead, open the active
GameUserSettings.iniand check thatActiveTotalConversion=111111111is under the server-settings section. - Save the change and perform a full restart; changing a file while the server is running may be overwritten.
- On a managed host, use its current Primitive Plus instructions rather than copying a setting from another provider.
The panel removes the setting
Some panels regenerate configuration files. Set the value in the panel’s supported field, save, restart, and inspect the generated file or startup command. If the field is absent, ask the provider whether its current server image supports total conversions at all.
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The server does not appear in the browser
- Confirm the process is running and listening on the configured game and query ports.
- Check the session name for unusual characters or accidental whitespace.
- Review host-firewall and router NAT rules, and ensure the forwarded destination is the server’s current local address.
- Wait for the browser to refresh after a restart, then test a direct connection where your hosting setup supports one.
Players cannot connect
- Confirm every player owns and has installed ASE, not only a different ARK edition.
- Confirm Primitive+ content is installed and selected on the client.
- Compare the client and server build after an ARK update; a legacy conversion may not immediately follow a game update.
- Check the server log for a failed conversion load before changing ports or player settings.
The world behaves incorrectly after an update
Stop the server, preserve the current files, and restore the last known-good world and player/tribe backup if necessary. Test the updated server with a copy of the save first. Because Primitive Plus is apparently abandoned, unresolved bugs and incompatibilities may not have an upstream fix.
Updating and operating a legacy Primitive Plus server
Separate game updates from conversion changes
Record the ASE build, server arguments, configuration files, and active mods before each maintenance window. Update the server with SteamCMD, start it privately, and have one client test the conversion before allowing normal play. If the server starts vanilla after an update, recheck the total-conversion setting rather than deleting saves.
Keep operational records
- Store dated copies of the world, player, and tribe files.
- Record the map, session name, ports, player limit, and administrator settings.
- Keep the launch script and
GameUserSettings.iniin your backup set. - Save startup logs from a known-good run so you can compare later failures.
Set expectations with players
Explain that Primitive Plus is legacy content and that an ASE update can temporarily break compatibility. Announce maintenance before updating, require players to update their clients together, and avoid promising that every future ARK build will support the conversion.
Can Primitive Plus run on ARK: Survival Ascended?
Do not treat the ASE conversion as an ASA feature. The installation procedure here targets the ARK: Survival Evolved dedicated-server application (Steam app ID 376030) and its total-conversion settings. An ASA server requires content specifically released for ASA; the existence of Primitive Plus for ASE does not establish ASA support.
Final verification checklist
- ASE dedicated server files installed and validated with SteamCMD app ID
376030. - Primitive Plus enabled through the supported launch flag or
ActiveTotalConversionsetting. - Server restarted after saving the conversion configuration.
- Game and query ports open, forwarded, and listening.
- Client testers have ASE and Primitive+ on compatible builds.
- Primitive engrams and systems visible in a test session.
- Current world, player, and tribe backups stored outside the live directory.
The Bottom Line
For an ASE dedicated server, install app 376030 with SteamCMD, enable Primitive Plus as the total conversion using the setting your server or host supports, restart, and require matching ASE and Primitive+ clients. Back up the save before every change because the conversion is legacy software and is not an ASA feature.
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