How to Enable Gamma on Ark Server

Last modified on Aug 24, 2022 in ark

By Nathan Young

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Overview

When playing on your ARK: Survival Evolved server, the nighttime can be too spooky or disrupt visibility for you and your players. Alternatively, it may not be scary enough on your server. Luckily, ARK allows you to control the in-game brightness levels, also known as gamma settings. You’ll first need to enable gamma, then execute a command while playing on your server to change the values. However, that process may not be completely known to server owners because it requires editing a file on the panel. With Apex Hosting, changing these values is an easy process due to our panel editor, which is why we created this guide to teach you how to configure your gamma settings on the ARK server.
 

Enabling Gamma

1. Navigate to your Apex server panel and Stop the server.
2. After that, click Config Files on the left-hand side.
3. Once in that area, press on the GameUserSettings.ini file.
4. Copy & paste the following settings under [ServerSettings] in the file:

   EnablePvPGamma=True
   DisablePvEGamma=False

5. After pasting them, press Save and Restart the server.
   

Using the Gamma Command

Once the gamma settings are saved, you have to manually set the values for it in-game through a command.

1. Startup ARK on your launcher and join the server.
2. Once you’re loaded in the game, press TAB to open the console.
3. Type gamma [value] in the text field and press Enter.
   For example: gamma 5 is used for enabling half the max brightness.
   
4. After that, you should see a notable difference on your screen.
   

   Gamma 0

   

   Gamma 10

    
   For reference: The command only allows values from 0 to 10, which includes decimals in between them. If you’re wanting to revert all gamma changes, then use the default value of 2.2 for the gamma command in-game.

Conclusion

The gamma settings are not set by default, which is troublesome for server owners because it can be hard to see or not fit the game style you want. You now understand that the settings are defined in the Config Files > GameUserSettings.ini section, which also controls all other options for your server. You may use the gamma command to make your server appear creepy and dark for a Halloween event or a horror-like experience. On the other hand, you may make the game really bright to show off the best graphics. You might be interested in other values on your ARK server, which you can review here. You’re finally ready to enjoy your ARK: Survival Evolved server on any gamma level you want.