ARK Survival Ascended Official Server Rates Explained
Official servers in ARK: Survival Ascended run on fixed, unmodifiable rates that dictate how fast you gather, tame, and progress. This article explains exactly what those rates are, how they compare to other server types, and what they mean for your gameplay experience.
What Are Official Server Rates?
Official servers use a standard set of multipliers that are set by the game developers and cannot be changed by players or server admins. These rates are designed to provide a balanced, challenging, and persistent experience across the entire official network. The key rates are:
- Harvesting (Gathering): 1x — you get the base amount of resources from each node or creature.
- Taming: 1x — taming effectiveness and speed are at their base values.
- XP (Experience): 1x — you earn experience at the standard rate.
- Breeding: 1x — mating, egg hatching, and maturation all take the standard amount of time.
- Baby Imprint: 1x — imprinting requires the standard number of interactions.
How Rates Affect Your Gameplay
At 1x rates, everything takes longer. For example, taming a level 150 Rex with raw meat can take over 2 hours, and raising a Giga from egg to adult can take several days. This means you need to plan ahead, gather resources in bulk, and protect your tames while they are vulnerable. The slow pace encourages strategic play, alliances, and long-term base building. It also means that losing a high-level tame is a significant setback, so you must be careful about when and where you tame.
Official vs. Unofficial vs. Single-Player
The most common comparison is between official and unofficial (player-hosted) servers. Unofficial servers often have boosted rates (e.g., 5x or 10x) to make the game faster and more accessible. Single-player allows you to customize rates as you wish. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Official: Fixed 1x rates, no admin commands, persistent world, large player population, and a strict anti-cheat.
- Unofficial: Variable rates, often boosted, with admin commands and mods. Can be wiped or shut down at any time.
- Single-Player: You control everything, including rates, and the world pauses when you exit.
Why Do Official Servers Have 1x Rates?
The developers intentionally keep official rates low to preserve the intended balance of the game. High rates can trivialize resource gathering and taming, reducing the challenge and the sense of accomplishment. Official servers also serve as a competitive environment where players must work together (or against each other) within the constraints of the base game. The 1x rates are part of a design philosophy that emphasizes survival and long-term investment.
Common Misconceptions About Official Rates
One common misconception is that official rates are the same across all official servers. While the core rates are identical, there are different server types (e.g., PvP, PvE, and small tribes) that may have slight variations. For example, Small Tribes servers have a 2x taming and harvesting rate, and a 1.5x XP rate, to accommodate smaller groups. Another misconception is that rates change during events. During special events like ARK’s anniversary, official servers may temporarily have boosted rates (e.g., 2x), but these are exceptions and revert to 1x afterward.
How to Check the Current Rates
You can see the current rates on an official server by opening the in-game console (press Tab on PC) and typing GetServerRates. This will display all the relevant multipliers. Alternatively, the server list in the game’s UI shows the server name, which often includes the rates (e.g., “Official Server 123 – PvP”). For the most current information, you can also check the official ARK community forums or social media channels, where any temporary rate changes are announced.
Tips for Playing on Official Rates
Playing on 1x rates requires a different mindset. Here are some practical tips:
- Tame high-level creatures: They are worth the extra time and resources.
- Use kibble: Kibble dramatically reduces taming time and increases effectiveness.
- Build a secure base: You’ll be spending a lot of time there, so make it defensible.
- Join a tribe: Working together makes the grind more manageable and safer.
- Plan your tames: Have all resources ready before you knock out a creature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are official rates the same in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Yes, the base rates are the same (1x) in both games. However, ARK: Survival Ascended has some minor gameplay differences that can affect how rates feel, such as new mechanics or QoL improvements, but the core multipliers are identical.
Can I change rates on an official server?
No, you cannot. Official servers are locked to the developer-set rates. Only the developers can change them, and they only do so during special events or updates.
What are the rates on Small Tribes servers?
Small Tribes servers have a 2x harvesting and taming rate, and a 1.5x XP rate. These are still fixed and cannot be changed by players.
Do rates affect breeding and raising babies?
Yes, breeding rates are also 1x on official servers. This means mating cooldowns, egg hatching, and maturation times are all at their base values, which can take several real-world days for the largest creatures.
Why do official servers feel so grindy?
The 1x rates are designed to be challenging and to encourage long-term engagement. The grind is intentional, as it creates a sense of progression and investment. If you prefer a faster experience, you might consider unofficial servers.
Will official rates ever change?
The developers have not announced any permanent changes to official rates. They do occasionally run limited-time events with boosted rates, but these are temporary and revert to 1x after the event ends.
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