Introduction
If you run an Ark Survival Ascended dedicated server, the server name is the first thing players see in the server browser. A good name helps your server stand out and attract players. But if you picked a name at setup and want to change it later, it is not obvious where to do it.
The good news: changing the server name is simple. You just edit the SessionName setting and restart the server. This guide shows you how, in plain words.
Direct Answer: How to Change Your Ark Survival Ascended Server Name
To change the server name on Ark Survival Ascended, edit the ?SessionName="Your New Name" option in your server’s launch command (or batch file), then restart the server. You can also set it in GameUserSettings.ini. The new name will show in the server browser once the server is back up. The change needs a restart — it does not apply while the server is running.
Where the Server Name Lives
In Ark Survival Ascended, the server name is controlled by the SessionName setting. It appears in the server launch command line — the command that starts the server. A typical start line looks like this:
ArkAscendedServer.exe TheIsland_WP?listen?SessionName="My Awesome ASA Server"?ServerAdminPassword="MyPassword"?Port=7777 -server -log
The part that matters is ?SessionName="My Awesome ASA Server". Change the text between the quotes, restart, and your new name is live.
Step-by-Step: Changing the Server Name
Step 1: Stop Your Server
The server must be stopped before you change the setting. If you change it while the server is running, nothing will happen until you restart — and an unclean stop can cause save issues. Shut it down properly first.
Step 2: Find Your Launch Command or Batch File
Most self-hosted servers start with a .bat file (for example startserver.bat). Open it in a text editor like Notepad. If you use a server manager or a rented host, look for the “command line,” “startup parameters,” or “launch options” section in the panel instead.
Step 3: Change the SessionName Value
Find ?SessionName= in the command line and change the name. For example:
?SessionName="My Awesome ASA Server" becomes ?SessionName="PvE Island - 5x Taming"
Keep the quotes. If your name has no spaces, quotes are optional, but they never hurt.
Step 4: (Alternative) Edit GameUserSettings.ini
You can also set the name in the config file. Open:
ShooterGame\Saved\Config\WindowsServer\GameUserSettings.ini
Under the [ServerSettings] section, make sure your session name is set there. Note that the command-line SessionName usually takes priority, so the launch command is the most reliable place to change it.
Step 5: Restart the Server
Save your changes and start the server. Give it a few minutes to fully boot — Ark servers take 1 to 5 minutes to start. Then check the in-game server browser. Your new name should appear.
Good Server Name Tips
Your name is your server’s first impression. A few tips:
- Say what the server is: “PvE”, “PvP”, “10x”, “No Wipe” tell players what to expect.
- Name the map: “The Island”, “Scorched Earth”, or “The Center” helps players find the right server.
- Keep it short: long names get cut off in the browser list.
- Avoid special characters: weird symbols can break the name or make it hard to search.
Common Mistakes
Changing It While the Server Is Running
The name only updates on restart. Editing the file or command line while the server runs does nothing until you restart.
Editing the Wrong File
Make sure you are editing the server’s files, not the game client files. The server config lives under ShooterGame\Saved\Config\WindowsServer on the machine hosting the server.
Forgetting the Quotes
Names with spaces need quotes: ?SessionName="My Server". Without quotes, the name can get cut off at the first space or break the command line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the server name setting in Ark Survival Ascended?
It is the ?SessionName= option in your server’s launch command (or batch file). You can also set it in GameUserSettings.ini under [ServerSettings].
Do I need to restart the server after changing the name?
Yes. The new name only takes effect after a restart. Stop the server, change the name, then start it again.
How long until the new name shows in the server browser?
Once the server finishes starting (1–5 minutes), the new name should appear. If it does not, search by the exact name or check that your port forwarding and firewall are correct.
Can I change the name on a rented server?
Yes. Most host panels have a “startup parameters” or “command line” section where you can edit the SessionName. If you cannot find it, ask your host’s support.
Will changing the name wipe my server?
No. Changing the name does not touch your world save, dinos, or player data. It only changes the display name in the browser.
Can I use special characters in the server name?
You can, but it is risky. Stick to letters, numbers, spaces, and simple symbols like dashes. Odd characters can break the launch command or make the server hard to find.
Conclusion
Changing your Ark Survival Ascended server name takes about two minutes: stop the server, update ?SessionName="Your New Name" in your launch command, and restart. Your fresh name will show up in the server browser once the server is back online.
For more server help, see our Ark Survival Ascended dedicated server setup guide and port forwarding tips for Ark servers. You can also read the full community dedicated server guide on GitHub and the official Ark server command reference.