Setting up a tool for ARK: Survival Ascended comes with its own vocabulary. These are the terms used across the Config Studio guides, explained in plain language. They are general definitions, not claims about Config Studio itself.
Terms covered: AsaApi (ServerAPI), Config file, JSON, Server console, RCON, Reload, Cluster, Server-side and client-side, Semantic versioning, Changelog, SHA-256 checksum, Hosting panel, FTP and SFTP and Environment variables.
Terms
AsaApi (ServerAPI)
The server API used to run plugins on ARK: Survival Ascended dedicated servers. Plugins live in their own folders under ShooterGame/Binaries/Win64/ArkApi/Plugins.
Config file
A text file the resource reads its settings from. Editing it changes behaviour without touching code; a backup before editing is your undo button.
JSON
A strict text format for settings: keys and text in double quotes, items separated by commas, no comma after the last item. One stray comma can stop the whole file loading.
Server console
The live text output and command line of the game server. Startup errors appear here first, which makes it the first place to look when something does not load.
RCON
Remote console: a password protected connection that lets tools and admins run console commands without being on the machine. Keep its password private and its port restricted.
Reload
Loading a changed plugin or config without restarting the whole server, so players stay connected. Not every game or resource supports it.
Cluster
Several linked servers that share player transfers and sometimes data, common on ARK. Resources must support clusters to keep data consistent across them.
Server-side and client-side
Server-side resources run only on the server, so players install nothing. Client-side ones must also be installed by each player, and versions usually have to match.
Semantic versioning
Version numbers in the form major.minor.patch. A patch fixes bugs, a minor release adds features, and a major release may change how things work or are configured.
Changelog
The creator's notes on what each release changed. Read every entry between your version and the newest before updating.
SHA-256 checksum
A fingerprint of a file. If the checksum of your download matches the published one, the file is exactly what the creator released.
Hosting panel
The web dashboard a game server host gives you to start, stop and configure the server. Panels often override config files with their own settings.
FTP and SFTP
Ways to upload files to a rented server. SFTP is encrypted; both handle large files better than a browser file manager.
Environment variables
Settings passed to a program from outside its code, typically used for secrets like tokens and database passwords.
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About this page
Compiled by GameServersHub on October 5, 2026 from the live listing for Config Studio, published by Lucas F. Details marked as the creator's are what they state on the listing. Where this page differs from the creator's own description or wiki pages, theirs apply.