# How to Change Your ARK: Survival Ascended Server Name (/docs/ark-survival-ascended/change-server-name)



The server name (also called the session name) is what players see when browsing for servers in the ARK: Survival Ascended multiplayer menu. A descriptive name helps players find your server and understand what kind of experience to expect. The name can be set through the **Startup** tab or directly in the config file.

Changing Your Server Name [#changing-your-server-name]

<div className="fd-steps">
  <div className="fd-step">
    Open the XGamingServer panel [#1-open-the-xgamingserver-panel]

    Log in to the [XGamingServer panel](https://panel.xgamingserver.com) and select your ARK: Survival Ascended server. Stop the server before making changes.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Open Startup settings [#2-open-startup-settings]

    Click **Startup** in the sidebar. Find the **Session Name** field (this maps to the `?SessionName=` startup parameter).
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Enter your server name [#3-enter-your-server-name]

    Type your desired server name in the field.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Save and restart [#4-save-and-restart]

    Click **Save** and start your server. The new name will appear in the server browser once the server finishes loading.
  </div>
</div>

Alternative: Edit via Config File [#alternative-edit-via-config-file]

You can also set the server name directly in the configuration file:

<div className="fd-steps">
  <div className="fd-step">
    Navigate to the config file [#1-navigate-to-the-config-file]

    Click **Files** in the sidebar and navigate to:

    ```
    ShooterGame/Saved/Config/WindowsServer/GameUserSettings.ini
    ```
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Edit the SessionName [#2-edit-the-sessionname]

    Under the `[SessionSettings]` section, find or add the `SessionName` line:

    ```ini
    [SessionSettings]
    SessionName=My ARK Server
    ```
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Save and restart [#3-save-and-restart]

    Save the file and start your server.

    > 📝 **Note:** If you set the server name in both the **Startup** tab and the config file, the **Startup** parameter takes priority. Use one method or the other to avoid confusion.
  </div>
</div>

Server Naming Tips [#server-naming-tips]

A good server name helps attract the right players and sets expectations:

* **Include your rates** — ARK players look for specific rates, so `10x Taming 5x Harvest` immediately tells them what to expect
* **Mention the map** — Include the map name like `The Island`, `Scorched Earth`, or `Aberration`
* **Add PvP or PvE** — Players specifically look for their preferred mode
* **Include your region** — `[US]`, `[EU]`, or `[AU]` helps players find low-ping servers
* **Keep it under 60 characters** — Very long names get truncated in the server browser

**Example names:**

* `[US] The Island | 10x | PvE | Fresh Wipe`
* `[EU] Scorched Earth | 3x Boosted | PvP | Active Admins`
* `[AU] Aberration | ORP | 5x Taming | No Wipe`

Server Browser Categories [#server-browser-categories]

Your XGamingServer ARK:SA server appears under the **Unofficial** tab in the in-game server browser. Players can filter by:

* **Map** — Which map the server is running
* **Game Mode** — PvP or PvE
* **Player Count** — Current vs. [max players](/docs/ark-survival-ascended/max-players)
* **Mods** — Whether the server runs [mods](/docs/ark-survival-ascended/installing-mods)
* **Password** — Whether a [password](/docs/ark-survival-ascended/set-a-password) is required

> 💡 **Tip:** Your server name is purely cosmetic — changing it does not affect your world, player data, tames, or any game settings. You can change it as often as you like.

If you get stuck at any time, you can join our [Discord](https://discord.xgamingserver.com/).