Cluster Chat with websocket and discord [Open Source]

Managing communication across multiple ARK: Survival Ascended servers has always been a headache for cluster administrators. Tribe members on one map often have no idea what is happening on another, and coordinating events or trades requires constant alt-tabbing between Discord and the game. The Cluster Chat with websocket and discord [Open Source] add-on solves this problem elegantly by bridging your in-game cluster chat with a Discord channel in real time. It is a free, community-driven tool that uses a lightweight websocket server to relay messages both ways, ensuring your entire community stays connected no matter which map they call home.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this add-on, from its core features to a step-by-step installation process. We will also cover the configuration options that let you customize colors, prefixes, and filters, plus how it handles different versions of ARK: Survival Ascended. By the end, you will have a fully functional cross-platform chat system that feels native to both the game and Discord.

Why You Need a Cluster Chat Bridge

Running a cluster means running multiple dedicated servers, each with its own local chat. Without a bridge, a player on The Island cannot see messages from a player on Scorched Earth. This fragmentation hurts community engagement and makes admin announcements tedious. The Cluster Chat with websocket and discord [Open Source] add-on eliminates those silos by creating a unified message stream. Every in-game message is sent to a central websocket, which then forwards it to your Discord channel. Conversely, messages typed in Discord appear inside the game with a distinct [Discord] prefix, so players know the source.

What makes this tool stand out is its open-source nature. You can inspect the code, modify it to fit your needs, and contribute improvements. There are no hidden fees, no premium tiers, and no data collection. It is built by the community, for the community, and it shows in the level of customization available.

Core Features and Configuration Options

The add-on is surprisingly feature-rich for a free tool. It gives you granular control over how messages are displayed, which is essential for keeping chat readable when you have many players and multiple maps active. The configuration file is an INI-style setup that you can edit to match your server's aesthetic.

Visual Customization

You can enable or disable colors for almost every element of a chat message. This includes the map name, platform name, player name, tribe name, and the message text itself. For example, you can set EnablePlayernameColor=True and assign a green RGB value to player names, making them pop against the default chat background. The add-on also supports map name abbreviations, so instead of seeing "Scorched Earth" you can display [SE] to keep messages compact.

Discord Integration Settings

The Discord side of the add-on is equally configurable. You can toggle the [Discord] prefix, choose a custom icon, and even filter out unwanted content. The DiscordInboundFilters and DiscordOutboundFilters options let you block messages containing specific strings like @everyone or http, preventing spam and accidental pings from flooding your game chat. You will need to provide your own Bot Token, Channel ID, and Webhook URL, but the setup process is straightforward and well-documented in the project's GitHub repository.

How to Install: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting this add-on running requires two parts: the in-game mod and a standalone websocket application. The websocket app is a Node.js script that you download from the developer's GitHub page. Here is the full process for those wondering how to install it correctly.

Download the websocket app: Visit the official GitHub repository for the Node.ASAClusterChatWebSocket project and download the files to your server machine or a dedicated VPS.
Install Node.js: Ensure Node.js is installed on the machine running the websocket app. The script is lightweight and runs fine on a low-spec VPS.
Configure the app: Open the main JavaScript file and input your Discord Bot Token, Channel ID, and the port you want to use (default is 8080).
Start the websocket server: Run the script using the node command. You should see a console log confirming it is listening on the specified port.
Install the in-game mod: On your ARK: Survival Ascended server, subscribe to the mod through the Steam Workshop or your server provider's mod manager.
Edit the INI file: Locate the mod's configuration file in your server's Saved/Config folder and set WebSocketHost=127.0.0.1 and WebSocketPort=8080 to match your websocket app settings.
Restart your server: Once the INI is saved, restart the server. The mod will automatically connect to the websocket and begin relaying messages.

If you are looking to download Cluster Chat with websocket and discord [Open Source], the process is identical whether you are using a Windows or Linux host. The mod itself is installed via the standard ARK mod pipeline, while the websocket app is a simple zip file from GitHub.

Version Compatibility and Mod Support

One of the most common questions about any ARK add-on is whether it works with the latest game updates. The Cluster Chat with websocket and discord [Open Source] for ARK: Survival Ascended is actively maintained and generally works with the current stable version of the game. Because it relies on standard game hooks for chat events, it is less likely to break with minor patches compared to mods that alter core UI elements. It is also compatible with popular quality-of-life mods, as it does not interfere with inventory management, building systems, or creature spawning. The only requirement is that all servers in your cluster run the same version of the mod to ensure consistent message formatting.

For players managing multiple servers, the add-on's UseMapNameAbrev=True setting is a lifesaver. It lets you define short codes for each map, so you instantly know which server a message originated from. This is particularly useful during cross-server events or when you have a large player base spread across many maps.

Streamlining Your Server Setup with the Right Tools

Managing a cluster involves more than just chat bridging. You also need to handle mod updates, server restarts, and configuration file edits. This is where the foxygame.net launcher becomes an invaluable companion. The launcher provides a one-click install option for Cluster Chat with websocket and discord [Open Source], pulling the latest version directly from the Workshop and placing it in the correct directory. Its add-on catalog also tracks version compatibility, so you can see at a glance whether your current game build is supported. Furthermore, the launcher automates the INI file setup, prompting you for your Discord credentials and websocket port without requiring manual file edits. This reduces the risk of typos and ensures your chat bridge goes live on the first boot.

While the websocket app itself still needs to be run separately, the launcher can be configured to start it as a background service, eliminating the need for a separate terminal window. This integration turns a potentially fiddly setup into a smooth, automated process, letting you focus on building your community rather than troubleshooting infrastructure.

Final Thoughts on Bridging Your Cluster

The Cluster Chat with websocket and discord [Open Source] add-on is a powerful, free solution for unifying communication across your ARK: Survival Ascended cluster. Its open-source nature means you are never locked into a proprietary system, and the extensive configuration options let you tailor the chat experience to your exact preferences. Whether you are running a small private cluster with friends or a large public network, this tool delivers reliable, real-time messaging that keeps everyone on the same page.

By following the installation steps above and leveraging tools like the foxygame.net launcher for simplified deployment, you can have this system running in under an hour. The result is a seamless chat experience that blurs the line between Discord and the game, fostering a stronger, more connected community. Download the websocket app, install the mod, and start chatting across your cluster today.

Cluster Chat with websocket and discord [Open Source] Guide