Gatekeeper
Running a public ARK: Survival Ascended server often means dealing with unwanted guests, griefers, or simply players who ignore your community rules. While you can ban individuals after the fact, prevention is always better than a cure. That is where the Gatekeeper add-on steps in. This lightweight but powerful mod gives server owners a simple, cross-platform whitelist system based on Epic Online Services (EOS) IDs. Instead of relying on Steam IDs or in-game names that can be changed, Gatekeeper locks your server to a precise list of approved players, kicking anyone else the moment they join.
Why Use a Whitelist Mod?
Public servers in ARK: Survival Ascended are open to anyone with the game. While that is great for building a community, it also opens the door to cheaters, raiders, or players who simply do not respect your server's rules. A whitelist ensures that only trusted individuals can enter your world. The Gatekeeper for ARK: Survival Ascended mod handles this automatically, without requiring you to manually watch the join log or use external tools.
The mod is fully cross-platform, meaning it works for both PC and console players who join through crossplay. This is a major advantage because console players do not have easy access to traditional PC-only admin tools. By using EOS IDs, Gatekeeper creates a universal identifier that works across all platforms.
Core Features of Gatekeeper
- Instant Kicking: Any player not on your whitelist is automatically kicked from the server after they join. No delay, no manual intervention.
- EOS ID Based: Uses Epic Online Services IDs, which are unique to each player and cannot be spoofed or changed easily.
- Safety Check: An optional INI setting forces an additional verification every 30 seconds, ensuring that even if a player is removed from the list while in-game, they are kicked quickly.
- In-Game Commands: Add or remove players from the whitelist without restarting the server, using simple console commands.
How to Install and Configure
Getting started with Gatekeeper is straightforward. To download Gatekeeper, head to your preferred mod repository for ARK: Survival Ascended and subscribe to the mod. Once downloaded, add it to your server's mod list. After the server restarts, you need to configure the INI settings.
Before starting the server, you must add your own EOS ID to the whitelist. If you do not, you will be kicked when you try to join. The configuration is simple:
[Gatekeeper]
Whitelist=
Safety=True
Separate multiple EOS IDs by commas. The Safety=True setting enables the periodic check every 30 seconds, which is highly recommended for active servers. For how to install the mod on a dedicated server, simply place it in the Mods folder and add its ID to your GameUserSettings.ini file.
Managing Your Whitelist In-Game
You do not need to edit files every time a new friend wants to join. Gatekeeper includes two simple admin commands that work while you are playing. To add a player, use:
Cheat Scriptcommand GateKeeper Add EOSID
To remove a player, use:
Cheat Scriptcommand GateKeeper Remove EOSID
Remember, these commands are case sensitive. You must enter the exact EOS ID as it appears for the player. To find a player's EOS ID, have them install Jslay's Identity Helper mod, which displays their ID in-game. This makes the process quick and painless for everyone involved.
Compatibility and Versions
Gatekeeper is designed for the current version of ARK: Survival Ascended and supports crossplay between PC and consoles. The mod is lightweight and does not conflict with most other popular add-ons, such as stack mods, building improvements, or QoL tweaks. It works alongside server management tools and does not alter core gameplay mechanics. As with any mod, always test it on a backup server first if you are running a large cluster with many other mods.
When you download Gatekeeper, you can also manage it directly through the foxygame.net launcher, which offers a one-click install for the mod and automatically checks version compatibility with your current server build. This removes the guesswork from manual installation and ensures that the mod's files are always up to date. The launcher's add-on catalog lists Gatekeeper alongside other essential server mods, making it easy to manage your entire setup from one place.
Why EOS IDs Matter
Traditional whitelists often rely on Steam IDs, which can be problematic for crossplay servers. EOS IDs are tied to the Epic Games account, which every player must have to play ARK: Survival Ascended, regardless of platform. This makes Gatekeeper the most reliable whitelist solution for mixed-platform communities. It also prevents players from bypassing bans by simply changing their in-game name.
Final Thoughts
Gatekeeper is an essential tool for any server owner who values security and community control. Its simple setup, cross-platform support, and real-time management commands make it a must-have for both small private servers and large public communities. By implementing a strict EOS ID whitelist, you eliminate the hassle of dealing with unwanted players before they ever become a problem. Whether you are hosting a server for friends or running a large public cluster, this mod gives you the peace of mind that only your invited players will ever set foot in your world. Take the time to set it up correctly, and you will never look back.