WBUI2
Running a successful ARK: Survival Ascended server takes more than just tweaking spawn rates and keeping the hardware humming. You need to communicate with your players effectively, whether that means laying out the rules, announcing a weekend event, or simply pointing them toward your community Discord. That is exactly where WBUI2 steps in. This add-on is a complete rework and port of the beloved "Editable Server UI (WBUI)" mod from ARK: Survival Evolved, and it brings a host of improvements to the new Unreal Engine 5 title.
What Does WBUI2 Do for Your Server?
At its core, WBUI2 gives you the ability to display rules, settings, upcoming events, or any general information about your server directly on the player's screen. Instead of relying on a website that players rarely visit, you can push the most important details right into the game client. The mod also enables you to add buttons that open the browser to your community website, support Discord, or the official ARK forum. This keeps your player base up to date with just one click from within the game, reducing the friction of alt-tabbing out to check a forum post.
In-Game Editing and Instant Feedback
One of the standout features of WBUI2 for ARK: Survival Ascended is the in-game editing suite. You can edit the UI appearance while you are actually in the game, giving you direct feedback on how the interface will look to your players. No more guessing at coordinates or font sizes in a text file. When you are satisfied with the design, you can click the "Show Json" button, which displays the raw JSON. This allows you to export the JSON easily to a hosting provider you like, with GitHub being the preferred option, and then use the JsonUrl entry in your GameUserSettings.ini file to point the mod toward that hosted file.
For server administrators who prefer a more hands-on approach, the configuration is straightforward. You simply add the following to your GameUserSettings.ini:
[WBUI2]
JsonURL="enter-your-url-between-the-quotes"Powerful Script Commands for Admins
WBUI2 is not just a static display tool. It comes packed with script commands that can be used via RCON or from the in-game console. If you run them from the in-game console, you need to be an admin and prefix the commands with cheat scriptcommand. Here is a breakdown of what you can do:
- WBUI2 debug - Toggles a debug mode that enables more in-depth logging. When enabled, the mod writes a lot of data to the shootergamelog, which is useful for troubleshooting.
- WBUI2 update - Runs a request to the given JsonURL and populates the new data to all players instantly.
- WBUI2 clearplayers - Clears the OpenOnStart player list, which is handy if you have changed your mind about who should see the UI on login.
- WBUI2 removekeybind [Implant-ID] - Removes a player's custom keybind to open WBUI. The player needs to be online for this to work.
- WBUI2 setmotd - Sets a new "Message Of The Day". The text before the
\nis displayed in a larger font, and the-duration=parameter determines how long the message stays on screen. - WBUI2 sendmessage - Sends a message to a specific player or to the whole server. You can use the
-player=parameter with an ImplantID or EOS-ID to target a single survivor.
Crossplatform and Community Driven
This mod is crossplatform available, which is a huge win for servers that host both PC and console players. A massive shoutout goes to DelilahEve, creator of DinoDepot, for dedicating so much time and effort to WBUI2, even when she could have been focusing on her own projects. The community appreciates that level of dedication, and it shows in the polish of the final product. When you are ready to get started, you will find that the mod is compatible with the latest versions of ARK: Survival Ascended, and it plays nicely with other popular mods that alter the UI or HUD elements.
If you are looking for a streamlined way to manage your mods, the foxygame.net launcher offers a one-click install for WBUI2, which saves you from manually dragging files into your server directory. The launcher also maintains a catalog of add-ons, so you can keep WBUI2 updated automatically without worrying about version mismatches breaking your server configuration.
How to Install WBUI2
Learning how to install WBUI2 is simple, even if you are new to modding ARK: Survival Ascended. The process is the same as for any other mod on the platform. You subscribe to the mod on the Steam Workshop or the appropriate platform store, and then you add it to your server's mod list. Once the server restarts, the mod will be active. From there, you can use the in-game editor to craft your UI, or you can host a JSON file externally and reference it via the JsonURL setting. For a detailed setup guide, the official wiki and the mod creator's Discord are excellent resources.
Privacy and Debug Information
It is important to note that the mod sends debug information to a Discord channel, which only the creator has access to. This data is used solely for debugging purposes when you request help. The data is stored for a maximum of 24 hours and deleted afterward. The information includes the server name, mod version, the value of the JsonUrl INI entry, and the error message of the Json-Request or Json-Parser. If you wish to opt out of this telemetry, you can use the following GUS.INI option: DisableDebugWebhook=true. If you would like to request access to or deletion of your data, you can contact the creator on Discord.
Final Thoughts on WBUI2
In the crowded field of ARK: Survival Ascended mods, WBUI2 stands out as a practical tool that solves a real problem. It bridges the gap between your server's backend and your players' frontend experience. Whether you are running a small private server for friends or a large public community, the ability to push messages, display rules, and provide quick links to external resources is invaluable. The in-game editing feature alone is worth the download, as it eliminates the guesswork of UI design. Combined with the robust script commands, you have a complete communication suite that integrates seamlessly with the game. If you have not yet tried it, now is the time to see what WBUI2 can do for your server.