Enable Flyers on an ARK Survival Evolved Unofficial Server

This guide shows you how to enable flying creatures (flyers) on your own ARK: Survival Evolved unofficial server, whether it’s a dedicated machine, a rented server, or a non-dedicated session. By default, flyers are enabled, but many server admins disable them for balance or challenge. This guide covers the exact settings to re-enable them, adjust their speed and stamina, and fix common issues where flyers remain grounded.

What You’ll Need

• Access to your server’s configuration files. For a dedicated or rented server, this is usually via FTP or a web control panel. For a non-dedicated session, it’s the GameUserSettings.ini file in your ARK save folder.
• A text editor like Notepad++ or VS Code (avoid plain Notepad for .ini files, as it can add encoding issues).
• Basic understanding of ARK’s .ini structure – two main files: GameUserSettings.ini and Game.ini.
• Ability to restart your server for changes to take effect.

Step-by-Step

1. Locate your server’s configuration files. For a dedicated server, look in the ShooterGame/Saved/Config/WindowsServer (or LinuxServer) folder. For a non-dedicated single-player or co-op session, the files are in ShooterGame/Saved/Config/WindowsNoEditor inside your ARK installation folder (usually Steam/steamapps/common/ARK Survival Evolved).
2. Open GameUserSettings.ini. This is where most gameplay toggles live. Scroll to the [ServerSettings] section. If it doesn’t exist, create it at the end of the file.
3. Add the flyer enable line. In [ServerSettings], add or edit the following line:
   PreventFlyers=true
   To enable flyers, set it to false. If the line is missing, the default is already false, so flyers are enabled. Adding it explicitly avoids confusion.
4. Adjust flyer speed and stamina (optional). If you want to change how flyers perform, add these lines under [ServerSettings]:
   FlyerSpeedMultiplier=1.0
FlyerStaminaMultiplier=1.0
   Set them higher than 1.0 to make flyers faster or more durable. The default is 1.0 (normal). These multipliers apply to all flyers on the server.
5. Save the file. Ensure you save as UTF-8 without BOM if your editor gives the option. Close the file.
6. Restart your server. For a dedicated server, restart the process or use the control panel’s restart button. For a non-dedicated session, exit to the main menu and re-enter your world. The changes only apply on a fresh server load.
7. Verify in-game. Log in and try to mount a flyer (e.g., a Pteranodon). If it takes off, you’re done. If not, proceed to troubleshooting.

Common Mistakes

• Editing the wrong file. Putting the setting in Game.ini instead of GameUserSettings.ini – the latter is where server settings live. Game.ini is for custom recipes, spawns, and other advanced overrides.
• Using the wrong section header. The line must be under [ServerSettings], not [General] or any other section. A typo in the section name makes the setting ignored.
• Leaving a duplicate line. If PreventFlyers appears twice, the last one wins. Remove duplicates to avoid confusion.
• Not restarting properly. Some control panels have a “restart” that only reloads the map, not the config. Do a full stop and start.
• Forgetting that single-player settings override. In a non-dedicated session, the in-game “General” tab has a checkbox for “Prevent Flyers” – if that’s checked, it overrides the .ini. Uncheck it in the host game settings.

Tips

• Back up your .ini files before editing. Copy them to a separate folder so you can revert if something breaks.
• Use a consistent naming convention. If you run multiple servers, keep a template config to avoid mistakes.
• Test with a low-level flyer. After enabling, spawn a Pteranodon with admin commands (admincheat summon Ptero_Character_BP_C) to quickly check.
• Combine with other flyer tweaks. You can also adjust FlyerSaddleSpeedMultiplier (for saddle quality) and FlyerDinoCharacterFoodDrainMultiplier (for food consumption) in the same section.
• Remember that mods can interfere. If you use mods like “Classic Flyers” or “Better Flyers,” they may have their own configs that override server settings. Check their mod pages.

Troubleshooting

Flyers are still grounded after setting PreventFlyers=false.

• First, confirm the line is exactly PreventFlyers=false (lowercase ‘f’ in ‘false’ is fine, but no spaces around the equals sign).
• Check for a second PreventFlyers line elsewhere in the file – delete it.
• If you’re on a rented server, check if the host’s control panel has a toggle for “Disable Flyers” that might be overriding the .ini. Some panels (like Nitrado) have their own settings interface.
• If you’re in single-player, go to the host game settings and ensure the “Prevent Flyers” checkbox is unchecked.
• If you use a mod that changes flyer behavior, disable it temporarily to see if it’s the cause.

Flyers are enabled but move very slowly.

• Check your FlyerSpeedMultiplier – if it’s set below 1.0, that’s why. Set it back to 1.0 or higher.
• Some servers use a plugin like “ARK Server Manager” that applies its own speed multipliers. Check the plugin’s settings.

Changes don’t seem to apply at all.

• Make sure you’re editing the correct file for the server type. A dedicated server uses WindowsServer or LinuxServer; a non-dedicated uses WindowsNoEditor.
• Verify the file is not read-only. Right-click the file, go to Properties, and uncheck “Read-only” if it’s set.
• Restart the server completely – not just a map reload. For a dedicated server, stop the process and start it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to set PreventFlyers=false if it’s not in the file?
A: No. The default is already false, meaning flyers are enabled. Adding the line is optional but makes your intent clear.

Q: Can I disable flyers on just one map?
A: Yes. Each map has its own GameUserSettings.ini if you run separate server instances. Edit the config for that specific map’s server folder.

Q: Will this affect tamed flyers already in the world?
A: No. The setting only prevents new flyers from being mounted or flown. Existing tamed flyers will still be able to fly once the setting is changed to false.

Q: What’s the difference between PreventFlyers and FlyerSpeedMultiplier?
A: PreventFlyers is a binary toggle – it either allows or disallows flying. FlyerSpeedMultiplier adjusts how fast flyers move when they are allowed to fly.

Q: I’m using a server manager like ASM. Where do I set this?
A: In ASM, go to the “Server Settings” tab and look for “Prevent Flyers” in the gameplay section. It writes to the .ini for you.

Q: My flyers can’t fly in a specific area. Is this a server setting?
A: No. That’s likely a game mechanic – some areas (like caves or certain boss arenas) have a no-fly zone that cannot be changed via server settings.

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