ARK ID codes are unique identifiers assigned to every player in ARK: Survival Evolved, used to accurately reference accounts across support, communities, and server lists. This guide explains what an ARK ID is, where to locate your ID on Steam and Epic Games, how the codes differ by platform, and how to use them when contacting support or managing your profile. You will find reliable ways to confirm your ID and common mistakes to avoid.
What Is an ARK ID Code?
An ARK ID code is a persistent numeric identifier tied to your ARK profile. It is generated from your account and remains consistent across game updates, helping developers, server hosts, and support teams match your saves and permissions correctly. Each platform issues its own ID format, so understanding where to find the correct code reduces errors when you submit bug reports or join whitelisted servers.
How to Locate Your Steam ARK ID
Use In-Game Console Commands
Open ARK on Steam, press Tab to enable the console, then type getplayeridsteam and press Enter. The game prints your Steam2 ID, Steam3 ID, and optionally your Steam64 ID in the history log. Record the Steam2 format (e.g., [U: 1:XXXXX]) for community tools and the Steam3 format (e.g., STEAM_0:X:YYYYY) for server plugins. Steam IDs link directly to your Steam profile and are widely supported by plugins.
From Your Steam Profile
Visit your public Steam profile and locate the numeric part beneath your profile name in the URL. For a custom URL https://steamcommunity.com/id/example, you may need to resolve the vanity name to a SteamID2 through third-party lookup tools. Prefer in-game commands when possible, as they guarantee the ID matches the account currently playing ARK.
How to Locate Your Epic Games ARK ID
Epic Games assigns each account a unique numeric ID that differs from Steam. In ARK on Epic, open the in-game console and run getplayeridsteam; the displayed value maps to your Epic-specific account identifier. You can also locate your Epic Account ID in the Epic Launcher by navigating to your profile, selecting Advanced Settings, and viewing the Account ID field. Keep this ID handy for cross-platform support requests.
| Platform | ID Type | Example Format | Where to Find It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam | Steam2 | [U: 1:1234567] | In-game console command getplayeridsteam |
| Steam | Steam3 | STEAM_0:0:1234567 | In-game console command getplayeridsteam |
| Steam | Steam64 | 76561198xxxxxx | In-game console command getplayeridsteam or profile URL |
| Epic Games | Epic Account ID | XXXXXXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXXXXXXXXXX | In-game console command getplayeridsteam or Advanced Settings in Epic Launcher |
Why ARK ID Codes Matter for Support and Servers
When contacting ARK support or appealing a ban, providing your Steam or Epic ID ensures teams locate your saves and permissions quickly. Server hosts use these codes to manage whitelists, track playtime, and assign admin privileges. Supplying the correct ID format reduces delays and prevents accidental mismatches, especially if you own the game on multiple platforms.
Best Practices and Common Pitfalls
- Always copy IDs directly from in-game console output to avoid typos.
- Specify the platform (Steam or Epic) alongside the ID in support tickets.
- Use Steam3 or Steam64 formats when server scripts require a particular style.
- Do not confuse your display name with your ARK ID; names can change, but IDs do not.
- Refresh your ID after platform migration, as Epic and Steam identifiers are not interchangeable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Steam profile URL instead of my ID? While some community tools accept a vanity URL, numeric IDs are more reliable for support and server plugins. Use the in-game console to confirm the exact code before submitting tickets.
Do ARK ID codes change after game updates? No, your ARK ID remains the same across patches and version updates. They are tied to your account, not your save file.
What if my ID looks different on another platform? Expect different formats: Steam uses STEAM_0:X:Y, while Epic uses a UUID-like string. Both refer to the same account on their respective stores but are not interchangeable.