Managing the day and night cycle in Ark: Survival Evolved and Ark: Survival Ascended gives players complete control over environmental conditions during single-player sessions or server administration. Adjusting the time of day allows survivors to skip dangerous nighttime hours, accelerate base construction, or safely locate specific nocturnal creatures. Understanding admin console commands and world configuration settings ensures you can tailor your game world to suit any gameplay style.
Using Console Commands to Adjust the In-Game Clock
The primary method for changing time immediately is using the admin console command SetTimeOfDay followed by your desired hour in a twenty-four-hour format. Entering SetTimeOfDay 08:00:00 instantly transitions the world to morning light, while entering 22:00:00 shifts the sky to midnight. This command works immediately in single-player modes and on hosted dedicated servers where admin privileges are active.
Alternatively, server administrators can use the Slomo command to alter how fast time passes overall across the map. Setting Slomo 2 doubles game speed, which causes the day cycle to move twice as fast without changing environmental mechanics. Using Slomo 1 resets the game to standard real-time speed whenever you are finished making quick adjustments.
Configuring Day and Night Speed Ratios
Players who prefer a permanent solution over manual console commands can modify day cycle scales before launching a world session. Within the main menu host settings, you can adjust the Day Time Speed and Night Time Speed sliders to customize survival pacing. Lowering the night speed multiplier causes nighttime to pass much faster, drastically reducing the time spent in pitch-black conditions.
Increasing the day time speed scale keeps sunlight active longer, giving players ample opportunity to explore hazardous biomes and collect resources safely. These settings can also be updated directly within the GameUserSettings.ini file for dedicated servers. Fine-tuning these values allows server owners to create custom survival experiences that fit their community preferences.
Practical Applications for Changing World Time
Altering the clock is highly useful when preparing for difficult boss fights, taming dangerous carnivores, or capturing screenshots of your structures. Many creatures in Ark behave differently depending on sunlight levels, making precise time adjustments a tactical advantage. Controlling environmental timing reduces unnecessary downtime and helps players execute complex operational plans far more effectively.
Single-player games benefit greatly from quick time shifts when navigating dark caves or treacherous underwater areas. Administrators on private servers often reset time during community events to maintain optimal visibility for all participants. Mastering these world setting options ensures a smooth and customized Ark experience for everyone involved.
