Customizing the appearance of tamed creatures in ARK: Survival Evolved and ARK: Survival Ascended allows players to personalize their server experience beyond natural breeding colors. By using console commands, server administrators and single-player survivors can instantly modify specific body regions of any creature. Learning how to use these admin tools provides complete creative freedom over your tribe's menagerie.
Understanding the SetTargetDinoColor Command
The primary admin console command used for altering creature shades is setTargetDinoColor. This command requires two specific numerical arguments following the main command name. The first value targets a specific body region, while the second value determines the exact shade applied.
To execute the command successfully, players must look directly at the target creature while keeping their crosshairs centered on its body. Single-player modes require console commands to be enabled, whereas unofficial servers may require entering an admin password first. Once activated, the color transformation occurs immediately without requiring any additional resources or paintbrushes.
Identifying Dinosaur Color Regions
Every creature in ARK possesses up to six distinct color regions numbered sequentially from 0 to 5. However, not every dinosaur utilizes all six regions, as some species only feature two or three active areas. For example, region 0 usually controls the primary body color, while higher numbers control accents, belly patterns, or wing highlights.
Experimenting with individual region IDs helps players discover which parts of a creature can be customized. If a command does not produce any visible change, that specific region index is likely inactive for the targeted species. Understanding these regional mappings ensures that players achieve their precise aesthetic goals efficiently.
Selecting Color IDs for Customization
ARK features a broad spectrum of official color IDs ranging from standard natural tones to vibrant event hues. Standard creature colors generally fall within lower numerical IDs, whereas brighter dyes and special mutation shades use extended ID ranges. Players can choose from basic primary colors as well as unique metallic or pastel variants.
Referencing community color charts makes it easy to find the exact ID corresponding to a desired shade. Applying rare or event-exclusive color IDs allows players to create striking visual themes across their tames. Mixing contrasting shades across different regions results in truly unique creature designs.
Practical Steps to Apply Dino Colors
To begin customizing a creature, position your character extremely close to the tame and open the console interface. Enter the command format setTargetDinoColor followed by the region index and the chosen color ID. For instance, entering the command with region 0 and color ID 1 will set the main body to a vivid red shade.
Repeat this process for each available region until the creature reaches your ideal appearance. If playing on a multiplayer server with admin privileges, ensure you prefix the command with the word cheat or admincheat. Utilizing this method saves countless hours compared to traditional breeding mutation hunting.