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Advanced Debugging and Performance Optimization on Your PixArk Server

Last updated on Feb 13, 2025

In this technical tutorial, you'll learn how to perform advanced debugging and optimize performance on your PixArk server using the VolticHost Game Panel. This guide covers enabling debug modes, analyzing detailed logs, profiling CPU and memory usage, and making targeted configuration adjustments to enhance your server's stability and responsiveness. 🚀

📌 Prerequisites

  • A PixArk server purchased at VolticHost.com

  • Pre-installed PixArk accessible via the VolticHost Game Panel

  • Intermediate to advanced knowledge of server administration, file management, and basic scripting

  • Familiarity with debugging concepts and performance metrics (CPU, memory, network)

  • A backup of your current configuration files and logs (always back up before making changes)

1️⃣ First Step - Enabling Advanced Debugging

  1. Access the VolticHost Game Panel:

  2. Locate the Debug Configuration File:

    • Navigate to the File Manager and open your PixArk server’s main configuration file (commonly server.cfg or a dedicated debug.cfg if available).

  3. Enable Debug Mode:

    • Look for parameters related to debugging. For example, add or modify:

      debug_mode = true
log_level = 5
      • Note: The exact parameters may vary based on PixArk’s configuration framework. Consult PixArk modding documentation for precise settings.

  4. Save and Backup:

    • Save your changes and ensure that you have a backup of the original configuration for reference.

✅ Advanced debugging enabled successfully!

2️⃣ Next Step - Analyzing Detailed Logs

  1. Access the Logs Directory:

    • From the File Manager, navigate to the /logs/ directory where PixArk stores its log files.

  2. Download Recent Log Files:

    • Download the most recent log files to your local machine for detailed analysis.

  3. Examine Log Entries:

    • Look for recurring error messages, warnings, or performance-related entries (e.g., high CPU spikes, memory leaks, or failed resource loads).

  4. Identify Bottlenecks:

    • Document any patterns or specific error codes that could indicate problematic resources or configuration issues.

✅ Detailed log analysis completed successfully!

3️⃣ Next Step - Profiling Server Performance

  1. Utilize Built-In Performance Tools:

    • In the txAdmin dashboard (accessible via the VolticHost Game Panel), navigate to the Performance/Statistics section.

  2. Monitor Key Metrics:

    • Check CPU usage, memory consumption, and network traffic in real time.

    • Identify any spikes or resource-intensive processes during peak and off-peak hours.

  3. Enable Profiling (If Available):

    • Some PixArk servers may support performance profiling via console commands. Use commands like:

      profile start
profile stop
      • Note: The actual commands may vary. Refer to PixArk documentation for specific profiling instructions.

  4. Record Findings:

    • Take note of any performance anomalies that correlate with issues observed in the logs.

✅ Server performance profiling completed and bottlenecks identified!

4️⃣ Next Step - Optimizing Configuration Based on Findings

  1. Adjust Resource Settings:

    • Based on log and profiling data, identify which resources or configuration parameters need adjustments. For instance, if a specific mod is consuming excessive CPU, consider disabling or updating it.

  2. Fine-Tune Network and Script Settings:

    • Modify network-related parameters in your configuration file (e.g., sv_minRate, sv_maxRate) to optimize data flow.

    • Adjust script execution parameters if available to reduce CPU load.

  3. Implement Incremental Changes:

    • Make small, incremental changes and test each adjustment. This iterative process helps prevent over-optimization and allows you to isolate the impact of each change.

  4. Save and Document Changes:

    • Save your updated configuration files and maintain a change log for future reference.

✅ Configuration optimized based on detailed performance analysis!

5️⃣ Next Step - Testing and Continuous Monitoring

  1. Restart Your Server:

    • Use the txAdmin dashboard to restart your PixArk server and apply the new configurations.

  2. Test In-Game Stability:

    • Join your server and monitor performance during typical gameplay sessions. Verify that the previous issues (e.g., lag, crashes) have been mitigated.

  3. Enable Continuous Monitoring:

    • Set up automated alerts within the VolticHost Game Panel for critical performance metrics (CPU, memory, network) to receive notifications when thresholds are exceeded.

  4. Iterate and Refine:

    • Regularly review performance data and logs to ensure the server maintains optimal performance over time. Adjust configurations as necessary based on player load and resource updates.

✅ Continuous monitoring and testing in-game confirmed successful optimization!

🎉 Conclusion

You have now successfully conducted advanced debugging and performance optimization on your PixArk server using the VolticHost Game Panel! By enabling debug mode, analyzing detailed logs, profiling performance, and making targeted configuration adjustments, your server is now better equipped to provide a stable and immersive gaming experience. Keep monitoring and refining your setup as needed, and for further assistance, contact VolticHost Support. 🚀