ARK updates come through Steam. With AUTO_UPDATE set to 1 in Startup (the default on Ascended; switch it on for Evolved), your server checks for updates every time it starts and installs them before launching the game. That is why a restart after an ARK patch takes longer than usual.
Forcing an update
Players see "Server version mismatch" in the list after Studio Wildcard patches the game but your server still runs the old version. Fix: Restart from the panel. The update installs during the restart. If a big patch fails to apply, use Settings → Reinstall once. It re-runs SteamCMD and keeps your saves.
Mod updates
Evolved: Workshop mods update on server start as well. If a mod update breaks the server, remove its ID temporarily. Ascended: CurseForge mods likewise.
Schedule restarts
A daily restart at a quiet hour keeps the server updated and clears memory. Schedules → cron 0 5 * * * → task Send command saveworld, then a second task Power action → restart with a 30-second offset. Add a Send command broadcast Restart in 5 minutes task 5 minutes before if you like.