How to back up, restore and wipe your ARK server

Good backups let you fix mistakes and test changes without fear. Wipes let you start fresh. Both are simple with the Files tab.

Where saves live

ARK saves are inside ShooterGame/Saved/ on your server. The map save sits in a SavedArks folder, with the map file ending in .ark. Player and tribe data are saved in separate files in the same area. In ASA the layout is slightly different, so look inside SavedArks and check the folder named after your map.

Back up

1. Run admincheat SaveWorld in game or the console if you can, so the files are fresh.
2. Stop the server.
3. In the Files tab, select the SavedArks folder and download it. Many panels let you compress it to an archive first.
4. Store the copy somewhere safe, away from the server.

ARK also keeps rolling backup copies of the map, which can help if the latest save is corrupted.

Restore

1. Stop the server.
2. Upload your saved files back into SavedArks, replacing the current ones.
3. Start the server and check that your base is there.

Wipe options

• Dinos only: use admincheat DestroyWildDinos to refresh the wild spawns. This does not touch tamed creatures.
• Full wipe: stop the server and delete the map .ark file along with the player and tribe files. The server generates a new world on the next start.
• Keep characters: wipe just the map file and leave the player files.

Tips

• Always download a backup before deleting anything.
• Announce wipes to players ahead of time.
• If you want help restoring an older backup, open a ticket on our Discord.