What Can You Transfer Between Servers in ARK: Survival Evolved? A Comprehensive Guide

Transferring between servers in ARK: Survival Evolved is a core feature that allows players to explore different maps, join friends on various servers, and even move their progress between different game modes. However, not everything can be transferred, and specific rules govern what you can bring with you. This guide provides a detailed look into what items, creatures, and characters can be moved between servers.

At its core, you can transfer your survivor (character), items, and tamed creatures (dinos) between servers. However, there are crucial caveats. Primarily, transfers are restricted by server type: you can only transfer between PvE to PvE servers and PvP to PvP servers. Additionally, transfers are limited to the same server type: Official servers can only transfer to other official servers, and unofficial servers can only transfer to other unofficial servers within the same server cluster. This system is designed to maintain a level of balance within each server type.

Understanding Transfer Restrictions

The primary restriction to keep in mind is the official to official, unofficial to unofficial rule. This is coupled with the PvP to PvP, PvE to PvE restriction, ensuring you cannot, for example, take your hard-won PvP gear into a PvE environment, or vice-versa. These restrictions exist to protect the gameplay balance on different servers.

How to Transfer

To initiate a transfer, you need to access a transmitter, which can be found at Obelisks or within Supply Crates (Beacons). Once at the transmitter, open its inventory and you’ll find a “Transmit ARK Data” tab. This tab provides options for uploading your character data, items, and creatures.

For items:

• You can upload up to 50 items at a time into the transmitter.
• The items will be held there until you download them on another server.
• To efficiently transfer items, double-clicking on them will move one stack at a time; using Shift+double click will move 5 at a time.

For creatures (dinos):

• Creatures must be cryopodded before uploading.
• Select creatures one by one, and send them to ARK data.

For your character:

• Choose “Upload Survivor” and make sure you understand you are not making a copy. Your character on the original server will be removed from play.

After uploading, you can choose another server from the main menu. Once on the new server, go to a transmitter. You will have an option to download the data. This will bring your survivor with all uploaded items and creatures into the new server.

Items and Dinos That Cannot Be Transferred

While most items and creatures can be transferred, some exceptions exist. Here’s a list of things that cannot be transferred:

• Specific Map Creatures: Some creatures are designed to be specific to certain maps and cannot be transferred off of them, even within the same server type. Examples include:
  • Chalk Golem (Valguero ARK only)
  • Polar Bear (Valguero ARK only, tameable at said map within Blue Obelisk)
  • Fenrir (Can only be transferred whilst inside Cryopod, as explained in more detail below)
• Cryopod issues: Be aware that transferring a cryopod to another server resets the timer that counts down the points that are being earned from the dino inside. This can cause you to lose experience points. You must unpod the dino on the original server so it can gain the experience points, and then put it back in the cryopod and upload to ARK data.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about transferring in ARK: Survival Evolved.

1. Can you transfer servers with items in ARK?

Yes, you can transfer servers with items, up to a limit of 50 items at a time. You must use the Ark Data tab at an Obelisk or Supply Crate to upload these items.

2. What cannot be transferred between servers in ARK?

Certain creatures such as the Chalk Golem and Polar Bear on Valguero, and the Fenrir (with the specific requirement of being in a cryopod), cannot be transferred. Generally, also, there are items with specific rules, and all of this is subject to change, so check official resources if you are unsure.

3. Can you transfer a non-dedicated server to a dedicated server in ARK?

Yes, it’s possible to transfer save data from a non-dedicated server to a dedicated server. This involves manually copying the files from your non-dedicated save folder to the dedicated server’s save folder and potentially renaming the player file to match your steam ID.

4. How do you quickly transfer items in ARK?

Double-clicking on an item will transfer one stack at a time; Shift-clicking+double-clicking will transfer 5. This works in inventories, storage containers, dinos, and when interacting with a transmitter.

5. How do you enable transfer in ARK?

Transfer is already enabled by default; you need only to go to an Obelisk or Supply Crate and use the “Transmit ARK Data” tab to begin the upload process.

6. How do I transfer dinos to another server in ARK?

To transfer dinos, you must cryopod them first. Then, approach an Obelisk or Supply Crate, go to the “Transmit ARK Data” tab, and select the dino to upload.

7. How do I transfer my single-player world to my server in ARK?

This involves locating your single-player save files, copying them to your server, and making necessary adjustments like renaming the player file to your Steam ID. Ensure you also install matching mods and make necessary config changes.

8. What happens when you host a non-dedicated server in ARK?

Non-dedicated servers use the hosting player’s machine, and it is typically easy to set up and play with a few local friends. The main limitation is the tethering distance, meaning all players have to remain within a certain distance from the host to play on the server.

9. What does LDL stand for in ARK?

LDL likely refers to “Limited Down-Load servers”. These servers may have limitations, such as restricting the transfer of tamed creatures. However, you can transfer your survivor.

10. Can you transfer Cryopods in ARK?

Yes, you can transfer cryopods but be warned that any experience points gained by the dino within that have not been applied are reset after a transfer, so you must upload after gaining exp.

11. What is the best ARK map?

While preference varies, popular and highly-rated maps include Lost Island, Ragnarok, Fjordur, The Island, and Crystal Isles.

12. Can I make an ARK server for me and my friends?

Yes, you can either host a non-dedicated server from within the game, or you can rent a dedicated server from a hosting provider, which offers more flexibility.

13. What can the Rhyniognatha carry in ARK?

The Rhyniognatha can carry large creatures that a Quetzal can, provided they don’t have a platform saddle. It can handle a wide range of sizes and weights.

14. Which is better, a dedicated or non-dedicated server in ARK?

Non-dedicated servers are suitable for local play with a few friends. Dedicated servers are better for larger groups of players, and offer better performance, and are free from tethering issues.

15. Can you transfer single-player ARK to a non-dedicated server?

Yes, single-player and non-dedicated servers share the same saves. If you choose to host a non-dedicated server from your single-player, your progress will be shared.

Conclusion

Transferring between servers in ARK: Survival Evolved adds a lot of potential for how you choose to play the game. It is an engaging feature that greatly expands the ARK experience. Whether you are wanting to experience new maps, join with friends, or move from PvP to PvE or vice-versa, it is an essential mechanic to familiarize yourself with. By understanding the rules and restrictions, you can navigate the transfer system effectively and enhance your overall gameplay.