Do Non-Dedicated Servers Save in ARK: Survival Evolved?
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Yes, absolutely! Non-dedicated servers in ARK: Survival Evolved do save your progress. This is a crucial aspect for players who want to enjoy the game with friends without the complexities of a full dedicated server setup. The saving mechanism is tied directly to the host’s game session. In essence, a non-dedicated server functions similarly to single-player, with the added feature of allowing other players to join. Therefore, when the host closes the game, the server saves all the progress made, including character levels, building progress, tamed creatures, and collected items. This ensures that you and your friends can pick up right where you left off the next time you play together. It’s important to understand the nuances of how these saves work to ensure a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience. Unlike dedicated servers with continuous uptime, a non-dedicated server’s save state is dependent on the host’s actions.
Understanding Non-Dedicated Server Saves in ARK
How Saving Works
The crucial thing to remember is that the host’s machine is running the non-dedicated server. When the host exits the game, this action triggers the game to save the current state of the world, effectively preserving your progress. When the host restarts the game and loads the non-dedicated session again, the game will load from the most recent save, allowing everyone to rejoin and continue playing. This means that no progress is lost when closing a non-dedicated session.
The Difference from Dedicated Servers
It’s important to distinguish this from dedicated servers, which operate independently on their own machine. Dedicated servers often have their own autosave settings and can be configured to perform saves at regular intervals. In contrast, a non-dedicated server’s saving is tied directly to the host’s game activity. This is why understanding the host’s actions is important. While a dedicated server can run continuously, a non-dedicated server is only active when the host is actively playing the game.
Manual Saving is Possible
Although the game automatically saves when the host closes the session, you can also use admin commands to manually save your non-dedicated world at any time. This can be handy if you are about to embark on a risky adventure or want to create a specific backup point in case something goes wrong. You can use the command admincheat saveworld while in the game. This can be particularly helpful to perform a save at your request.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Non-Dedicated Server Saves in ARK
1. Is progress lost when a non-dedicated host closes their game?
No, when the host closes the game, all the progress made during the session is saved automatically. This includes character progress, buildings, tamed creatures, and collected items. When the game is restarted, you will load from the most recent save point.
2. Can players join a non-dedicated server if the host isn’t online?
No, a non-dedicated server is only active when the host is actively playing the game. Therefore, no one can join the game if the host is not online and hosting.
3. Does a non-dedicated server auto-save?
No, non-dedicated servers don’t have an autosave function like dedicated servers. The save occurs when the host quits the game. However, you can use the admincheat saveworld command to initiate a manual save.
4. What is the admin command to manually save a non-dedicated server?
The command to manually save the game on a non-dedicated server is admincheat saveworld. This ensures a manual save outside of the normal save-on-close function.
5. Can I backup my non-dedicated server files?
Yes, you can manually back up your non-dedicated server files. These are located in the SavedArksLocal folder, inside the main game’s installation folder. This folder contains the save files that you can copy for safekeeping.
6. How do I rollback a non-dedicated server in ARK?
To rollback a non-dedicated server, you need to manually backup your files before any unwanted events occur, then copy the backup save file from the correct date and time into the SavedArksLocal folder. When you start the game and load the non-dedicated server again, your progress should be restored to the backup point.
7. Can I transfer my single player save to a non-dedicated server?
Yes, single-player and non-dedicated servers share the same save location. You don’t need to move anything; you can simply start a non-dedicated session, and your single-player progress will be available to you and your friends.
8. How many players can join a non-dedicated ARK server?
Non-dedicated servers have a limited number of players, usually capped at 4 players in addition to the host, depending on your platform and settings.
9. Can I host a non-dedicated server and play the game on the same machine?
Yes, non-dedicated servers are designed to be hosted and played on the same machine. However, be aware that this can put a strain on your system, particularly with multiple players.
10. Are non-dedicated servers cheaper than dedicated servers?
Yes, non-dedicated servers are generally cheaper as they don’t require a separate server machine. You’re simply using your own computer to host the game.
11. What are the benefits of a non-dedicated server?
The benefits of non-dedicated servers include: easy setup, no additional cost, and flexibility in when you can play. They are ideal for small groups of friends looking to play together.
12. What are the drawbacks of a non-dedicated server?
The drawbacks include: limited player count, the server is dependent on the host’s active session, and performance may be impacted by running the game and server on the same machine. There are also tethering limits which can be a limiting factor for some.
13. Is it possible to move a non-dedicated world to a dedicated server?
Yes, it is possible to move a non-dedicated world to a dedicated server, but you need to have access to the server files on both ends. You need to upload the contents of your save folder from the non dedicated host into the dedicated server’s files. Additionally, you might have to make a minor change like renaming the LocalPlayer file to the relevant steam ID.
14. Do mods affect non-dedicated servers?
Yes, mods can be used on non-dedicated servers. However, it’s crucial that all players on the server have the same mods installed and enabled. Discrepancies in mods can lead to crashes and other issues.
15. What if my non-dedicated server crashes?
If your non-dedicated server crashes, you will lose any progress made since the last save. That’s why manual saves are important, especially if your machine has problems running the game and server simultaneously. To mitigate data loss, consider saving manually before engaging in riskier activities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, non-dedicated servers in ARK: Survival Evolved do indeed save your progress, relying on the host’s game session to preserve the world’s state. Understanding the mechanism of how this save system functions is crucial to ensure a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience. While there are limitations, such as player caps and reliance on the host, non-dedicated servers provide an excellent, cost-effective way for small groups of friends to explore the world of ARK together. The ability to manually save the server’s progress is another critical option that players should take advantage of to avoid losing valuable time.