Does a Non-Dedicated Session Save on ARK? Everything You Need to Know
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Yes, absolutely! A non-dedicated session in ARK: Survival Evolved does save your progress. Think of a non-dedicated session as a slightly modified version of your single-player game, but with the added ability to invite friends. Just like in single-player mode, your progress, including your character, tamed dinos, built structures, and explored areas, is saved. The mechanics of saving, however, are slightly different compared to dedicated servers.
Unlike dedicated servers that have continuous uptime and autosave regularly, a non-dedicated session saves when the host closes the game. This means that if the host disconnects or exits the game, the server shuts down, and the game’s state is saved. It’s crucial to understand this to avoid unintended progress loss.
Understanding Non-Dedicated Servers in ARK
Before we dive deeper into the saving mechanism, it’s important to grasp what a non-dedicated server is in the context of ARK. In essence, when you host a non-dedicated server, your computer acts as both the game server and the game client. This means the processing power is being used to run both the world for everyone playing, and your own gameplay. Consequently, it can impact performance if you have a less powerful computer and multiple people connected.
A key limitation of a non-dedicated server is the tethering system. This means players joining your game must remain within a certain radius of the host, which can restrict exploration and activities. Also, only a limited number of players can join, usually around 4, depending on your version and settings.
How Non-Dedicated Saves Work
As mentioned, non-dedicated servers save the game state when the host quits the game. This means that every time you close the game after a session, your progress is saved automatically. This system is designed to be fairly hassle-free for players, ensuring you don’t have to worry about losing your progress due to forgetting to manually save.
However, there’s no command or way to force a manual save on a non-dedicated session. This is a key difference from dedicated servers where admins can use commands like “admincheat saveworld” to trigger a save. The autosave feature available in single-player does not apply to non-dedicated sessions while the host is still actively playing. The game only saves when the host leaves. Therefore, relying on this closing mechanic is essential for ensuring you have a saved game state.
Continuing a Non-Dedicated Session
Continuing your saved game is straightforward. The next time the same host launches the game, chooses the same map, and selects the “Host Non-Dedicated Session” option, the game will load the previously saved world. It’s important to note that only the original host can resume the session, as the world is linked to their save data. All other players will need to join again each time the host relaunches the game.
Key Differences from Dedicated Servers and Single-Player
It’s useful to differentiate between how saving works in non-dedicated servers, dedicated servers, and single-player:
- Dedicated Servers: These servers are hosted on separate machines and have continuous uptime. They autosave at regular intervals and allow admins to manually force saves.
- Single Player: Single-player worlds automatically save every 15 minutes while playing, with manual saves being possible through the admin command. They also save on exiting the game.
- Non-Dedicated Servers: These servers only save when the host closes the game. No autosave or manual save option exists while the host is actively playing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To further clarify any doubts, here are 15 frequently asked questions about non-dedicated servers and saving in ARK:
1. What happens if the host’s game crashes during a non-dedicated session?
If the host’s game crashes, any unsaved progress will likely be lost. It’s therefore recommended that the host closes the game after substantial progress, even if they intend to continue playing later.
2. Can I manually save a non-dedicated server session?
No, there is no command or in-game option to manually save a non-dedicated session. The game state is saved only when the host exits the game.
3. How many players can join a non-dedicated server?
Typically, non-dedicated servers are limited to 4 players, but this can depend on your console or PC specifications and settings.
4. Does a non-dedicated server use the same save as single player?
Yes, the non-dedicated server uses the host player’s single-player save data. When you host a non-dedicated session, it essentially loads your single-player world but allows others to join.
5. Can I transfer my non-dedicated save to a dedicated server?
Yes, it is possible to transfer your non-dedicated save to a dedicated server. This involves locating your local save files and uploading them to the dedicated server’s directory and appropriately renaming the save files.
6. What is the tether distance on non-dedicated servers?
The tether distance is a radius around the host player that other players must remain within. This distance can be adjusted via server settings.
7. Can my friend host a non-dedicated session and I still have my progress?
No, only the original host will be able to load the saved game state. If your friend starts their own session, it will be a completely separate save file.
8. Can I play with a friend on my single player ARK game?
Yes, you can play with a friend on your single player game by using the “Host Non-Dedicated Session” option. This will load your single-player world and allow a friend to join.
9. How do I set up a non-dedicated server?
To host, go to the main menu of ARK, click “Host/Local” then select “Host Non-Dedicated Session”. Customize your settings and invite friends.
10. What are the benefits of a non-dedicated server?
The main benefit is the ease of setup. It’s a quick way to play with friends without the cost or complexity of dedicated servers.
11. What are the drawbacks of non-dedicated servers?
The drawbacks include tethering limitations, the requirement that the host is always online, and the limited number of players. Additionally, performance can be impacted on less powerful machines.
12. Can I use mods on a non-dedicated server?
Yes, you can use mods on a non-dedicated server. All players must have the same mods installed and enabled for the server to function correctly.
13. What happens if I host a non-dedicated server on a different map?
If you host a non-dedicated session on a different map, it will be a brand new save. Your old save will still be available when re-selecting the original map.
14. How often does ARK automatically save?
Single-player worlds auto save every 15 minutes during gameplay. Non-dedicated sessions save only when the host closes the game, but do not use an autosave while the host is actively playing. Dedicated servers have their own auto-save intervals that are typically set by the server owner.
15. Can I roll back a non-dedicated server save?
There is no in-game function to roll back a non-dedicated server save. You will have to rely on any external backups you may have taken or re-start a new session. You cannot access any previous autosaved data, as these do not exist for non-dedicated sessions when the host is actively playing.
Conclusion
Non-dedicated servers in ARK offer an accessible way to play with friends, but understanding the saving mechanics is key to avoiding any frustration. While there is no manual save option, the game saves whenever the host closes the game, preserving your progress. By understanding how non-dedicated saves function, you can enjoy playing ARK with your friends without the fear of losing progress, and be able to quickly continue your adventures again at a later time.