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Does ARK Have Backup Saves? A Comprehensive Guide to Protecting Your ARK World

Yes, ARK: Survival Evolved does have backup saves, but their implementation and management vary depending on whether you’re playing single-player, on a non-dedicated server, or a dedicated server. Understanding how these saves work is crucial for protecting your hard-earned progress and preventing the heartache of lost data. This article will delve into the specifics of ARK’s save system, how to create manual backups, where these files are stored, and provide answers to frequently asked questions to ensure your ARK experience is as secure as possible.

Understanding ARK’s Save System

ARK employs both automatic saves and the option for manual saves. The frequency and method of saving depend on your game mode:

Single-Player: Single-player games are relatively reliable, with automatic saves occurring every 15 minutes. However, these autosaves are your only backup without intervention. You also have the ability to manually save your game using in-game commands. This method is more about saving your current progress and exiting the game safely, not about creating a true backup in the traditional sense.
Non-Dedicated Servers: Non-dedicated servers, where one player hosts a game and others join, primarily save when the host closes their game. This means you have less control over the save timing, but it also means your progress is saved automatically when the host ends the session.
Dedicated Servers: Dedicated servers offer more control over saving. They also feature the default 15-minute autosave feature. Additionally, admins on dedicated servers can use the command “saveworld” to trigger an immediate manual save, providing greater flexibility for safeguarding data. Importantly, dedicated servers also automatically save upon proper shutdown, ensuring that progress isn’t lost.

Why Are Backups Important in ARK?

Backups are absolutely essential in ARK for several reasons:

Server Crashes: Even with autosaves, servers can crash, potentially leading to data loss. Having a backup ensures you can restore your game to a recent state.
Game Instability: Occasionally, bugs or glitches can cause corrupted game files or data loss. Backups can help you recover from these issues.
Accidental Data Deletion: Whether it’s deleting items by mistake, wiping out structures in the game, or other mishaps, having a save to go back to prevents frustration.
Experimentation: Before making significant changes to your base, tames, or server settings, creating a backup ensures you can easily revert if you are unhappy with the result.
Transferring Between Modes: Backups are crucial for transferring your world and characters between single player, non-dedicated and dedicated servers.

Locating Your ARK Save Files

Knowing where your save files are stored is essential for creating manual backups and for restoring your game after unforeseen issues. Here are the typical save file locations:

Single-Player and Non-Dedicated Server Saves: On Windows, these files are found in the Steam installation directory, usually at steamappscommonARKShooterGameSaved. Within the “Saved” folder, you’ll find SavedArksLocal (for single player). Each save in this folder will be named after the map you are playing on. Inside these folders, the world data is contained within the .ark file. Player character data is contained within the .arkprofile files.
Dedicated Server Saves: For dedicated servers, the save files are located in the server’s file system. Typically, you can find them in a similar location as single player games, but within the server’s specific folder. For FTP access, the path is often /ark/ShooterGame/Saved/SavedArks/.

Creating Manual Backups

Creating manual backups is highly recommended for any game mode to provide that extra layer of security. Here’s how you can do it:

Backing Up Single-Player/Non-Dedicated Saves:

Locate the Save Folder: Navigate to the directory mentioned above: steamappscommonARKShooterGameSavedSavedArksLocal.
Identify the Correct Save: Find the folder that matches the name of the map you are playing.
Copy the Folder: Copy the entire folder containing your game saves. Paste this folder into a safe place, such as an external hard drive, another directory on your computer, or cloud storage. You have now successfully backed up your single player or non-dedicated server save.
Frequency: It is recommended to perform manual backups regularly, especially before making significant changes in game.

Backing Up Dedicated Server Saves:

Access Server Files: Connect to your server via FTP using a client like Filezilla or your host’s control panel.
Locate the Save Folder: Navigate to /ark/ShooterGame/Saved/SavedArks/.
Copy the Files: Copy all the files in this folder to your local computer.
Regular Backups: Automating this backup process can be a worthwhile investment, depending on how mission critical the server is.

Restoring Backups

Restoring your ARK save is as simple as reversing the backup process.

Locate your backup
Replace Existing Files: Overwrite the files at the saved location (e.g. steamappscommonARKShooterGameSavedSavedArksLocal) with the ones you copied from your backup.
Restart your server (if applicable) and/or game. Your ARK world should now be in the state of your last backup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does ARK automatically save my single-player progress?

Yes, single-player games autosave every 15 minutes. You can also manually save your game via in-game commands.

2. Can I manually save my ARK server?

Yes, admins can use the “saveworld” command in-game to force an immediate save of a dedicated server. This command is a must for any server admin.

3. Where are ARK backups stored?

Single-player and non-dedicated saves are typically stored in steamappscommonARKShooterGameSavedSavedArksLocal, while dedicated server backups are in the server’s file system, often at /ark/ShooterGame/Saved/SavedArks/.

4. How often do dedicated servers autosave?

Dedicated servers automatically save every 15 minutes by default and whenever they are shut down.

5. Does uninstalling ARK delete my saves?

Uninstalling ARK will not delete saves, as they are stored in a separate folder. However, it’s always a good practice to back up your saves before doing so.

6. Can I transfer my single-player ARK save to a dedicated server?

Yes, you can transfer single-player saves to a dedicated server by copying the saved game files to the server’s save folder.

7. How do I transfer items between ARK maps?

You can use an obelisk or loot drop to transfer items. Use the ARK data menu to upload and download items across the various maps.

8. How do I manually trigger an autosave in ARK?

Besides manually using the saveworld command on a server, on client side games jumping off your dino will trigger an autosave. Another, more reliable method is to pause the game and press and hold LB RB X Y at the same time to open the command line. Type saveworld into this window and select the appropriate button.

9. What is a .ark file in ARK?

A .ark file contains the world data for your saved game, including terrain, structures, and creature locations.

10. What is a .arkprofile file in ARK?

A .arkprofile file contains the information for your individual player character, including character progression, items, and settings.

11. Does ARK have cloud saves?

No, ARK does not utilize cloud saves. It is essential that you maintain your own local backups.

12. Can I compress my ARK save files to save space?

Yes, you can compress the ARK folder to save disk space by right-clicking the folder, selecting “properties,” clicking “Advanced,” and ticking “Compress contents to save disk space.”

13. What’s the difference between a dedicated and non-dedicated server?

A dedicated server runs separately from the client, allowing for more customization and scalability. A non-dedicated server runs on the host’s machine and has limitations on the number of players and range.

14. What happens if my ARK server crashes?

If your server crashes, the most recent autosave should protect you, however this may be up to 15 minutes behind your latest activity. If this causes major problems it is recommended to use the manual saveworld command more often.

15. Can I transfer my non-dedicated save to single player?

Yes, as both non-dedicated and single-player saves are located within the same save directory.

Conclusion

Understanding ARK’s save system and taking proactive steps to create backups can save you a lot of frustration. Whether you are a single-player explorer or a server admin managing a large community, implementing a reliable backup strategy is crucial for preserving your ARK journey. Be sure to follow the guides in this article and you will be well prepared for any unforeseen issues.

Does ARK have backup saves?