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How To Change Your Server on ARK: A Comprehensive Guide

Changing servers in ARK: Survival Evolved is a common need for players wanting to explore new maps, join friends on different servers, or find the perfect community. The process can vary slightly depending on the type of server you’re on (official, unofficial, dedicated, non-dedicated), but the core concepts remain the same. Essentially, changing servers involves either connecting to a different existing server or, in some cases, migrating your character and belongings to a different server within a cluster. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of how to navigate this process:

Joining a Different Server

The most common way to change servers is to join a completely new server. This means leaving your current server and its progress behind to start fresh on another server. Here’s how to do it:

Using the Steam Server Browser

Open Steam: Launch your Steam client.
Navigate to Server List: Go to View > Game Servers.
Select the ARK Filter: In the Game Servers window, ensure the filter is set to ARK: Survival Evolved.
Choose Your Server: Use the filters to narrow your search (e.g., official/unofficial, map name, game mode) or search by name. Click on a server you’re interested in.
Add to Favorites (Optional): If you find a server you like, click Add to Favorites to save it for later.
Join Server: Click the Join Server button. The game will launch and connect you to the selected server.

Using Server IP Address

Find Server IP Address: Obtain the IP address and port number of the server you wish to join from the server provider or community.
Open Steam Server Browser: Go to View > Game Servers in Steam.
Add Server by IP: Click Add Server by IP.
Enter Server Details: Enter the IP address and port number into the popup box and click OK.
Join Server: The server should now appear in your server list. Click on it and then select Join Server.
Launch ARK: The game will then launch and connect to the server.

In-Game Server Browser

Launch ARK: Start the game and go to the main menu.
Select Join ARK: Click on Join ARK.
Filter Servers: Use the filter options at the top to narrow down your search for the type of server you’re looking for.
Select and Join: Once you find the server you’re looking for click on it, then click Join.

Transferring Your Character Between Servers (Clustered Servers)

Character transfer is only possible if you are moving between clustered servers. This allows you to take your character, tames, and items with you to another server within the same network.

Understanding Server Clusters

A cluster is a network of interconnected ARK servers that share the same player data, allowing for seamless character and item transfers. This setup enables players to experience different maps without losing their progress. If you’re unsure whether your servers are clustered, consult your server host or the server community.

The Transfer Process

Locate a Transmitter: Find an Obelisk, Tek Transmitter, or Supply Crate on your current server.
Access the Transmitter: Interact with the transmitter.
Select Travel to Another Server: In the transmitter menu, select the option to Travel to Another Server.
Choose Target Server: A list of available servers within the cluster will appear. Select the server you wish to transfer to.
Upload Your Character: Confirm your choice. Your character data will be uploaded to the cluster.
Join Target Server: Launch the game and select Join ARK, then select the target server you transferred to.
Download Character: At the character creation screen, instead of making a new character, you will be presented with an option to download your uploaded character. Select this option to begin playing.

Important Considerations

Official vs. Unofficial: Transfers are only possible between official servers to other official servers, and unofficial servers to other unofficial servers within their respective clusters.
PvE to PvE, PvP to PvP: You can only transfer from PvE to PvE servers and PvP to PvP servers.
Transferable Items: There are limitations on what can be transferred. Some creatures, such as Chalk Golem and Polar Bear, have specific restrictions.
Cryopod Timing: If you transfer a creature in a Cryopod, the timer resets which causes the creature to lose any pending experience. You need to unpod the creature on the original server and let it gain the experience before transferring it.
Server Rules: Ensure you are following the rules of the new server before transferring, as some servers may have different rules than the one you left.

FAQs

1. How do I change the map on my ARK server?

To change your server map, you typically do so through the server control panel provided by your host. Navigate to the server settings or configuration section and find the dropdown menu for Server Map. Select your desired map, save the changes and restart your server.

2. Can I change hosts on ARK?

Yes, you can change hosts on ARK. You have to rename the player profile file with the long ID (of the new host) to LocalPlayer, then find your Steam ID and rename the old LocalPlayer file to that Steam ID. Finally, copy over the arkprofiles and the .ark save file to the new host’s file system.

3. How do I change server settings in Apex Hosting?

On your Apex server panel, click on Config Files, then select the ARK Server Configuration (GameUserSettings.ini). Make changes as needed and save. Then, return to the main panel and restart your server to apply changes.

4. What can’t be transferred between servers in ARK?

Certain creatures like the Chalk Golem (Valguero only), Polar Bear (Valguero only), and sometimes Fenrir (only while in a Cryopod), cannot be reliably transferred. There may also be server-specific restrictions, so always check server rules.

5. Can I have multiple servers in ARK?

Yes, you can have multiple servers in ARK. You can create a server cluster, linking servers and allowing for character transfer, or run completely independent servers.

6. Can I make multiple servers on one machine?

Yes, you can create multiple servers on one machine. Each server will need a unique configuration, including different game ports and query ports, to avoid conflicts.

7. Can I have my own personal server in ARK?

Yes, you can have your own server using a Gaming VPS. This offers you complete control over the server settings, map, and mods, allowing for a customized experience.

8. Can I swap servers in Lost Ark?

Unfortunately, you cannot change servers in Lost Ark. Characters are linked to a server upon creation, and there is no transfer option.

9. How do I change my ARK server to PVE?

In your server’s game panel, find the GameUserSettings.ini file. Locate the line serverPVE=false and change it to serverPVE=true. Save and restart the server.

10. What can you transfer servers with in ARK?

You can transfer your character, tamed creatures, and items. However, as previously mentioned, certain restrictions apply, and only PvE to PvE and PvP to PvP transfers are allowed.

11. What is considered the best ARK map?

There are many great maps, including Lost Island, Ragnarok, and Fjordur, each offering diverse and exciting environments. The “best” map depends on personal preference.

12. How can I get a free ARK server?

Some platforms, such as Survival Servers and GameServers.com, occasionally offer free trials or promotions for ARK server hosting. Keep an eye out for promotional codes.

13. Can I host a server in ARK and play on the same machine?

Yes, ARK allows you to host a server directly from the main menu. You can choose to host a non-dedicated server for local co-op or a dedicated server, which allows more players, with some limitations on distance.

14. How do I select a different server in Apex Legends?

In Apex Legends, wait at the start screen for 60 seconds and press escape twice. The data center will appear, allowing you to manually select the server you wish to play on.

15. What is a non-dedicated server in ARK?

A non-dedicated server is a method of hosting local co-op games where the host is playing on the same machine as they are hosting. There are limitations on player proximity as players can’t move too far away from the host.

How do I change my server on ark?