How to Roll Back Your Non-Dedicated ARK Server: A Comprehensive Guide

Rolling back a non-dedicated ARK: Survival Evolved server can seem daunting, but it’s a crucial skill for any host. Whether due to a game-breaking bug, an unfortunate accident, or simply wanting to revisit a previous state of your game world, knowing how to revert to an earlier save is invaluable. Unlike dedicated servers, non-dedicated servers have a slightly different rollback procedure, primarily because the game saves are stored locally on the host’s machine. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate the process.

The process essentially involves locating your backup save files and manually restoring them. ARK: Survival Evolved automatically saves the game’s progress at regular intervals, which creates these backup files. You will need to identify the save file from the desired point in time, then replace the current server save files with these older versions. This will effectively “rewind” your game state.

Manually Rolling Back Your Non-Dedicated ARK Server

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to manually roll back your non-dedicated server:

Step 1: Stop Your Server

Before you start manipulating any files, it is critical to stop your non-dedicated ARK server. This ensures that no new data is written to your save files, preventing potential corruption or further issues. To do this, exit the game normally.

Step 2: Locate Your Save Files

The location of your save files depends on the operating system you’re using.

• Windows: Typically, you can find your save files in the following directory:
  C:Program Files (x86)SteamsteamappscommonARKShooterGameSavedSavedArksLocal

• Other Operating Systems: If you’re using a different operating system, you can find your save folder by searching your PC for “SavedArksLocal”.

Inside the SavedArksLocal folder, you’ll find various files. The important ones for a rollback will be:

• TheIsland.ark (or the name of your map e.g. ScorchedEarth.ark, Ragnarok.ark, Aberration.ark, etc.) : This is the primary save file.
• TheIsland_00.ark , TheIsland_01.ark, TheIsland_02.ark, etc: These are the backup save files.

The numbers at the end of these backup save files indicate their creation order (older = lower number).

Step 3: Identify the Desired Backup File

Look at the modified date of each backup file. Choose the backup file that corresponds to the desired time period to which you want to roll back your server. For example, if you are rolling back to last night, find a backup from around that time.

Step 4: Rename Backup File

You need to rename the selected backup file. Here’s how:

1. Rename the current TheIsland.ark (or similar name) to TheIsland.old. This keeps the current file as backup.
2. Rename the backup file you chose (e.g., TheIsland_03.ark) to TheIsland.ark. This makes the backup your new main save.

Step 5: Start Your Server

Now that you’ve restored your server save, launch ARK: Survival Evolved and start your non-dedicated server as you normally would.

Step 6: Verify the Rollback

Once you’ve loaded into your game, verify that your server is indeed rolled back to the correct point in time. Check your buildings, tames, character progress, and any other aspects to confirm the successful restoration.

Important Notes

• Regular Backups: Make sure you know how often your game automatically makes save backups. By default, it is often every 15 minutes. If you want, you can change this in your config files.
• Multiple Maps: If you have multiple maps running in your server, you need to perform this process for all of them, using the correct map name in place of “TheIsland”.
• Manual Backup: It’s also a good idea to perform manual backups from time to time before you make major changes to your game. Simply copying the whole SavedArksLocal folder and renaming it as a backup can be life saving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can you roll back an ARK server?

Yes, ARK servers can be rolled back, either manually by restoring backup files as described above or, for dedicated servers, via control panel options provided by hosting services. The specific method depends on whether you’re hosting a dedicated server or a non-dedicated server.

2. What is a server rollback in ARK?

A server rollback is the process of reverting a server to a previous state using a saved backup. This action restores the world and player progress to a prior point, undoing any changes made since the last backup.

3. How often does ARK automatically save?

ARK: Survival Evolved automatically saves the server state by default every 15 minutes. You can adjust this save interval in your server configuration file.

4. Can I switch from a non-dedicated server to a dedicated server?

Yes, you can move a non-dedicated server world to a dedicated server by transferring the save files. You’ll need to access the save files from the host’s machine, then upload them to the dedicated server. It is important to also change the local player file, so it is using the steam id of the player as the file name.

5. What’s the difference between dedicated and non-dedicated servers?

A non-dedicated server utilizes the hosting player’s machine and is limited by the host’s tether distance to other players. A dedicated server runs independently on a separate machine, offering more control, flexibility, and no tethering limitations.

6. How many people can play on a non-dedicated server?

A non-dedicated server is typically limited to 4 players, including the host.

7. What are the disadvantages of a dedicated server?

Dedicated servers require more technical knowledge and maintenance, and they can incur additional expenses since they require their own hardware.

8. Do all ARK servers reset?

Most official ARK servers are “no wipe”, which means they don’t reset. However, some special game modes or private servers may have wipe cycles.

9. How do I change my server settings in ARK?

Server settings can be changed via the GameUserSettings.ini file. This file is often accessible through your server’s control panel. Locate and edit the desired settings, then save the file. Restarting the server is required for these changes to take effect.

10. What are the best server settings for a private ARK server?

Ideal server settings depend on preferences, but a common setup includes 2x gather rates, 2x XP, 3-4x taming speed, faster egg incubation, and accelerated baby maturation. Adjusting these settings can create a more enjoyable experience.

11. Can you transfer creatures between servers in ARK?

Most creatures can be transferred between servers using obelisks or supply drops. However, certain creatures cannot be transferred, like some creatures unique to specific maps.

12. Can you have multiple ARK servers on one machine?

Yes, it’s possible to run multiple ARK servers on the same machine. You will need to ensure that each server uses unique game and query ports, and create the relevant files needed for multiple instances.

13. How do I change my server to PVE?

To switch to PVE (Player vs Environment), you need to set serverPVE=true in the GameUserSettings.ini file. Restarting your server will activate PVE mode.

14. Where do I find my server settings in ARK?

Server options are primarily located in the GameUserSettings.ini file. This file can typically be found in the server’s configuration folder.

15. What cannot be transferred between servers in ARK?

Certain creatures cannot be transferred, including Chalk Golems (Valguero), Polar Bears (Valguero), and Fenrir (cannot be transferred outside of Cryopods).

Conclusion

Rolling back a non-dedicated ARK server requires a manual process involving locating and restoring backup files. While it might seem technical, carefully following the steps above can quickly revert your server to a previous state. Always remember to make frequent backups and understand the backup system to avoid unforeseen issues, and have a smooth gameplay experience.