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How to Wipe an Ark Server: A Comprehensive Guide

Wiping an Ark: Survival Evolved server essentially resets the game world to a fresh state. This means deleting all player progress, structures, dinos, and items, effectively starting everyone from scratch. The process varies slightly depending on whether you’re running an official server, a private server through a hosting provider, or a locally hosted dedicated server. Here’s a general breakdown:

Back Up Your Server (Optional but Recommended): Before initiating a wipe, it’s always a good idea to back up your server files. This allows you to revert to the previous state if needed. This can be done via your hosting provider’s panel or by manually copying the relevant files from your server directory.
Access Your Server Control Panel: This is where you’ll manage your server settings. If you’re using a hosting provider (Nitrado, Survival Servers, etc.), log into their website and navigate to your server management panel. If you’re running a dedicated server, access the server files directly.
Locate the “Wipe Server” or “Reset Server” Option: Most hosting providers offer a one-click “Wipe Server” or “Reset Server” button. Look for this option in your server control panel. If you don’t see this option, you may need to manually delete the save files.
Manually Delete Save Files (If Necessary): If there’s no automated wipe option, you’ll need to manually delete the server’s save files. These files are typically located in the ShooterGame/Saved/ directory within your server’s installation folder. The most important files to delete are the .ark save files and the Players and Tribes folders.
Confirm and Execute the Wipe: The control panel usually prompts you to confirm that you want to wipe the server. Be absolutely sure you want to do this, as it’s irreversible without a backup.
Restart the Server: After the wipe is complete, restart the server. This will generate a new save file, effectively starting the game from scratch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ark Server Wipes

Here are some common questions regarding server wipes in Ark: Survival Evolved.

Do Official Ark Servers Wipe?

Generally, official Ark servers do not wipe. The exception to this are the ARKpocalypse servers which are monthly-wipe servers with accelerated gather rates and XP. The official servers for the original ARK: Survival Evolved shut down in September 2023 to make way for ARK: Survival Ascended, a new Unreal Engine 5 remake.

Why Do Ark Servers Wipe?

Servers are wiped for several reasons:

New Beginnings: To provide a fresh start for all players, especially after long periods of gameplay.
Major Updates: Some significant game updates or changes necessitate a wipe to ensure compatibility and prevent issues with existing data.
Performance Issues: Over time, save files can become bloated, leading to performance issues. Wiping the server can resolve these problems.
Admin Discretion: Private server admins may wipe the server for community events, themed seasons, or to implement new rules.
Beginner Servers: As the provided document shares, beginner servers are wiped to help provide a fresh beginner experience for new players.

How Often Do Arkpocalypse Servers Wipe?

ARKpocalypse servers wipe approximately every 30 days. They offer a faster-paced experience with accelerated rates to compensate for the frequent wipes.

How Do I Find Out When a Server Will Wipe?

Official Announcements: Keep an eye on the official Ark: Survival Evolved forums, social media channels (Twitter, Facebook), and the developer’s website for announcements regarding planned wipes.
Server Admins: If you play on a private server, communicate with the server admins. They will usually announce upcoming wipes in advance.
Discord: Many private servers have Discord communities where admins post announcements and updates.

Can I Prevent My Progress From Being Wiped?

Unfortunately, you cannot prevent a server wipe if the admin or developers decide to wipe the server. The best you can do is:

Back Up Your Data (If You’re the Admin): As mentioned earlier, always back up your server files before a wipe.
Choose Your Servers Wisely: Play on servers that have a clear wipe policy or a history of infrequent wipes.
Consider Single-Player: If you’re concerned about losing progress, consider playing in single-player mode or on a non-dedicated server with friends.

What Happens to My Purchased Content During a Wipe?

Wipes typically only affect in-game progress. Any DLCs or cosmetic items you purchased are tied to your account and will still be available after a wipe.

How Do I Wipe a Nitrado Ark Server?

Nitrado is a popular hosting provider. To wipe a Nitrado Ark server:

Log in to your Nitrado account.
Navigate to your Ark: Survival Evolved server.
Find the “Wipe Server” button in the basic settings.
Confirm the wipe.
Restart the server.

What Does Wiping a Server NOT Delete?

A server wipe generally does not delete:

Your purchased DLCs and cosmetic items.
The base game installation.
The server configuration files (unless you specifically choose to reset them).

Can I Partially Wipe a Server?

Yes, some hosting providers or manual configurations allow for partial wipes. You might be able to:

Wipe Only Dinos: Reset all tamed creatures to the wild.
Wipe Only Structures: Remove all player-built structures.
Wipe Only Player Data: Reset player levels, engrams, and inventories.

The specific options available depend on your server management tools.

Are Unofficial Ark Servers Safe?

As the provided document states, Unofficial Ark Servers are safe and often offer greater flexibility and customization through mods and alternative gameplay experiences. However, the safety and quality of an unofficial server depend heavily on the admin’s integrity and management. Do some research before committing to an unofficial server.

How Do I Clear My Ark Server Cache?

Clearing the cache can help resolve certain server issues. Here’s how:

Steam Version:
1. Unsubscribe from all mods (Steam > Community > Workshop > Your Workshop Files > Your Files > Subscribed Items).
2. Log out of Steam.
3. Delete the folder: steamappscommonARKShooterGameContentMods.
4. Delete the folder: steamappsworkshopcontent346110.
5. Restart your computer.
6. Log in to Steam.

What are Beginner Servers in Ark?

Beginner servers are designed for new players. They often have:

Progress Limitations: Restrictions on how much players and dinos can progress.
Regular Wipes: Frequent wipes to ensure a level playing field for newcomers.
Increased Protection: Enhanced rules and moderation to prevent experienced players from dominating.

What is a Mindwipe Tonic in Ark?

A Mindwipe Tonic is a consumable item that allows you to reset your character’s stats and engrams. This allows you to reallocate your skill points and learn different blueprints.

What Happens to My Base After a Wipe?

After a server wipe, your base and all its contents are deleted. The game world is essentially reset to its original state.

What are the benefits of playing on a server that wipes?

There are several potential benefits to playing on a server that wipes:

Fresh Start: Everyone starts on equal footing, eliminating the power imbalance between new and established players.
Renewed Interest: A wipe can reinvigorate the player base and create a more active community.
Opportunity for Experimentation: You can try new strategies, build different bases, and tame different dinos without the pressure of protecting your existing assets.

The world of Ark: Survival Evolved is ever-evolving, and understanding server wipes is crucial for both players and administrators. Whether you embrace the challenge of a fresh start or prefer the stability of a persistent world, knowing your options is key to enjoying the game. For more insights into the intersection of gaming and learning, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. We hope this article answered all your questions. Good luck surviving!

How do you wipe an ark server?