Where Does ARK Server Manager Save Games?
The core save data for your ARK: Survival Evolved server managed through ARK Server Manager (ASM) is primarily stored within the server’s file structure, not within the ASM application itself. Specifically, the world data, player progress, and other crucial elements are located in the /ShooterGame/Saved/SavedArks/ directory within your server’s files. The exact path may vary slightly based on your operating system and server configuration, but this is the standard location you should look for. Each map will have its unique subdirectory within SavedArks, named using the map’s identifier, such as TheIsland, ScorchedEarth_P, Ragnarok, etc. This means that for each ARK map instance your server operates, there will be a unique folder within the SavedArks directory containing the corresponding save data.
Understanding the File Structure
Location of Primary Save Files
The primary save files, which are crucial for retaining all the in-game progress, are typically found in the /ShooterGame/Saved/SavedArks/ directory. This location is where all map data resides, as well as player profiles, tribe data, and structures. Within this directory, each map will have its dedicated folder, for example, /ShooterGame/Saved/SavedArks/TheIsland for The Island map.
Inside Each Map’s Folder
Within each map’s folder, you’ll find critical files such as the .ark files that represent the world’s current state. The .ark files are the core save files. The main .ark file reflects the map’s current status and is updated frequently as players interact with the world. Additionally, you will find other crucial files like player data, tribe data and potentially some backup files.
Player and Tribe Data
While the map save is contained in the .ark file, player data and tribe information are also within this directory, often in formats that are less immediately recognizable. This data allows your server to restore individual player progress and tribe structures when someone logs back in. It’s vital to understand that these files are just as crucial to your server’s operation as the main map save itself.
Configuration Files
It’s important to distinguish these save files from configuration files. While they both affect the server’s running state, they’re stored in a different location: /ShooterGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer. These configuration files determine how your server operates, including rules, gameplay settings, and enabled mods. They are generated after the server runs at least once and contain settings that affect the server in more broad ways than the save data, which relates to the state of the in-game world.
Accessing Your Save Data
Via FTP
To access these crucial files, you’ll primarily need an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) client, such as FileZilla. With FTP, you can connect to your server, navigate to the specified directories, and copy files to your local computer. This process is essential for making backups or transferring data to another server.
Through Server Control Panel
Some server hosts provide an in-browser file manager in their control panel. This can be a convenient alternative to FTP, allowing you to navigate, download, and upload files directly through your web browser. This functionality may be available depending on your server provider.
Local Single-Player Saves
It’s worth noting that if you’re running a non-dedicated session or a single-player game (not through a dedicated server), your saves will typically be found in a different location. On Windows, they are usually located within your Steam installation directory, commonly: C:Program Files (x86)SteamsteamappscommonARKShooterGameSavedSavedArksLocal. This will hold all the saves for your single-player worlds.
Backing Up Your Server Data
Regularly backing up your ARK server’s save data is critically important to safeguard against data loss. It can protect you against unexpected crashes, corruption, or administrative errors. Here’s how it’s generally done:
FTP Backup Process
- Use an FTP client to connect to your server.
- Navigate to the
/ShooterGame/Saved/SavedArks/directory. - Download all the files and folders within the SavedArks directory to your local computer. This includes all the subdirectories for each map.
- Store these backups in a safe and organized location. It’s good practice to create folders based on the date the backup was made to make recovery easier.
- Repeat this process frequently to have up-to-date backups. Depending on the activity level of your server, this could be hourly, daily, or at specific intervals.
Automating Backups
Some server providers offer automated backup services. Look for options within your server control panel or check if your host supports it, as this can provide an added layer of data protection and convenience.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. How often does ARK Server Manager save the game?
The ARK Server Manager itself doesn’t directly control the save intervals. The server autosaves every 15 minutes by default. Admins can also force a save using the in-game command “saveworld.”
2. Can I access my save files while the server is running?
Yes, technically you can access files using FTP while the server is running. However, it is strongly advised to stop the server before accessing or modifying the save files to avoid potential data corruption.
3. What happens if my save files get corrupted?
If your save files are corrupted, you will likely encounter issues when loading the map, such as the game failing to load, strange errors, or player data being missing. In such cases, restoring from a backup is the best option. Always have frequent and consistent backups of your server data.
4. What is the difference between .ark and .arkprofile files?
.ark files store the map data itself, such as landscape, structures, and item placements. .arkprofile files contain individual player character data such as their level, inventory, and location. Both are crucial.
5. Can I transfer my saved data to a different server?
Yes, you can transfer saved data to a different server using the methods described above. However, it’s crucial that the target server is running the same map and mods (if any) to ensure compatibility.
6. Can I roll back my server to a previous save?
Yes. By accessing your backups and restoring the files you can effectively roll back your server to a previous state. Most server managers, like ASM, also have a rollback feature within the control panel, which allows for this process with a few clicks.
7. Where are the server settings stored?
Server settings are stored in config files typically located in /ShooterGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer.
8. How can I wipe my server’s saved data?
Most server control panels provide a ‘wipe’ or reset server option that clears the /Saved folder within your server files, effectively resetting the map and player data.
9. How do I backup my server without using FTP?
Some server providers offer web-based file managers within their control panel which allows for backing up without the need for FTP. Automated backup services may also be available for even easier backups.
10. How can I copy a player profile from one server to another?
The best way to copy a player profile from one server to another is to copy the corresponding .arkprofile files from the source server to the target server, ensuring the user ID remains the same. It’s crucial that these servers have the same mods and maps for everything to work smoothly.
11. Can I restore a backup while the server is running?
No. You must stop your ARK server to restore a backup. Restoring data while the server is running can lead to corruption or unpredictable behavior of the game data.
12. Are there any limits to save file sizes?
Technically, there are no hard limits to the size of save files but exceptionally large save files can lead to performance issues. It’s best practice to ensure that server is running on the hardware that can handle your data.
13. Can I edit saved data directly?
It is generally not recommended to directly edit save data unless you are experienced with the file structure and formats. Incorrectly editing the files could lead to save corruption and loss of game progress.
14. What does wiping a server entail?
Wiping a server completely removes all saved data including the map state, player progress, tribe information. It usually entails removing all the files within the /ShooterGame/Saved/SavedArks/ directory.
15. Why is my save file so large?
ARK save files can become large as players build, explore, and add to the world. Large-scale structures and large player bases are common factors for growing save file sizes. The map that you are playing on also plays a role as larger maps can result in large save file sizes.