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To change the map on an ARK: Survival Evolved server on FREAKHOSTING, stop the server, open Game settings, choose a new Map in Server, tick I understand and want to save these., click Review and save and start the server. Pick only ARK: Survival Evolved maps: entries marked “(Ascended)” belong to ARK: Survival Ascended and stop an ASE server from starting.

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Before you start

  • Every map has its own save file, ShooterGame/Saved/SavedArks/<Map>.ark. Your old world stays on the server and comes back if you switch back.
  • The official maps are already installed on the server; you don’t need to download anything.

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How to change the map

1

Stop the server

Click Stop and wait until it is offline.
2

Choose the map

Open Game settings and pick a Map in Server. Skip every entry that ends in “(Ascended)”.
3

Confirm the warning

Map is a careful setting. In Check these before you save, tick I understand and want to save these.
4

Review, save and start

Click Review and save, then Start. Loading a map can take up to about 10 minutes. Wait for Waiting commands for 127.0.0.1:27020 in the console.

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ARK: Survival Evolved map names

The panel writes the map name for you. Use these names if you set the map on the Startup page (Server Map) instead. Names ending in _WP, such as TheIsland_WP, are ARK: Survival Ascended maps. ASE does not have them.

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How to use a mod map

1

Add the map mod

Add the map’s Steam Workshop id to Mods. See install mods.
2

Set the map name in Startup

On the Startup page, enter the map name from the mod’s Workshop page in Server Map (up to 20 characters).
3

Start the server

The server downloads the mod, then loads the map.
A map name the game does not know stops the server from starting. Copy it exactly, including capitals and _P.

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Frequently asked questions

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Will I lose my world if I change the map?

No. Each map has its own .ark file in SavedArks. Switch back and your old world loads again. Make a backup anyway.

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Can players bring characters and dinos to the new map?

Not directly on one server. Players can upload items, creatures and survivors at an obelisk or transmitter and download them on another server in a cluster.

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Why does the map list show “(Ascended)” maps?

Those entries are for ARK: Survival Ascended. Your server runs ARK: Survival Evolved, so choose one of the maps in the table above.

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Is Aquatica or a procedurally generated map available?

They are not in the panel’s map list. We have not tested them on our servers.

ARK server guide

Every ARK page in one place.

Install mods

Steam Workshop mods and mod maps.

Upload a save

Bring a world from your PC.

Server not starting

Wrong map names and other causes.
Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team on our Game Panel on 2 November 2026 (ARK: Survival Evolved dedicated server). Map names checked against the official ARK Wiki server configuration. Steps may differ slightly if the game changes.

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Need Extra Help?

If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:

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Last Updated: November 2026