> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.freakhosting.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Change the Map on Your ARK: Survival Evolved Server

> Change the map on an ARK: Survival Evolved server: pick The Island, Ragnarok, Fjordur or another ASE map in Game settings, or set a mod map name in Startup.

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.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Panel page |
| - | - | - | - |
| Beginner | 5 minutes, plus the map load | Every FREAKHOSTING ARK: Survival Evolved server | **Game settings** > **Server** > **Map** |

## 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.

## 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.

## 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.

| Map | Map name |
| - | - |
| The Island | `TheIsland` |
| The Center | `TheCenter` |
| Scorched Earth | `ScorchedEarth_P` |
| Ragnarok | `Ragnarok` |
| Aberration | `Aberration_P` |
| Extinction | `Extinction` |
| Valguero | `Valguero_P` |
| Genesis: Part 1 | `Genesis` |
| Crystal Isles | `CrystalIsles` |
| Genesis: Part 2 | `Gen2` |
| Lost Island | `LostIsland` |
| Fjordur | `Fjordur` |

Names ending in `_WP`, such as `TheIsland_WP`, are ARK: Survival Ascended maps. ASE does not have them.

## How to use a mod map

**1. Add the map mod**

Add the map's Steam Workshop id to **Mods**. See [install mods](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/ark-survival-evolved/how-to-install-mods-on-ark-survival-evolved.md).

**2. Set the map name in Startup**

On the [Startup page](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-configure-startup-variables.md), 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.

> [!WARNING]
>
> A map name the game does not know stops the server from starting. Copy it exactly, including capitals and `_P`.

## Frequently asked questions

### 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md) anyway.

### 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/ark-survival-evolved/setting-up-an-ark-cluster.md).

### 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.

### 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.

## Related guides

> [card] [ARK server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/ark-survival-evolved/ark-survival-evolved-server-hosting-guide.md)
>
> Every ARK page in one place.

> [card] [Install mods](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/ark-survival-evolved/how-to-install-mods-on-ark-survival-evolved.md)
>
> Steam Workshop mods and mod maps.

> [card] [Upload a save](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/ark-survival-evolved/how-to-upload-a-save-to-your-ark-survival-evolved-server.md)
>
> Bring a world from your PC.

> [card] [Server not starting](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/ark-survival-evolved/ark-survival-evolved-server-not-starting.md)
>
> Wrong map names and other causes.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **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](https://ark.wiki.gg/wiki/Server_configuration)**. Steps may differ slightly if the game changes.

> [!NOTE]
>
> ### Need Extra Help?
>
> If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:
>
> * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website.
> * **Support Ticket:** [Open a Ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php)
> * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting)
> * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com)

> [!TIP]
>
> ### Save on Your Hosting
>
> Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first order!

***

**Last Updated:** November 2026


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