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To upload an ARK: Survival Evolved world to your FREAKHOSTING server, stop the server, upload the map’s .ark file (for example TheIsland.ark) and any .arkprofile and .arktribe files to ShooterGame/Saved/SavedArks/, set Map in Game settings to the same map and start the server. The file name must match the map name exactly.

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Before you start

  • Make a backup of the server. Uploading replaces the server’s world for that map.
  • The save must come from ARK: Survival Evolved, not ARK: Survival Ascended.
  • If the world used mods, add the same mods to the server first. See install mods.

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Where to find your save on your PC

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How to upload the world

1

Stop the server

Click Stop and wait until it is offline.
2

Open SavedArks

In Files, open ShooterGame/Saved/SavedArks/. If the server has never run this map, start it once on that map and stop it again so the folder and file exist.
3

Upload the files

Upload the .ark file and the .arkprofile and .arktribe files. Replace the existing <Map>.ark. Files over a few hundred MB are easier to upload with SFTP.
4

Rename your single-player character

If you uploaded LocalPlayer.arkprofile, rename it to your 17-digit SteamID64 followed by .arkprofile, for example 76561198000000001.arkprofile.
5

Choose the same map

In Game settings, set Map to the map of the save and click Review and save.
6

Start the server

Click Start and wait for Waiting commands for 127.0.0.1:27020. Join and check the world.

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What about my single-player settings?

Your PC keeps its settings in GameUserSettings.ini and Game.ini. Don’t upload them over the server’s files. Set the same rates in Game settings instead, or copy single lines into the server’s raw files. See config files explained.

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Frequently asked questions

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Why does the server start a new world instead of mine?

The .ark name and the server map don’t match, or the file is in the wrong folder. TheIsland.ark must be in ShooterGame/Saved/SavedArks/ and Map must be The Island.

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My character is missing after the upload. Why?

The .arkprofile file must be named after your SteamID64. Rename LocalPlayer.arkprofile as shown above.

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Do I have to upload the .arkprofile and .arktribe files?

Only if you want to keep characters and tribes. The .ark file holds the world; the .arkprofile files hold player characters and the .arktribe files hold tribes.

ARK server guide

Every ARK page in one place.

Restore a corrupt save

Roll back from a backup.

Change the map

Map names for ASE.

SFTP

Upload large files.
Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team on our Game Panel on 2 November 2026 (ARK: Survival Evolved dedicated server, The Island). 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