> ## 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 Upload a Save to Your ARK: Survival Evolved Server

> Upload an ARK: Survival Evolved save to your server: copy the map's .ark file to ShooterGame/Saved/SavedArks with the server stopped, then start it.

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.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Panel page |
| - | - | - | - |
| Intermediate | 15 to 30 minutes | Every FREAKHOSTING ARK: Survival Evolved server | **Files**, **Game settings** |

## Before you start

* Make a [backup](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md) 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/ark-survival-evolved/how-to-install-mods-on-ark-survival-evolved.md).

## Where to find your save on your PC

| Where the world comes from | Folder |
| - | - |
| Single player (Steam) | `steamapps\common\ARK\ShooterGame\Saved\SavedArksLocal\` |
| Single player (Epic Games) | `ShooterGame\Saved\SavedArksLocal\` in your ARK install folder |
| Another dedicated server | `ShooterGame/Saved/SavedArks/` on that server |

| File | What it is |
| - | - |
| `<Map>.ark` | The world, for example `TheIsland.ark` or `Fjordur.ark` |
| `*.arkprofile` | Player characters. In single player yours is `LocalPlayer.arkprofile`. |
| `*.arktribe` | Tribes |

## 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-connect-via-sftp.md).

**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.

## 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/ark-survival-evolved/ark-gameusersettings-ini-and-game-ini-explained.md).

## Frequently asked questions

### 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.

### My character is missing after the upload. Why?

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

### 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.

## 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] [Restore a corrupt save](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/ark-survival-evolved/restoring-a-corrupt-world-save.md)
>
> Roll back from a backup.

> [card] [Change the map](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/ark-survival-evolved/how-to-change-the-map-on-your-ark-survival-evolved-server.md)
>
> Map names for ASE.

> [card] [SFTP](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-connect-via-sftp.md)
>
> Upload large files.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **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.

> [!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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