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Disaster Recovery for Your ARK

If your Ark server crashes on startup with a LowLevelFatalError or Serialization Error, it is likely that your primary save file has become corrupted. Fortunately, Ark keeps multiple local backups.
Reading TimeDifficultyLast Updated
6 minutesIntermediateJanuary 2026

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The Backup Directory

All world data is stored in the /ShooterGame/Saved/SavedArks/ folder.
  • TheIsland.ark - The live (possibly corrupt) save.
  • TheIsland_[Timestamp].ark - Automatic backups created by the server.
  • TheIsland_AntiCorruptionBackup.bak - The most recent redundant backup.

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Restoration Workflow

  1. Stop your server completely.
  2. In the File Manager, rename TheIsland.ark to TheIsland_OLD.ark.
  3. Locate the most recent timestamped backup (check the file size to ensure it isn’t empty).
  4. Rename that backup file to exactly TheIsland.ark.
  5. Restart your server.

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Support Channels

If you need assistance or have any questions, please contact our support team:

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First Month Discount

Use code KB20 at checkout to get 20% off your first month of hosting!
Last Updated: January 2026 | Data: Protecting your legacy.