> ## 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 Set Up an Ark Cluster

> Connect multiple Ark: Survival Evolved servers into a cluster. Learn how to allow players to transfer characters, dinos, and items between maps smoothly.

## Connecting the Multiverse

Clustering is a powerful feature in Ark: Survival Evolved (ASE) that links multiple servers together, creating a unified network of worlds. This allows your players to move their survivors, tamed creatures, and items between different maps (e.g., from The Island to Scorched Earth) using Obelisks, Supply Drops, or Tek Transmitters.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Difficulty" icon="gauge-low">
    Advanced
  </Card>

  <Card title="Time" icon="clock">
    15 Minutes
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## Technical Prerequisites

Before you can link your servers, ensure you meet these fundamental requirements.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Node Placement">
    For clustering to function correctly, all involved servers **must** be hosted on the same physical backend node. This allows the servers to share the underlying cluster directory. Please contact FREAKHOSTING support to verify or move your servers to the same node.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Cluster ID">
    The Cluster ID is a shared secret key. Only servers with the exact same ID will recognize each other and appear in the cross-map travel list.
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

***

## Configuration Steps

Perform these steps on **every server** that you want to include in your cluster.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Access Startup Settings">
    Log in to your [Game Panel](https://panel.freakhosting.com) and navigate to the **Startup** tab for your first server.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Define Your Cluster ID">
    Locate the **Cluster ID** field. Enter a unique and complex string.

    * *Example:* `Freak_Secret_Cluster_772`

    <Warning>
      Never use simple IDs like `Cluster1` or `MyArk`. Since clustering works via the node's shared directory, another user on the same node with the same ID could potentially link their server to yours and steal your players' items.
    </Warning>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Repeat for Other Servers">
    Go to your other Ark servers and enter the **identical** string into their Cluster ID fields.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Restart All Servers">
    Restart every server in the cluster to initialize the connection.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Verifying and Testing

Once the servers are online, you should verify that the connection is active.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Travel to an Obelisk">
    Join one of your maps and move to a large Obelisk or wait for a Supply Drop.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Access the Terminal">
    Interact with the terminal and click the **Travel to Another Server** button in the top right corner.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm Visibility">
    Your other clustered maps should now appear in the list. Select one and click **Join** to begin the transfer.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

<Important>
  ### Transfer Security

  To prevent players from bringing "God-tier" items from their Singleplayer saves or external servers, ensure that `-NoTransferFromFiltering` is added to your startup arguments and that `PreventUploadSurvivors=False` is set in your `GameUserSettings.ini`.
</Important>

***

<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)
</Note>

<Tip>
  ### Save on Your Hosting

  Ready to get a new server? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first month!
</Tip>

***

<div align="center">
  **Last Updated:** January 2026 | **Network:** Spanning the worlds.
</div>