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ARK Cluster Setup Guide

Ark Guide • Updated Mar 30, 2026

ARK Cluster Setup Guide

An ARK cluster lets players transfer survivors, items, and creatures between multiple maps. The core rule is simple: every map in the cluster must share the same clusterid and the same cluster storage path. If either one differs, players may see the destination server but fail to transfer correctly.

Cluster Basics

Requirement Why It Matters
Same -clusterid Maps recognize each other as part of the same transfer group
Same -ClusterDirOverride Uploaded data is written to one shared transfer location
Unique map save directories Each map needs its own normal save data
Consistent transfer rules Players get predictable upload and download behavior

ASE Example

ShooterGameServer.exe TheIsland?SessionName=Island -clusterid=supercraftcluster -ClusterDirOverride="C:\ARKCluster"
ShooterGameServer.exe ScorchedEarth_P?SessionName=Scorched -clusterid=supercraftcluster -ClusterDirOverride="C:\ARKCluster"

Important Notes for ASA

ASA keeps the same cluster idea, but map and save handling is less forgiving. Treat each map as its own full save target, keep the cluster storage explicitly shared, and test transfers with disposable admin characters before opening the cluster to real players.

Do not use a generic cluster name. If your clusterid is too common, players may see unrelated public servers in transfer menus and get confused even though no real data is shared.

Transfer Rule Settings Worth Keeping Consistent

noTributeDownloads=False
PreventDownloadSurvivors=False
PreventDownloadItems=False
PreventDownloadDinos=False
TributeCharacterExpirationSeconds=0
TributeDinoExpirationSeconds=86400
TributeItemExpirationSeconds=86400

Keep these values aligned across all maps in the cluster. Mixed transfer rules create confusing one-way behavior where uploads work from one map but downloads fail on another.

Safe Rollout Order

  1. Bring up two maps only.
  2. Verify both use the same cluster ID and storage path.
  3. Test survivor upload and download with an admin account.
  4. Test creature and item transfer separately.
  5. Add more maps only after the first two behave correctly.

Need a simpler way to run multi-map ARK worlds? Launch an ARK: Survival Evolved server on Supercraft or run ARK: Survival Ascended on Supercraft and build your cluster from a cleaner dedicated baseline.

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