Want to take your solo ARK adventures to the next level? Convert ARK Singleplayer to Dedicated Server Step-by-Step and invite friends to join your world. This process preserves your bases, tamed dinos, and progress while enabling true multiplayer hosting.
Many players hit roadblocks like corrupted saves or mismatched profiles during migration. Our detailed guide draws from proven methods used by hosting experts. You’ll learn exact file locations, renaming tricks, and config adjustments to avoid common pitfalls. By the end, your dedicated server will run flawlessly.
Why Convert ARK Singleplayer to Dedicated Server Step-by-Step
Singleplayer ARK limits you to solo play or non-dedicated sessions with friends. Converting to a dedicated server means 24/7 uptime, more players, and custom rules. Your world persists without host dependency.
This upgrade shines for tribe play. Keep your massive bases and high-level dinos intact. Friends join seamlessly, turning your survival saga into a shared epic. Providers like Nodecraft or G-Portal simplify hosting.
Performance boosts too. Dedicated servers handle larger maps without lag. Mod support expands possibilities. Start the Convert ARK Singleplayer to Dedicated Server Step-by-Step journey for endless replayability.
Preparing to Convert ARK Singleplayer to Dedicated Server Step-by-Step
Backup everything first. Locate your ARK install via Steam: right-click ARK: Survival Evolved, select Manage, then Browse Local Files. Note the path for later.
Decide on hosting: self-host on PC/VPS, or use services like BisectHosting. Self-hosting needs powerful hardware; cloud options scale easily. Gather FTP tools like FileZilla for file transfers.
Know your SteamID64. Visit steamid.io to find it—crucial for profiles. Preparation ensures smooth Convert ARK Singleplayer to Dedicated Server Step-by-Step.
Locate Your Singleplayer Files for Conversion
Navigate to ShooterGame/Saved in your ARK folder. Key directories: SavedArks for world saves (.ark files), and Config for settings.
Inside SavedArks, find your map folder like “TheIsland.ark”. Copy these: .ark, .arkprofile, .arktribe, and .arkadmin. Also grab GameUserSettings.ini, Game.ini from Saved/Config/WindowsNoEditor.
These files hold your progress. Without them, conversion fails. Double-check dates to grab latest saves before proceeding with Convert ARK Singleplayer to Dedicated Server Step-by-Step.
Set Up Your Dedicated ARK Server
Sign up with a host like Nodecraft or G-Portal. Create ARK: Survival Evolved instance. Let it install fully.
Access control panel. Stop server. Set map to match singleplayer (e.g., TheIsland). Adjust slots, password if needed.
FTP into server: ShooterGame/Saved/SavedArks. Clear default files. Now ready for upload in your Convert ARK Singleplayer to Dedicated Server Step-by-Step process.
Upload and Convert ARK Singleplayer to Dedicated Server Step-by-Step
Connect FTP: left side local files, right server. Stop server first. Navigate server to ShooterGame/Saved/SavedArks.
Upload .ark, .arktribe, .arkadmin from singleplayer. Rename localplayer.arkprofile to your SteamID64.arkprofile. Example: 76561198000000000.arkprofile.
Upload to SavedArks. Preserve folder structure. This core step transfers your world during Convert ARK Singleplayer to Dedicated Server Step-by-Step.
Configure Settings to Convert ARK Singleplayer to Dedicated Server Step-by-Step
Don’t copy configs blindly—they differ for multiplayer. Use singleplayer as reference. Edit GameUserSettings.ini in Saved/Config/WindowsServer.
Add settings like ActiveMods=, OverrideOfficialDifficulty=5.0. Match taming rates, harvest multipliers. Save changes.
Engine.ini tweaks boost performance: [/script/engine.engine] SmoothFrameRate=True. Fine-tune for stability in conversion.
Handle Player Profiles and Tribes
Profiles link to SteamID. Renamed .arkprofile ensures login with your character. Tribes auto-join if sole member.
If issues, use admin commands. Connect, enable cheats: enablecheats adminpassword. Then setcheatplayer true.
showmyadminmanager for tribe tools. Force join: ForcePlayerToJoinTargetTribe. Promote founder: MakeTribeFounder. Secures control post-conversion.
Test and Troubleshoot Your Conversion
Start server. Connect via IP: direct connect in game. Verify world loads with bases, dinos.
Common fixes: wrong map? Change in panel. Empty world? Check file names, permissions. Lag? Increase RAM allocation.
Logs in ShooterGame/Saved reveal errors. Restart after changes. Test thoroughly after Convert ARK Singleplayer to Dedicated Server Step-by-Step.
Advanced Tips for Convert ARK Singleplayer to Dedicated Server Step-by-Step
Mods? Upload to ShooterGame/Content/Mods, list in GameUserSettings.ini. Cluster multiple maps? Link SavedArks folders.
Self-hosting: Use ARK Server Manager tool. Edit ShooterGame/Saved/Config/ for ports. Forward UDP 7777, 7778, 27015.
Backup weekly via FTP. Automate with scripts. Scales your setup beyond basic conversion.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Copying entire Saved folder corrupts configs. Always reference, don’t overwrite.
Forgetting SteamID rename creates new character. Double-check ID.
Not stopping server before upload overwrites changes. Patience prevents data loss in Convert ARK Singleplayer to Dedicated Server Step-by-Step.
Wrong map selection starts fresh world. Match exactly: Ragnarok_WP.ark etc.
Expert Takeaways
Always backup originals. Test small first. Use FTP clients with resume for large saves.
For tribes, admin commands fix ownership fast. Monitor server logs daily.
Upgrade hosting as players grow. This Convert ARK Singleplayer to Dedicated Server Step-by-Step method works across ASA updates.
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Mastering how to Convert ARK Singleplayer to Dedicated Server Step-by-Step transforms solo grinding into epic multiplayer. Follow these steps precisely for success. Your ARK world awaits friends—host now and thrive together.
