# How to Set Up an ARK SA Server Cluster (/docs/ark-survival-ascended/cluster-setup)



import { Step, Steps } from 'fumadocs-ui/components/steps';

A cluster links multiple ARK servers together, allowing players to transfer characters, dinos, and items between maps using the Obelisk or supply drops.

Set Up a Cluster [#set-up-a-cluster]

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Choose a Cluster ID [#choose-a-cluster-id]

    Pick a unique string that all servers in the cluster will share (e.g., `MyCluster123`).
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Add the cluster startup parameter [#add-the-cluster-startup-parameter]

    On **each** server in the cluster, go to **Startup** in the [XGamingServer Panel](https://panel.xgamingserver.com). Add to the startup parameters:

    ```
    -ClusterId=MyCluster123 -ClusterDirOverride="ShooterGame/Saved/clusters"
    ```

    All servers must use the **same ClusterId**.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Set different maps per server [#set-different-maps-per-server]

    Each server should run a different map. See [Change Map](/docs/ark-survival-ascended/change-map).
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Restart all servers [#restart-all-servers]

    Restart every server in the cluster. Players can now transfer at Obelisks and supply drops.
  </Step>
</Steps>

Transfer Settings [#transfer-settings]

Control what players can transfer in `GameUserSettings.ini`:

| Setting                    | Default | Description                   |
| -------------------------- | ------- | ----------------------------- |
| `PreventDownloadSurvivors` | `False` | Block character transfers in  |
| `PreventDownloadItems`     | `False` | Block item transfers in       |
| `PreventDownloadDinos`     | `False` | Block dino transfers in       |
| `PreventUploadSurvivors`   | `False` | Block character transfers out |
| `PreventUploadItems`       | `False` | Block item transfers out      |
| `PreventUploadDinos`       | `False` | Block dino transfers out      |

Related Guides [#related-guides]

* [Change Map](/docs/ark-survival-ascended/change-map)
* [Server Configuration](/docs/ark-survival-ascended/configure-your-server)
* [Startup Parameters](/docs/ark-survival-ascended/startup-parameters)