How to Set Up an ARK SA Server Cluster

Link multiple ARK Survival Ascended servers together so players can transfer characters and dinos between maps.

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

Choose a Cluster ID

Pick a unique string that all servers in the cluster will share (e.g., MyCluster123).

Add the cluster startup parameter

On each server in the cluster, go to Startup in the XGamingServer Panel. Add to the startup parameters:

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

All servers must use the same ClusterId.

Set different maps per server

Each server should run a different map. See Change Map.

Restart all servers

Restart every server in the cluster. Players can now transfer at Obelisks and supply drops.

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