How to Configure Clustering on Your ARK Server

ARK: Survival Evolved offers a variety of unique gameplay features that offer rewards such as items, dinos, and character progression. Having a server inside of a Cluster allows any server linked to the cluster to freely transfer these characters and items between one another.

This configuration option is especially useful if a server owner wants to own several ARK servers and transfer their progression between all of them.

Important: In order to use Clustering, you must submit a support ticket requesting your server to be set to the ARK_Beta server type. All server's in your cluster must be hosted with Shockbyte.

Enabling Clustering

You can enable clustering by editing the ark.properties file and entering a cluster_id through your control panel.

Note: To have multiple servers apart of a cluster, each server must have the same cluster_id assigned in their properties.
  1. Access your control panel and Stop your server.
  2. Navigate to Files > FTP File Access.
  3. Locate ark.properties in the root directory and click Edit.
    \
  4. Edit the option cluster_id and enter your desired cluster id. In this example, we will be using shockcluster101.
  5. Start your server.

Transferring Character Items

Character items can be transferred between two clustered servers through the ARK Data tab at any obelisk or beacon in the world.

  1. Connect to the ARK server your desired character is located on.
  2. Head to the nearest Obliesk or Beacon in your server's world and Press E.
  3. Select the ARK DATA tab, then select the INVENTORY tab and drag the items you want to be uploaded.
  4. Connect to the ARK server where you wish to download your character's items.
  5. Head to the nearest Obliesk or Beacon in the world and Press E.
  6. Select the ARK DATA tab, and drag the items you want to be downloaded into your inventory.

To learn more about ARK: Survival Evolved server hosting, you can browse our library of Knowledgebase articles here.

If you require any further assistance, please contact our support at: https://shockbyte.com/billing/submitticket.php

Mitchell Smith

Managing Director @ Shockbyte

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