ARK Server Cluster Setup — Cross-ARK Transfers Guide
Set up an ARK cluster server with cross-ARK transfers. Multi-map configuration, cluster ID setup, and performance optimization.
What is an ARK Cluster?
An ARK cluster connects multiple ARK server instances (different maps) into one network. Players can transfer characters, dinos, and items between maps. This is the standard for serious ARK communities — players expect to explore multiple maps with their progress carrying over. A typical cluster has 2-6 maps: The Island, Scorched Earth, Aberration, Extinction, Genesis Part 1, Genesis Part 2, and community maps (Ragnarok, The Center, Lost Island, Fjordur, Crystal Isles).
Cluster Configuration
Each map runs on its own server instance with unique ports. In GameUserSettings.ini: set 'ClusterDirOverride=/path/to/cluster_folder' (same path on all instances), set unique 'SessionName' per map, and set 'Port' to unique values (The Island: 7777, Scorched Earth: 7779, etc.). The cluster folder must be shared between all instances (same physical server or NFS mount for distributed setup).
Cross-ARK Transfer Setup
Players transfer at Obelisks or Supply Crates. Enable: 'PreventDownloadSurvivors=False' (allow character downloads), 'PreventDownloadItems=False', 'PreventDownloadDinos=False', 'PreventUploadSurvivors=False'. Set transfer timers: 'TributeItemExpirationSeconds=86400' (24 hours — items left in transfer expire), 'TributeDinoExpirationSeconds=86400'. Warn players about transfer timers in your community rules.
Resource Requirements by Cluster Size
Small cluster (2-3 maps): 16GB RAM, 6 vCPU, NVMe SSD. Medium cluster (4-6 maps): 32GB RAM, 12 vCPU, NVMe SSD. Large cluster (7+ maps): 64GB+ RAM, 16+ vCPU, dedicated server recommended. ARK servers are RAM-hungry — each map instance needs 4-8GB depending on player count and mods. Our VDS and dedicated server plans handle multi-map clusters.
Performance Optimization for Clusters
Reduce wild dino count: DinoCountMultiplier=0.75 (cuts CPU 15-20%). Increase resource respawn radius: ResourceNoReplenishRadiusPlayers=1.0 (default 0.5). Limit structure render distance. Use '-NoBattlEye' only if migrating from legacy servers — BattlEye adds security but 5% CPU overhead. Stagger cluster restarts: restart maps sequentially (15 minutes apart) to prevent all players disconnecting at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many maps can I run in a cluster?
As many as your hardware allows. Each map is a separate ARK server instance. Budget 4-8GB RAM per map depending on player count. Our VDS plans handle 3-5 maps; dedicated servers handle 7+.
Can players transfer items between all maps?
Yes — items, dinos, and characters transfer between all maps in the cluster. Set transfer timers to manage the economy (items left in transfer expire after 24 hours). Some servers disable item transfer for specific items to maintain map-specific progression.
Still have questions?
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