ARK cross-map gateway travel using one server

ARK cross-map travel can be used on one server by creating a separate command line for each map and giving each map its own save directory. This is different from running a full multi-server cluster. If you have more than one ARK server, use ARK cross-server gateway travel using multiple servers in a cluster instead.

With the one-server method, only one map is online at a time. Players can upload at an obelisk or terminal, you stop the server, select the command line for the other map, then start the server again.

Before you start

• Take a backup before changing command lines or save directories.
• Use official map names only unless you are also installing and configuring a Workshop map.
• Use a different save directory for each map, otherwise one map can overwrite another map's save data.

Create the first map command line

1. Open your ARK server in the control panel.
2. Click Commandline Manager.

   

3. Create a new custom command line, or edit a custom command line you already use.
4. Tick the checkbox next to the Map field, then enter the map value you want this command line to start. For example:

   TheIsland

5. Tick the checkbox next to the save directory option, then choose a save directory that is only used for this map.
6. Tick the transfer/filtering options required for gateway travel, including No Transfer From Filtering.
7. Set a unique Cluster ID. Use the same Cluster ID on each command line you create for this server.
8. Save the command line, then click Select so the server uses it on the next start.

Add more maps

1. Create another custom command line for the next map.
2. Use the same Cluster ID and gateway/transfer settings.
3. Change only the map value and save directory for the new map.
4. Save the new command line.
5. Repeat this for each map you want to switch between.

Switch maps

1. Ask players to upload at an obelisk, terminal, or transmitter before switching maps.
2. Stop the server.
3. Open Commandline Manager and select the command line for the map you want to run.
4. Start the server again.
5. Join the server and check the expected map has loaded.

Official map values

If a map starts with a fresh world when you expected existing data, stop and check that the selected command line is using the correct save directory before making more changes.