ARK cross-server gateway travel using multiple servers in a cluster

ARK cross-server travel lets players move between two or more ARK: Survival Evolved servers that share the same cluster. Use this when you want linked maps, such as The Island and Scorched Earth, with survivor and item transfers between them.

You need two or more ARK services with LogicServers before setting this up. All servers in the cluster must use the same cluster ID, and each map should still have its own normal server settings and save data.

Before you start

• Back up each ARK server before changing command lines.
• Choose a unique cluster ID. Use letters and numbers only, with no spaces.
• Decide which maps should be part of the cluster.
• Stop all servers you are adding to the cluster.

Create the shared cluster settings

1. Open the first ARK server in the control panel.
2. Open the custom command line area.
3. Create a new command line or edit the one you already use.
4. Set the cluster ID field to the unique value you chose.
5. Enable the transfer filtering option required by the panel. In raw ARK launch terms this is commonly handled with -clusterid and -NoTransferFromFiltering.
6. Save and select the command line.
7. Repeat the same cluster ID on every ARK server that should be linked.
8. Start the servers after every linked server has been updated.

Test cross-server travel

1. Join one of the clustered servers.
2. Use an Obelisk, Supply Drop, or Tek Transmitter to open the transfer interface.
3. Check that the other clustered server appears as a travel destination.
4. Move a test character or low-value item first before moving anything important.

Troubleshooting

• If the other map does not show, check that every server uses the exact same cluster ID.
• If transfers are blocked, check your download/upload restrictions in GameUserSettings.ini and your selected command line.
• If one server was purchased before older cluster support changes were introduced, submit a support ticket and ask us to check the cluster storage for the service.
• If travel works one way but not the other, compare the command line and transfer settings on both servers.

Reference

The ARK server configuration reference documents -clusterid, -ClusterDirOverride, and -NoTransferFromFiltering for CrossARK transfers.

ARK Official Community Wiki: Server configuration