We recommend keeping backups of your ARK Survival Ascended server so you have a restore point if a save becomes corrupted or a change breaks the server.
You should also take a fresh backup before larger changes such as updates, map changes, mod tests, config edits, or wipes.
On a Windows VPS, the important files are inside the server install folder, especially the saved world and config folders.
- Tell players if you plan to pause or restart the server.
- For the cleanest backup, stop the ARK Survival Ascended server process first. This is recommended, but not always required for a quick file copy.
- Open File Explorer.
- Go to your server install folder, for example
C:\ark-asa. - Copy the
ShooterGame\Savedfolder to a safe backup folder outside the live server directory. - If you have enough disk space, also back up your start batch file and any custom config notes you keep with the server.
- Start the server again after the copy finishes.
To roll back to a saved copy later, use How to restore an ARK Survival Ascended server backup on a Windows VPS.
The save data is created after the server has started at least once.
If ShooterGame\Saved is missing, start the server, let it create the initial files, stop it, then check again.
