Articles on: Ark Guides

How to Backup and Restore for Your ARK Server

Backup and Restoration Procedures for Your ARK Server on Dedicated Machines



The importance of regularly backing up your ARK server data cannot be overstated. In this guide, we'll provide a hands-on approach to ensure that your ARK server's data remains safe and can be restored quickly in case of any technical issues or data loss.

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Why Backups Are Essential


Data Safety: From unexpected crashes to accidental deletions, numerous reasons can lead to data loss.
Server Uptime: Regular backups ensure quick restoration, meaning minimal downtime for your players.
Peace of Mind: With a backup in place, making updates or adding mods becomes a less risky proposition.

How to Implement Regular Backups on Windows OS:



1. Locate Your ARK Saved Data:

Navigate to your ARK server directory, typically located in C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\ARK\ShooterGame\Saved.
The 'Saved' folder contains the critical data you'll want to back up.

2. Manual Backups:

Regularly copy the 'Saved' folder and paste it into a separate directory, either on another drive or cloud storage, for redundancy.

3. Automated Backups with PowerShell:

Set up a script that regularly copies the 'Saved' folder. Here’s a basic script you can use:
$source = "C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\ARK\ShooterGame\Saved"
$destination = "D:\ARK_Backups"
Copy-Item -Path $source -Destination $destination -Recurse

Use the Windows Task Scheduler to run this script at your chosen intervals, ensuring your data is consistently backed up without manual intervention.

4. Third-Party Backup Solutions: Consider software solutions like Acronis or Macrium Reflect. These allow you to set up automatic backups of specific folders, such as the 'Saved' directory, at regular intervals.

Restoring Game Data:



Shut Down the Server: Always make sure your server is offline before starting the restoration process.
Locate Your Backup: Navigate to the location where you've stored your backup.
Replace the 'Saved' Folder: In your ARK server directory, delete the current 'Saved' folder and then replace it with the one from your backup.
Restart the Server: After restoring the data, boot up your ARK server and confirm that everything is running correctly.

Final Thoughts


Implementing a consistent backup procedure for your ARK server isn't just best practice—it's crucial for ensuring the safety of your server data and providing a seamless experience for your players. By following the steps outlined above, you'll be well-prepared to handle any data-related challenges that come your way.

Updated on: 08/08/2023

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