ARK: Survival Evolved
Switching maps on your ARK: Survival Evolved server, whether you're moving from The Island to Ragnarok or trying out one of the newer DLC maps, starts a fresh world by default. If you want to bring your character, dinos, or items along, you'll need to upload them before switching and download them again once you're on the new map.
Changing your map loads an entirely new save. Your current world, structures, and any characters that weren't uploaded to an Obelisk beforehand will not carry over. Take a backup before proceeding, just in case.
Step 1: Transfer Your Character First (Optional)
If you want to keep your survivor, tamed dinos, or inventory, do this before changing the map:
Uploading a creature removes it from your current map immediately, so don't upload anything you're not ready to leave behind for good if the map switch doesn't go as planned.
Step 2: Change The Map
ARK: Survival Evolved Map IDs
TheIslandTheCenterScorchedEarth_PRagnarokAberration_PExtinctionValguero_PGenesisCrystalIslesGen2LostIslandFjordurAquatica is ARK: Survival Evolved's newest DLC map, and reports on exactly how it needs to be launched vary, some sources list it as a standard map name, others note it may need an additional Workshop component alongside the DLC purchase. If you're trying to load Aquatica specifically, open a support ticket first so we can confirm the correct setup for your server before you switch.
Step 3: Restart Your Server
Step 4: Download Your Character On The New Map
If you uploaded your survivor in Step 1:
🛠️ Troubleshooting Common Map Change Issues
Server won't start after changing the map
Double-check the Map ID is typed exactly as shown above, including capitalization and any trailing _P.
Can't find your uploaded character on the new map
Make sure you selected Download Existing Survivor rather than creating a new character, and that you're at an Obelisk or Tribute Terminal.
Server is slow or crashing on the new map
Larger maps like Genesis: Part 2 and Crystal Isles have much more to load than smaller maps like The Island, so the first startup and the first join after switching take noticeably longer. Give the server a few extra minutes to finish loading before you connect. If it keeps crashing, open a support ticket and we can help you check.
Items or dinos didn't come through
Confirm they were actually uploaded before you changed maps, uploads only happen at the moment you interact with the Obelisk, not automatically.
Once your server boots on the new map and you're able to download your survivor, you're good to go.
Still stuck?
Our team is happy to help. Open a ticket through the live chat button in the bottom-right corner of our website, or join our Discord and open a ticket there.
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