How to Restore Backups on ARK: Survival Ascended Custom Maps

Losing weeks of progress to an unexpected wipe or file corruption can instantly derail a great adventure in ARK: Survival Ascended. On custom community maps like Svartalfheim or Insaluna, save files require a slightly different approach than standard official maps. In this Nitrado guide, you will learn how to manually restore custom map backups using FTP to protect your tribe’s progress and recover lost data.

Accessing Server Files via FTP

1. Download an FTP client such as FileZilla or WinSCP on your computer.
2. Stop your server using the main dashboard on your Nitrado web interface.
3. Locate your FTP connection credentials, which sit at the bottom of your main dashboard.
   
4. Open your FTP client and enter the host, port, username, and password provided in your dashboard to connect.

For a more in-depth look, check out our guide on how to use your Nitrado server FTP.

Downloading and Preparing the Save File

Once connected, you need to extract the target save file locally before applying it to your active server directory.

1. Navigate to your backup folder on the right panel using the directory path: Arksa > ShooterGame > Saved > SavedArks > MAPNAME.
2. Select your desired backup archive file from the list and download it to your local computer.
   
3. Unzip the downloaded file on your computer.

Uploading the Backup to Your Server

Replacing the current save file with your prepared backup forces the server to load your chosen backup.

1. Rename the extracted save file to match your active map save format (for example, Svartalfheim_WP.ark) and drag it from your local panel across to the remote server directory path: Arksa > ShooterGame > Saved > SavedArks > MAPNAME.
   
2. Confirm the overwrite prompt in your FTP client to replace the existing save file.
3. Return to your Nitrado web interface and navigate to Settings > General > Backup.
4. Set the “Start with backup” option to “Start with current saved game“.
   
5. Save the changes and restart your server to load into your restored map state.

Pro Tip: Always create a manual local backup of your active save folder on your PC before overwriting files via FTP. If a save file gets corrupted during a transfer, having a clean copy saved locally prevents total data loss.

Secure Your ASA World

Maintain total control over your server files to ensure your custom map progress stays safe no matter what unexpected issues arise in the wild. If you encounter any technical hiccups while transferring your files, our Nitrado support team is available around the clock to help get your world back online.