A ARK: Survival Ascended cluster links several servers (one map each) so survivors, creatures and items can travel between them. Every instance needs the same -clusterid and -ClusterDirOverride, and distinct ports.
How to use the tool
Choose a cluster ID and a shared folder reachable by every server.
List one map per line and set the base ports (the default step is 2 to keep the peer port free).
Copy the commands: one instance per map, each with its own install folder or -AltSaveDirectoryName.
Open each instance's UDP ports in the firewall, then start them.
Cluster rules
-ClusterDirOverride requires -clusterid. -NoTransferFromFiltering blocks transfers from single player or servers without a cluster ID. Restrictions (PreventDownloadSurvivors, PreventUploadDinos…) are set in [ServerSettings]; their defaults are not stated on the wiki page consulted. ASA: map names (_WP) are those of the current release, recheck them after an update.
Frequently asked questions
- Can the servers run on different machines?
- Yes, as long as -ClusterDirOverride points to a shared (network) folder readable and writable by all machines.
- Why a step of 2 on game ports?
- ARK also uses the game port + 1 (7778 for 7777). With a step of 1, two instances would fight over that port.