To run a custom map in ARK: Survival Ascended (ASA), install the map as an ASA CurseForge mod, set the server’s map selector to Custom, enter the map’s exact internal name, and restart after the first download. Back up ShooterGame/Saved first. If the internal name is wrong or the map has not finished installing, ASA commonly starts The Island instead.
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What you need before changing the map
A custom ASA map is distributed as a mod rather than as one of the built-in map choices. The server therefore needs both the map package and a configuration value that tells ASA which internal map identifier to load. The display title players see on CurseForge is not necessarily that identifier.
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Stop and back up the server’s ShooterGame/Saved directory before making changes. Dedicated-server data in this location includes the world save, player and tribe data, configuration files, logs and (where used) cluster data. Keep the backup outside the live server directory and label it with the date and current map. A map change can require a new save, and a rollback is much easier when the previous directory is intact.
Choose a compatible map release
- Use a map published for ARK: Survival Ascended, not an ARK: Survival Evolved (ASE) map.
- Check the map’s CurseForge page for its internal map name, platform support and installation notes.
- Confirm whether the author requires a particular ASA game version, companion mod or a fresh save.
- Decide whether console players must join. That choice affects the server’s platform mode and which mods can be used.
Install a custom map on a managed server
The following sequence applies to a managed ASA server with a web control panel that exposes CurseForge mods and general map settings. The labels may vary slightly between hosts, but the order matters.
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1. Stop the server
- Open the host control panel and select the ASA server.
- Use the Stop or Shut down action and wait until the status confirms that the process has ended.
Do not install or replace a map while the server is writing its save. A clean stop reduces the chance of a partial download or corrupted world data.
2. Install the map mod
- Open Settings, then CurseForge Mods.
- Search for the exact ASA map title and open the map’s project page.
- Choose Install, then save or apply the change.
In this managed workflow, the host supports one map mod at a time. Remove an old map mod before installing a different one if the panel reports a conflict. Allow the download to finish before continuing; large maps can take longer than ordinary gameplay mods.
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3. Select the custom-map mode
- Open Settings → General → Base Settings.
- Set Mapname to Custom.
- Save the configuration.
At this stage, the server knows that it should look for a mod-provided map rather than a built-in map such as The Island.
4. Start once and let the host discover the map
Start the server. On the first run, the host may download, validate and enumerate the map. Stop and start it again after that first run so the newly installed map is included in the available map list. Some panels fill in the custom-map field automatically after enumeration.
5. Enter the internal map name if necessary
If Custom Mapname remains blank, copy the internal name shown on the map’s CurseForge page and paste it exactly. Do not use the marketing title, spacing, punctuation or capitalization unless the author lists those characters as part of the internal identifier. For example, the internal identifier documented for Svartalfheim is Svartalfheim_WP.
6. Verify the result before inviting players
- Check the control panel’s current map or startup status.
- Review
restart.logfor the map-discovery message and the final map selected. - Confirm that the server has not silently fallen back to The Island.
- Only then give players the connection details.
A successful process shows the intended custom map in the host interface and log. If the map cannot be found or is not installed, ASA can default to The Island so the server can start.
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Run a custom map on a self-hosted server
Self-hosting gives you direct access to files, launch arguments, saves and update timing, but you must provide the Windows-compatible machine, network ports, storage, monitoring and backups yourself.
Install the dedicated-server files with SteamCMD
The ARK Official Community Wiki documents SteamCMD as the installation method for ASA dedicated-server files. ASA requires Windows or a Windows-like environment. Keep the server files in a directory with enough free space for the base installation, downloaded map, temporary updates and backups.
Use the ASA launch syntax
ASA’s current configuration uses the executable, map and options in the server launch command. The current server-configuration reference uses the ASA command-line format and the -mods option for mods. Do not apply the older ASE workflow that relied on Steam Workshop map IDs or an ActiveMods setting.
A practical launch script should define the server’s query/game ports, administrator password, session name, save interval and mod list, then append the custom map’s internal name as the map argument. Keep the script in a file that is backed up with the server configuration, and document every mod ID and version used.
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Place and activate the mod
- Download the ASA map mod through the supported CurseForge/server distribution method.
- Ensure its folder is under
ShooterGame/Mods. - Verify that the folder contains the mod’s plugin at the expected level rather than one directory too deep after extraction.
- Add the map’s mod ID to the active
-modslist in the launch script. - Start the server, wait for the initial installation and enumeration, then restart it once.
Do not assume that a folder copied from an ASE server is usable in ASA. The package, plugin layout and launch option must all be for ASA.
Network and operating-system responsibilities
- Open and forward the game and query ports selected in your launch script.
- Allow the server executable through the host firewall.
- Run the service under an account with read/write permission for the ASA directory.
- Schedule backups of
ShooterGame/Savedand retain at least one copy offline. - Apply ASA server and mod updates deliberately; test a copy of the save when a major update changes map behavior.
Licensing qualification
The Official Community Wiki’s interpretation of the ASA dedicated-server terms states that non-managed dedicated servers are for personal, non-commercial hosting unless an applicable licensing exception is met. Read the current license terms for your use case before charging for access, selling services or operating a public commercial cluster.
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Choose Crossplay or PC-only before installing
The platform setting determines who can connect and which mod releases are usable.
| Mode | Players supported | When to choose it | Important consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crossplay | Console players and Windows 10 Microsoft Store players, in addition to supported PC clients | Your community includes Xbox or PlayStation users or Microsoft Store players | Every map and gameplay mod must have the required cross-platform support |
| PC-only | Steam PC players | All players use Steam and you want the broadest PC mod choice | Console players cannot join |
Set the platform mode before installing mods, save it and restart the server. CurseForge describes ASA’s cross-platform mod system as providing in-game discovery, PC and server downloads, cross-play modded servers hosted by managed providers, and automatic cooking for PC, Xbox and PlayStation when authors publish a cross-platform mod. Those capabilities depend on the individual map being published for the platforms you intend to support.
How custom map names work
ASA has three names that are easy to confuse:
- Display title: the readable project name shown to players on the mod page.
- Mod ID: the numeric or project identifier used to download and activate the mod.
- Internal map name: the value ASA loads as the map argument or Custom Mapname.
Only the internal map name belongs in Custom Mapname. Copy it from the map’s own CurseForge documentation. If the author provides several values, use the one explicitly labeled internal map name, map code or launch map name. A correct mod ID with an incorrect map name can still produce a server that starts on The Island.
Save behavior when changing maps
Map-change behavior is not identical for every project. A supplementary ASA installation guide says map mods in its workflow require a new save, while other projects may document migration or preserve particular player data. Treat the map author’s instructions as authoritative for that map.
When a fresh save is the safe choice
- The author explicitly says the map requires a new save.
- The existing world was created on a different map and the server reports load errors.
- The map uses terrain, structures or world data that cannot be represented in the old save.
Never delete the old save before testing. Rename the live save directory or point the server at a separate save name, then keep the original backup available for a return to the previous map.
Troubleshoot a server that will not load the custom map
The server opens on The Island
- Confirm the map mod shows as installed rather than queued, failed or disabled.
- Restart once after the first download so the host can enumerate the new map.
- Set Mapname to Custom.
- Replace the custom value with the exact internal map name from the map’s CurseForge page.
- Read
restart.logand restart again after correcting the value.
The fallback is deliberate: ASA uses The Island when the requested custom map cannot be found, allowing the server process to start.
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Custom Mapname is blank
A blank field usually means the map has not been enumerated yet or the host cannot read the installed package. Start the server once after installation, stop it cleanly, reopen the settings page and paste the documented internal name manually. Do not paste the display title or mod ID.
The server starts, but nobody can join
- Check the internal map name for spelling, underscores and capitalization.
- Look at the host’s RAM and query activity. Very low or zero activity can indicate that the process is stuck during map loading or has failed before becoming reachable.
- Verify that the game and query ports are open and point to the correct machine for a self-hosted server.
- Confirm that players are using the platform mode selected by the server.
- Restart after correcting the map value or network setting.
The map mod does not appear
- Confirm that the project is an ASA map, not an ASE release.
- Check the mod ID and download status in the host panel or launch log.
- On a self-host, inspect
ShooterGame/Modsand ensure the plugin is not nested inside an extra folder. - Make sure the mod is included in
-modsand that the server was restarted after installation. - Have every player update to the same mod version before joining.
Only some players can connect
Mixed platform support is the usual cause. A PC-only server excludes console players, while a crossplay server requires a cross-platform build of the map. Check the map’s project page for supported platforms and ensure every client has the same version. If the author has not published a cross-platform build, changing the server selector cannot create one.
The map loads but the world is damaged or empty
Stop the server and restore the pre-change ShooterGame/Saved backup to a separate test instance. Review the map author’s save requirements, then create a fresh save if the project requires one. Do not overwrite the only backup while experimenting.
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| Decision factor | Managed server panel | Self-hosted SteamCMD server |
|---|---|---|
| Setup effort | Install the map from a CurseForge control-panel page, select Custom and restart | Install files, configure a launch script, ports, firewall, storage and update jobs |
| File and update control | Host controls the available settings and distribution workflow | Direct control of files, launch arguments, versions and update timing |
| Cross-platform access | Choose Crossplay or PC-only in the panel; map support still depends on the author | Choose and maintain the equivalent server configuration yourself |
| Mod and map limits | The documented workflow supports one map mod at a time and may impose host-specific size or platform limits | Hardware, bandwidth, disk space and ASA compatibility determine practical limits |
| Backups | You must verify what the host retains and keep your own copy of ShooterGame/Saved |
You are responsible for scheduling, testing and storing backups |
| Recurring cost | Monthly hosting charges apply; the exact amount depends on the provider and plan | No managed-host fee, but you pay for hardware, electricity, bandwidth and administration |
| Licensing | Use is governed by the provider’s service terms and ASA licensing | The cited community-wiki interpretation limits non-managed servers to personal, non-commercial use unless an exception applies |
Choose a managed panel when you want the shortest installation path and do not need shell-level control. Choose self-hosting when you can maintain Windows-compatible infrastructure, networking, updates and recovery procedures.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.A safe changeover checklist
- Back up
ShooterGame/Savedand label the backup. - Record the current map, mod list, platform mode and server settings.
- Stop the server completely.
- Install one ASA map mod through the supported CurseForge method.
- Set Mapname to Custom.
- Start once, then restart after the map is enumerated.
- Enter the exact internal map name if the field is not populated.
- Verify the map in the control panel and
restart.log. - Test connection with one client before announcing the change.
- Keep the old save and configuration until the new world has been played successfully.
Frequently asked questions
Can I install several custom maps at the same time?
The documented managed-server workflow supports one map mod at a time. A self-hosted installation may contain many gameplay mods, but the server still loads one world map per session unless a map author and ASA’s current server behavior explicitly support another arrangement.
Do players need to install the map manually?
Players need the same compatible mod and version. ASA’s supported mod-distribution system can download published cross-platform content through the game, but a failed or mismatched client download must be corrected before joining.
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What should I do if the map author gives no internal name?
Do not guess from the display title. Check the project’s installation notes, launch examples or support channel for the exact map identifier. Until that value is confirmed, leave the old save backed up and expect the server to fall back to The Island.
Will changing maps preserve characters and structures?
Do not assume it will. Map projects differ, and at least one ASA installation guide requires a new save for map mods. Follow the selected map’s instructions and test on a copied save before removing the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install several custom maps at the same time?
The documented managed-server workflow supports one map mod at a time. A self-hosted installation may contain many gameplay mods, but the server still loads one world map per session unless a map author and ASA’s current server behavior explicitly support another arrangement.
Do players need to install the map manually?
Players need the same compatible mod and version. ASA’s supported mod-distribution system can download published cross-platform content through the game, but a failed or mismatched client download must be corrected before joining.
What should I do if the map author gives no internal name?
Do not guess from the display title. Check the project’s installation notes, launch examples or support channel for the exact map identifier. Until that value is confirmed, leave the old save backed up and expect the server to fall back to The Island.
Will changing maps preserve characters and structures?
Do not assume it will. Map projects differ, and at least one ASA installation guide requires a new save for map mods. Follow the selected map’s instructions and test on a copied save before removing the original.
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