Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

CrossARK lets you move a survivor, uploaded items, and eligible tamed creatures between ARK: Survival Ascended maps when the source and destination belong to the same permitted cluster. The reliable method is to upload at an Obelisk or Tek Transmitter, join the destination server, download your survivor, then retrieve the stored items and creatures before their server-defined expiration. Official mode boundaries, map restrictions, and private-cluster settings can block a transfer even when both servers run ASA.

What CrossARK transfers

CrossARK is ASA’s shared transfer system. It stores transfer data so a player can move between maps without starting a new survivor on each server. Depending on the cluster policy, you can transfer:

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
  • Your survivor: the character profile used to join another map in the cluster.
  • Items: resources, equipment, blueprints, and other objects placed in the ARK Data transfer storage.
  • Tamed creatures: eligible nearby tames uploaded through the Creatures tab.

Transfers are not a general bridge between any two servers. The maps must share a permitted CrossARK cluster, and the destination must allow the direction and object type you are attempting to download. A cluster may permit survivors but block items, creatures, or particular foreign creatures.

Check eligibility before uploading anything

Confirm the cluster relationship

Ask the administrator or read the server’s rules to verify that both maps use the same cluster. Two servers can run the same ASA version and still be unable to exchange data if they have different cluster identities or do not share transfer storage.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
Compressed Air Duster,130000RPM Super Power Cordless Air Duster,Rechargeable Brushless Blower,3 Gear Adjustable Blower with LED Light,Dust Remover for Computer/House/Outdoor/Car
  • Powerful Turbo Fan:CAGIWIRU Electric Air Duster have reached speed up to 130000RPM,Can efficient remove dust and debris.With LED light and Three Adjustable Speed to meet with different cleaning tasks.
  • With Attached USB C Fasting Charging cable.Charing 3 hours,Enjoy up to 240 minutes of use on the lowest setting, For third speed can use for 25mins.with four charging options to meet with your needs.
  • Wide Application:Upgraded attached 5 different nozzles,making it suitable for a variety of scenes, such as car,pet, pc, keyboards, and other electronic devices. It also serves for office and home clean duster.
  • Handy Design & Portable:Cordless air duster electric nozzle is Light weight and small size, design and comfortable to hold and space saving, convenient to carry around. You can put it in your room or inside the car without taking up space.
  • Warranty & Support: Our Electric air duster comes with 5 years warranty and 24/7 customer service. During this period, if you have any questions,pls kindly feel free to contact us.

Respect game-mode and ownership boundaries

Normal official transfers remain within their mode: official PvE characters and assets stay in the official PvE transfer environment, while official PvP transfers stay within official PvP. Official and unofficial servers do not exchange data through the normal CrossARK system, and local single-player games are outside this transfer mechanism.

Check map and event restrictions

Studio Wildcard can change transfer permissions for a particular server group, event, or newly launched map. A launch policy may temporarily block uploads, limit downloads, or restrict which characters, items, or creatures can cross. Read the latest announcement and the target server’s rules immediately before moving valuable assets; an older permission policy may no longer apply.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Verify creature eligibility

Creature rules can vary by destination map. A server may reject a species that is not available on that map or may disable downloads of creatures originating elsewhere. Administrators control foreign-creature behavior with settings such as CrossARKAllowForeignDinoDownloads. Check the destination policy before uploading a rare tame.

Prepare your survivor, items, and tames

Use a safe transfer location

Travel to an Obelisk or place a Tek Transmitter where you can safely access its inventory interface. Avoid uploading while exposed to hostile creatures, enemy players, or a disconnect risk. The transfer menu is separate from ordinary storage, so verify that you are interacting with the intended Obelisk or transmitter.

Separate item and creature cargo

Plan what belongs in ARK Data and what belongs in a creature upload. A creature upload does not carry its saddle, head gear, or inventory contents. Put those objects into ARK Data separately, and make sure the item types are permitted by the destination.

Rank #2
EVEO® Screen Cleaner Spray Kit (Streak-Free) TV Screen Cleaner for Smart TV, Lcd, LEd, Oled | Computer Screen Cleaner Spray and Wipe Microfiber Cloth - TV, Monitor, Laptop, iPad, Car - 6.7oz 1 Pack
  • Screen Cleaner is Your Screen’s New Bestfriend! - EVEO is proud to present a screen cleaner that’s perfectly suited for your TV. Meet your new screen cleaner, computer screen cleaner, laptop cleaner, iPad cleaner, Macbook,tv cleaner or any other electronic device. Our screen cleaner spray and wipe along with the included plush microfiber cloth, easily removes dust, fingerprints & other smudges on the screen’s surface. Clean effectively for a streak-free screen
  • Gentle on your Screens - Our screen cleaner spray and wipes is compatible to be used even for the most sensitive LCD, LED, CRT, and OLED screens in proper use. Be at ease knowing that this product is compatible with all the major brands: LG, SONY, Samsung, Sharp, iPad, iPhone, Android screens, Kindle, PC monitors - we’ve got you covered! Can be used as LCD screen cleaner, tv cleaner, smart tv screen cleaner, and more
  • Premium Super Soft Plush Microfiber Cloth - Included in this efficient screen cleaning kit. This screen cleaner spray and wipe has our signature plush microfiber cloth specially designed to comply with screens and monitors and leave them streak-free. Has been shown to effectively absorbs stubborn stains, zero streaks, and no fiber shedding. Always use this together with our screen cleaner for the best results
  • Easy-to-Use Screen Cleaner Kit + microfiber cleaning cloth - The EVEO Screen Cleaning Kit will easily be your new favorite tool when it comes to taking care of the things you love most, quick and easy solution for a streak-free screen. Simply screw on the sprayer gun on the screen cleaner bottle. Spray the cleaning liquid onto the microfiber cloth, then wipe the screen until desired cleanliness & shine is achieved.
  • Quality Screen Care Kit Worth Purchasing - Enjoy a convenient Screen Cleaner anytime, anywhere you need it. Your satisfaction is our top priority. We stand behind the quality of our products and that’s why, you shouldn’t be worrying at all. We manufacture the Best Screen Cleaner. and can be used for laptop cleaning kit, laptop screen cleaner, tv screen cleaner for smart tv. MacBook screen cleaner, monitor cleaner or screen cleaner spray for electronic devices with microfiber cleaning cloth

Record what you are moving

Before confirming an upload, note the creature’s name, level, mutation line, and any unusual equipment. Screenshots or a written list make it easier to identify the correct entry after you join the destination. Do not assume an uploaded object will remain available indefinitely; use the expiration guidance in the transfer interface and server rules.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Step-by-step: move between ASA servers

  1. Confirm the destination. Write down the destination server and verify that it is in the same CrossARK cluster. Check whether the destination currently accepts survivor, item, and creature downloads. Pay particular attention to event notices and newly launched maps.
  2. Reach an Obelisk or Tek Transmitter. Open its transfer interface. The documented transfer tabs are ARK Data, Creatures, and Tribute. The exact layout can vary slightly by platform or server configuration.
  3. Upload items through ARK Data. Place the permitted items in ARK Data and confirm the upload. Keep a list of what you stored. Do not leave a valuable item in a tame’s inventory expecting it to follow the creature.
  4. Upload a creature through Creatures. Move the tame close to the Obelisk or transmitter, open Creatures, select the intended animal, and confirm the upload. Remove its saddle, head gear, and every inventory item first; those contents are dropped by the creature upload and must be transferred separately through ARK Data.
  5. Upload your survivor. Choose Upload Survivor in the transfer interface and confirm the prompt. Follow the server’s instructions for leaving the current map, then connect to the destination map in the same cluster. Uploading the survivor is the step that makes the character available for download on the other server.
  6. Join the destination server. Select the target map and cluster entry rather than creating a new survivor. If the destination rejects the connection, stop and check its transfer policy instead of repeatedly uploading the same character.
  7. Download the survivor. At the destination Obelisk or Tek Transmitter, choose the survivor download option and select your uploaded character. Complete character creation or spawn selection only if the server presents those screens as part of the download process.
  8. Retrieve ARK Data items. Open the transfer interface on the destination and use ARK Data to download each stored item. Confirm that the item appears in your inventory before closing the interface.
  9. Retrieve creatures. Open Creatures, select the uploaded tame, and download it only when you have enough space and a safe landing or release area. A creature downloaded through the transfer interface automatically follows the player who performed the download.
  10. Verify the result. Check your survivor level and engrams, count the items, and inspect the creature’s level, health, inventory, and imprint information. Resolve any discrepancy while the transfer entry is still visible and before its server timer expires.

How item and creature uploads behave

ARK Data is separate storage

ARK Data is the holding area for objects you intend to download on another map. It is not the same as your survivor inventory or a creature’s inventory. Upload items one by one or in stacks according to the interface, and verify that the destination permits those object types. If an item cannot be uploaded, the server may be blocking item transfers rather than reporting a local inventory error.

Creature uploads discard carried equipment

Before uploading a tame, remove its saddle, head gear, armor, and all carried items. The uploaded creature entry contains the tame, but those attached or carried contents do not travel with it. Upload the equipment through ARK Data and download it after the creature arrives. This separation also prevents an apparently empty creature entry from being mistaken for lost cargo.

Downloads can be map-specific

A creature that uploads successfully may still be refused at the destination because of species rules, foreign-dino restrictions, or a temporary event policy. Do not upload your only breeding parent until you know the target map accepts it.

Expiration, reupload timers, and safe recovery

On multiplayer servers, creatures and items placed in ARK Data normally have a 24-hour expiration. The value is a default documented by the ARK Official Community Wiki and can be changed by an administrator, so the countdown shown by the server takes precedence. Treat the displayed timer as a deadline, not as a guaranteed grace period.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
BladeHawks RGB Gaming Mouse Pad Extra Large Extended 31.5x12 Inch-Black
  • 【Large size】:Measuring 800 x 300 mm/ 31. 5×12 inches, which is wider and taller than others. Large mouse pad can perfectly fit your keyboard and mouse of any size, and there is also ample space for peripherals such as phones, tablets, etc.
  • 【LED backlight mouse pad】:Blade Hawks RGB mouse pad provides 7 static modes and 7 dynamic modes will give you the options you are looking for. Power-off memory function remembers the last lighting mode you selected. The super glow fiber Chroma will give you a colorful gaming setup that you want.
  • 【Anti-slip rubber base】:Made from Natural rubber, this gaming mousepad will firmly grip your desktop, allowing you to enjoy the ultimate precision in the games you are most passionate about. It also comes with a texture that enhances this ability even further.
  • 【Smooth and waterproof surface】: Micro-textured cloth surface, for extremely precise mouse control and a smooth movement. When liquid splashes on the gaming mouse pad, it forms water droplets and slides down. Will not delay your work or gameplay.
  • 【Plug and play】: This mouse and keyboard pad is powered by USB, plug and play, no driver required. One button control light modes. Press one time to change the lighting mode, press twice to change the brightness, press and hold about 3 seconds turn ON/OFF.

Official servers also document a minimum dino reupload interval of 43,200 seconds (12 hours). That figure is an official-server configuration reference, not a universal timer: hosted and self-managed clusters can use different values. A recently downloaded creature may therefore be unavailable for immediate reupload even when item transfers still work.

If an upload is missing

  • Reconnect to the exact destination cluster and map; a similarly named server may use a different cluster identity.
  • Check the correct tab. Items are in ARK Data and tames are in Creatures; looking in the wrong tab can make a valid upload appear absent.
  • Ask the administrator whether the entry expired, was removed by a cleanup rule, or was blocked by a transfer restriction.
  • Do not upload a replacement survivor repeatedly until you know which character entry is current. Multiple entries can create confusion during recovery.

Setting up CrossARK on a private cluster

A private ASA cluster needs more than multiple map instances. Every participating server must identify itself as part of the same cluster and read the same transfer data. The configuration reference uses a shared cluster identity and a common transfer-data location.

Align the cluster identity

Assign the same cluster ID to every map server. A spelling or capitalization mismatch creates separate clusters even when the maps run on the same machine. Keep the value consistent across restarts and document it for administrators who add a new map later.

Share the transfer directory

Configure ClusterDirOverride so all map instances point to the same storage path for uploaded survivors, items, and creatures. The path must be readable and writable by every server process. A per-map directory, an inaccessible network share, or a container volume that is not mounted on every instance will prevent downloads.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Review upload and download switches

Check these settings for each map and decide deliberately which directions are allowed:

Rank #4
Sale
Vaydeer Wrist Rest for Keyboard and Mouse, Computer Ergonomic Wrist Support Pad, Soft Memory Foam Arm Cushion for Desk, Palm Hand Office Laptop Typing
  • 【Softer and More Comfortable】Vaydeer wrist rest has unique diamond pattern, which is the combination of softness and aesthetics. The materials of wrist rest are improved into higher quality memory foam and covered with silky smooth lycra. The computer wrist rest makes you as comfortable and cushiony as like rest your wrists on clouds.
  • 【Ergonomic Wrist Saver】The wrist rests for keyboard and mouse comes with a 17.32×3.15×0.83 inch keyboard wrist pad and a 5.94×3.15×0.83 inch mouse wrist support. Based on ergonomic design, the unique concave shape is the perfect fit for your wrist joints. The wrist rest pad fits most computer keyboards and laptops, improve hand and wrist posture, release your wrist and arm stress.
  • 【Non-Slip Rubber Bottom】Featuring an anti-skid silicone base on the bottom, this wrist keyboard support stays firmly in place on your desk, preventing the padding from sliding around, ensuring stable and consistent wrist support during extended computer sessions.
  • 【Better Experience & Pain Relief】Our keyboard arm rest is beneficial to alleviate the soreness caused by direct contact and friction between your arm and a hard desk surface, reducing the risk of wrist fatigue or carpal tunnel. The soft texture of memory foam can evenly distribute the pressure around your wrists and provide good support with just enough give.
  • 【Helpful in Multiple Scenarios】Whether you're working, studying, writing, typing, gaming, this keyboard and mouse rest combo is an essential accessory to add comfort and support to your hands and wrists. It’s also a great gift for men, women, family, friend, coworker, gamer, teacher, etc.
  • PreventDownloadDinos
  • PreventDownloadItems
  • PreventDownloadSurvivors
  • PreventUploadDinos
  • PreventUploadItems
  • PreventUploadSurvivors
  • noTributeDownloads

A setting that prevents downloads on the destination can look like a failed upload on the source. Conversely, blocking uploads means no new entry will be created even though the Obelisk interface opens normally. Apply changes consistently, restart the affected map servers when required by the host, and test with a disposable item and survivor before moving irreplaceable tames.

Control foreign creatures

Decide whether a map accepts creatures originating on other maps. The CrossARKAllowForeignDinoDownloads setting is the relevant control documented for foreign-dino downloads. Pair it with a species policy for each map so players know which creatures are intentionally excluded.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Define retention and reupload policy

Administrators can change ARK Data retention and creature reupload timing. Publish the actual values in the cluster rules, including whether an automated cleanup job removes expired entries. If the cluster uses a timer different from the multiplayer default, players need that information before they upload cargo.

Test every transfer direction

  1. Upload a low-value item from map A and download it on map B.
  2. Upload a disposable tame after removing its saddle and inventory, then download it on map B.
  3. Upload a test survivor, join map B, and confirm the character can download.
  4. Repeat the tests in the reverse direction if the cluster is intended to be bidirectional.
  5. Review logs and storage permissions after each failure before changing multiple settings at once.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Choosing an official, hosted, or self-managed setup

The transfer experience depends more on policy and configuration than on the number of maps. Compare these characteristics before choosing a server arrangement:

Transfer factor Official cluster Hosted private cluster Self-managed cluster
Maps in one cluster Determined by the operator and current official policy Configured through the host’s cluster controls Configured directly by the administrator
Upload/download restrictions Can change for events, launches, or server groups Set through available host parameters Full control over server parameters and files
Expiration and reupload timers Operator-defined official values Host or administrator defined Administrator defined
Foreign-creature rules Map and official policy dependent Configured per map if exposed by the host Configured directly, including foreign-dino controls
Platform and mode compatibility Must match the official environment and mode Depends on host, platform, and crossplay settings Depends on your deployment and client compatibility
Administrative control Limited to published policy Shared between host tools and your settings Highest control, with responsibility for backups and permissions

For a private group, a hosted cluster reduces file-management work but may expose only a subset of ASA settings. Self-management provides precise control over cluster storage, retention, and restrictions, but a misconfigured path or permission can make every transfer fail.

Best Value
Sale
Under Desk Cable Management Tray No Drill, Metal Mesh Cable Management Under Desk with Clamp Mount, 2 Hole Cable Tray with Wire Management and Cord Organizer for Home Office Standing Desk
  • 【No Drill Mounted】Cable management tray can be assembled in as little as 3 minutes or less-simply. Side clips easily clampe the edge of desk, pass through the holes on the sides, and secure excess cables with baskets. Desk cable management supports inward or outward installation to meet your needs in different scenarios, and provides you with great convenience when collecting and organizing wires.
  • 【Rubber Pad Protects Desk】Wire organizer under desk built-in soft rubber pads on the clamp protect your desk from scratches, so you will not damage your furniture or office.
  • 【Sturdy and Beautiful】Cord management under desk is made of high-quality carbon steel and holds about 15 lbs. The wire basket has 2 holes on each side of the tray to enable your cables to pass freely. Cable baskets are suitable for desk thickness use from 0.4" to 2.4".
  • 【Space Saving & Keep Organized】Desk cable management tray holds all your power cords, outlet strips, USB hubs and computer transformers hidden from your feet, and the data cables will not enter the vacuum cleaner to keep your desk clean and tidy. Desk wire organizer is also suitable for use in the kitchen and outdoors.
  • 【Reduce Safety Risks】Cable tray under desk keeps all plugs away from your kids, no more worry about tripping. Using 2 holes wire tray saves extra space, helps you easily cabling and wire protection. The mesh design is not easy to accumulate dust, but avoids safety accidents caused by messy wires.

Troubleshooting common transfer failures

The destination does not appear

Confirm that the destination is online, uses the same cluster ID, and is visible in the same server list or connection method. Official mode boundaries and platform restrictions can hide an otherwise healthy server. If only one map is missing from a private cluster, compare its cluster identity and startup configuration with a working map.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The survivor cannot be downloaded

Check whether PreventDownloadSurvivors is enabled on the destination and whether the source upload completed before you disconnected. Rejoin the intended cluster, not a similarly named server. If an administrator recently changed settings, have them verify the transfer directory and inspect server logs for a rejected survivor entry.

Items are present but cannot be retrieved

Look in ARK Data and verify that item downloads are allowed. A destination with PreventDownloadItems enabled can show the cluster while refusing the actual download. Also check whether the item entry expired under the server’s retention policy.

The creature is missing or rejected

Confirm that you uploaded the tame from the Creatures tab and that it was close enough to the Obelisk or transmitter to register. Then check destination species rules, foreign-dino policy, and PreventDownloadDinos. A successful source upload does not override a destination map’s creature restrictions.

The creature arrived without its saddle or cargo

This is expected when the saddle, head gear, or inventory was not uploaded separately. Retrieve those objects from ARK Data. If they are absent there, check whether they were left on the source map or dropped when the creature upload was confirmed.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

A transfer worked once and then stopped

Compare recent event announcements, server restarts, configuration edits, and timer changes. Official operators can impose temporary restrictions, while private administrators may have changed one map’s upload or download switches. Test with a low-value item after restoring a consistent policy.

Practical rules for safer transfers

  • Test a new cluster with expendable items before moving breeding lines or rare blueprints.
  • Keep saddles and creature inventories in ARK Data rather than on the tame being uploaded.
  • Start transfers with enough time to reach the destination well before the server’s expiration deadline.
  • Read map-launch and event notices on official servers because permissions can change without a client update.
  • For private clusters, back up the shared transfer directory and record cluster ID, path, and restriction values.
  • Have an administrator confirm the destination policy before uploading a creature that cannot be replaced.

Bottom line

Use an Obelisk or Tek Transmitter to place items in ARK Data, upload eligible tames from Creatures after stripping their equipment, and upload your survivor before joining the destination map. CrossARK succeeds only when both servers share a permitted cluster and allow the requested transfer. Check mode boundaries, map-specific creature rules, expiration timers, and private-cluster settings first; those checks prevent most apparent losses.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.