news Version 0.8.4.0 Released (27th May 2026) - v0.8.4 Community Hotfix: backup, update, Web Console, and firewall fixes.
Choosing and Changing Maps (AASM v0.8.3) | ARK Ascended Server Manager

Choosing and Changing Maps

Stock maps, DLC maps, and modded community maps

Every ARK server runs one map. AASM v0.8.3 lets you pick from the stock maps that ship with ARK or any community-uploaded modded map by ID.

Prerequisites:

Stock map class names

MapClass name (use this in AASM)Notes
The IslandTheIsland_WPDefault starter map
The CenterTheCenter_WPFree community map adopted into ARK
Scorched EarthScorchedEarth_WPDesert / heat survival
AberrationAberration_WPSubterranean / radiation
ExtinctionExtinction_WPEndgame map
AstraeosAstraeos_WPFree fan map

Class names may shift slightly with future ARK updates - check the official wiki if a name doesn't resolve.

Step 1 - Open the server tab

From the Dashboard, click the server tab. The Server Settings page opens.

Step 2 - Find the Map dropdown

In the Server Configuration header, the MAP field shows the current map. Click it to open the dropdown of available stock maps.

Step 3 - Pick a stock map (or enter a modded map ID)

For a stock map, select from the list. For a modded map, choose the "Custom" option and enter the map's mod ID (the CurseForge mod ID for the map mod) and the map class name from the mod's docs.

Step 4 - Save and restart

Click Confirm Saved. Restart the server. ARK now loads the new map.

Switching maps wipes per-map progress. ARK saves are per-map (e.g. TheIsland_WP.ark). Switching from Island to Scorched means players starting fresh on Scorched - the Island save is preserved on disk and you can switch back to it later.

Step 5 - For modded maps, install the map mod first

Modded maps need their map mod installed via the Mod Manager BEFORE you switch the Map field. Without the .pak file in the mods folder, the server fails to load the map class. See Installing Mods from CurseForge.

Choosing and Changing Maps - done

You can run any map - stock or modded - and switch between them. Remember that saves are per-map; switching is a soft wipe of the new map's player progress.

Related Guides

Install Mods

Required for modded maps.

View Guide
Clone a Server

Spin up a new server per map.

View Guide
Cluster Setup

Link maps so players can transfer.

View Guide