Question 1

How do i cluster my Ark servers?

Accepted Answer

ARK: Survival Ascended Server Clustering via Pterodactyl

With clustering you can link multiple ARK: Survival Ascended servers together, allowing players to travel between maps with their characters, dinos, and items. Perfect if you want to set up a multi-map network.

Requirements

At least 2 ARK ASA servers (e.g. The Island + Scorched Earth).
Access to server files and configuration via Pterodactyl.
A shared cluster directory accessible to all servers.

Step 1: Set up the cluster directory

Create a folder that all servers will use, for example:

/home/container/clusters/MyCluster

Ensure all servers have access to the exact same path.

Step 2: GameUserSettings.ini configuration

Go to:

ShooterGame/Saved/Config/WindowsServer/GameUserSettings.ini

Add the following under [ServerSettings]:

ClusterDirOverride=/home/container/clusters/MyCluster
ClusterID=MyClusterID

ClusterDirOverride → the path to your cluster folder.
ClusterID → choose a unique name (must be the same on all servers).

Step 3: Adjust start parameters

In Pterodactyl → Startup, add this to your start options:

-ClusterDirOverride="/home/container/clusters/MyCluster" -ClusterID=MyClusterID

This must be identical on all servers in the cluster.

Step 4: Testing the cluster

Restart all servers.
In-game, go to an obelisk or supply drop.
Upload a character/dino/item.
You

Question 2

How to setup my own domain name to my FiveM server? (Cloudflare)

Accepted Answer

Linking Your Domain to Your FiveM Server with Cloudflare

Linking your domain to your FiveM server via Cloudflare helps you create an easier-to-remember address for your server. Follow these steps to set up your domain correctly.

Step 1: Create a Cloudflare Account

Go to the Cloudflare website and create a free account if you don’t already have one. Follow the registration instructions and add your domain to Cloudflare.

Step 2: Change the Nameservers

Cloudflare will provide you with custom nameservers. Log in to your domain registrar and replace the current nameservers with the ones from Cloudflare. This may take a few hours to take effect.

Step 3: Add a DNS Record

Log in to your Cloudflare account and select your domain. Go to the DNS tab in the Cloudflare dashboard.

Add a new record:

Click Add Record
Select A as the record type
For Name, enter the subdomain you want to use (e.g., play for play.yourdomain.com)
For IPv4 address, enter the IP address of your FiveM server
Set Proxy status to DNS Only (grey cloud)
Click Save

Step 4: Add an SRV Record (for custom ports)

If your FiveM server uses a non-standard port (not 30120), add an SRV record:

Click Add Record
Select SRV as the record type
Fill in the fields as follows:

``` Name: cfx.udp.play

Question 3

How do i restore a backup of my server in Pterodactyl?

Accepted Answer

Restoring a Backup in Pterodactyl

Restoring a backup in Pterodactyl is very simple. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Go to Backups

Click on Backups in the game panel.

Step 2: Restore a Backup

Choose the backup you want to restore. In the backup options, click Restore.

In the popup, you will see the option to delete all files before restoring the backup.

Check this box if you want to remove all files first (optional).
Then click Restore.

Done!

Your backup has now been successfully restored.

Question 4

How do i install mods to my Ark server?

Accepted Answer

Adding Mods to Your Server via Pterodactyl

There are two ways to add mods to your server through Pterodactyl:

Manually via the File Manager
Automatically via Mod IDs in the Startup settings

Method 1: Manual Upload

Step 1: Download the desired mods

Find the mods you want to use (e.g. from Steam Workshop for ARK or other sources for Minecraft/Valheim/Rust).
Download the mod file (.mod, .pak, or .jar depending on the game).

Step 2: Open the File Manager

Log in to your Pterodactyl panel.
Click on your server.
Navigate to Files (File Manager).

Step 3: Upload the mod

Locate the correct mods folder (varies by game):
ARK ASA → ShooterGame/Content/Mods/
Click Upload and select your mod file.

Method 2: Mod IDs via Startup

For ARK servers, you can automatically install mods using Mod IDs.

Go to Startup in the panel.
Find the field called Mod ID's
Add the mod IDs separated by commas, for example:

123456,987654,456789

The server will automatically download and install the mods during startup.

Step 4: Restart your server

Click Stop and then Start, or use Restart.
The server will now load the mods on startup.

✅ Done! Your mods have now been successfully added to your server.

Question 5

How do I make a backup of a server in Pterodactyl?

Accepted Answer

Creating a Backup in Pterodactyl

Creating a backup in Pterodactyl is very simple. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Go to Backups

Click on Backups in the game panel.

Step 2: Create a Backup

Click on Create Backup in the top right. Then enter a name for your backup. Finally, click Start Backup.

Done!

You have now created a backup of your server.

Question 6

How do I set a different minecraft version for my server?

Accepted Answer

Setting the Minecraft Version for Your Minecraft Java Server

Setting the version for your Minecraft Java Server is quite simple. Here are the steps you need to follow:

⚠️ Important: Make a backup before you start to prevent data loss. (See the backup guide)

Step 1: Stop the server

Press the Stop button in the game panel.

Step 2: Go to Startup settings

Open the Startup settings via the game panel.

Step 3: Change Minecraft Version

Enter the desired Minecraft version in the Minecraft Version field. For example:

1.20.1

Step 4: Go to Settings

Open the Settings of your server via the game panel.

Step 5: Reinstall the server

Click Reinstall Server to apply the new version.

Step 6: Start your server

If your server is already stopped, start it.
If your server is running, restart it.

The server

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