How do I reset my ARK server?

There are two ways to reset an ARK server: wipe only the world so you keep your settings and mods, or reinstall the whole server for a completely clean start. Take a manual backup first either way; a reset cannot be undone without one.

Option A: Wipe the World Only

1. Log in to your game panel, open your ARK server and press Stop on the Console page.
2. Click Files in the left menu and navigate to ShooterGame, then Saved, then SavedArks. This folder holds the world saves, player profiles and tribe data.
3. Select everything inside SavedArks and delete it. Need help with the file manager? See how to manage your files.
4. Start your server. It generates a brand new world; your settings in GameUserSettings.ini, your mods and your map choice all stay as they were.

Option B: Reinstall the Whole Server

1. Open your ARK server in the panel and click Settings in the left menu under CONFIGURATION.
2. Scroll to the Danger zone card and click Reinstall server.

3. Confirm with Yes, reinstall. The server stops and re-runs its installation, which downloads the ARK server files again. This can take a while, so give it up to 15 minutes.

A reinstall replaces the server files. It is not guaranteed to clear your world, so combine it with Option A if you want a truly empty map.

Finished

Your server is reset. If you only wiped the world, everyone starts fresh on the same settings. After a full reinstall, check your settings and mods before opening the server to players again.