Personal Cluster Storage
If you play on a cluster of ARK: Survival Ascended servers, you know the pain of shuffling resources, gear, and prized creatures between maps. The constant trips through the Obelisk, the risk of losing items in transfer, and the sheer time sink can wear down even the most dedicated survivor. Personal Cluster Storage changes that dynamic entirely. This add-on introduces a dedicated storage box that follows you across your entire cluster, effectively giving you a personal, cloud-like inventory that is accessible from any connected server. It is a game-changer for tribes and solo players who manage multiple bases or hop between The Island, Scorched Earth, and beyond.
What Exactly Is Personal Cluster Storage?
Commissioned by Terrae Prima Cluster Descriptions, this mod adds a single, placeable Personal Cluster Storage box. Once you place it, the box is locked to your character profile. No other player can access its contents, making it the ultimate secure stash for your most valuable blueprints, ammunition, and rare resources. The real magic happens behind the scenes: the mod saves your box's inventory to a shared folder on your server host. This means when you log into a different server within the same cluster, the box you place there will pull up the exact same contents. It is essentially a personal, cross-dimensional vault.
Key Features and Benefits
- True Cross-Server Access: The contents are accessible by you on any server in the cluster you are on.
- Personal Security: Once placed, only you can access the box. This is perfect for preventing "tribe tax" or accidental grabs by tribemates.
- Configurable Capacity: Admins can adjust the
MaxSlotssetting, defaulting to 50 slots, to suit the server's economy. - Power Options: The
DisablePowerRequirementconfig allows the box to function without electricity if you prefer a more primitive setup. - Item Filtering: Use the
ItemClassBlacklistconfig to prevent the transfer of specific items, such as tribute artifacts or boss summoning items, to avoid exploits.
Important Setup Requirements for Admins
Before you hit the download button, you need to understand the admin side of this mod. Personal Cluster Storage for ARK: Survival Ascended requires a specific server configuration to function as intended. The mod is not a "plug-and-play" solution for clustered servers; it relies on a shared file system between all your server instances. The save files must be stored in Saved\SaveGames\PersonalClusterStorage. If you cannot set up a shared folder between your servers, this mod will 100% not work correctly. You would end up with personal storage that is locked to the server it is on, defeating the entire purpose.
For those unfamiliar with server administration, the easiest way to achieve this is via a symbolic link (symlink). For example, you can use the command mklink /D "T:\ArkAscendedQCDevServer\ShooterGame\Saved\SaveGames\PersonalClusterStorage" "X:\PersonalClusterStorage". This creates a folder in your server directory, but the actual data is stored on the X: drive, allowing all servers in the cluster to read and write to the same location. If you are using a hosting provider, you will need to check if they support this kind of shared storage or if they have a dedicated folder for mod saves.
Singleplayer and Unofficial Server Notes
For singleplayer users, the news is fantastic. The mod works right out of the box with zero setup required. The file format used is EOSID-CharacterID.sav, which automatically ties the storage to your unique Epic Online Services ID and your character's in-game ID. You can find your Character ID on your implant, and your EOS ID can be found using helper mods like Identity Helper on CurseForge. This ensures that your single-player world gets the full benefit of the cluster storage concept, even if you only play on one map.
For unofficial server owners, the how to install process is straightforward. You simply add the mod to your server's mod list, restart the server, and then perform the folder setup described above. Once that is done, players can learn the engram (EngramEntry_StorageBox_PersonalClusterStorage_C) or use the admin command to spawn the structure directly: cheat giveitem "/PersonalClusterStorage/Storage/PrimalItemStructure_PersonalClusterStorage.PrimalItemStructure_PersonalClusterStorage" 1 0 0. The mod is compatible with most current versions of ARK: Survival Ascended, though it is always wise to check for updates after major game patches to ensure stability.
If you are looking to streamline your cluster experience, you might want to check the add-on catalog within the foxygame.net launcher, which often features curated lists of quality-of-life mods like Personal Cluster Storage to make your setup easier.
How to Install and Use the Mod
To get started, you need to download Personal Cluster Storage from a trusted mod repository like CurseForge. The installation process varies slightly depending on your platform:
- For Server Admins: Add the mod ID to your server's
GameUserSettings.inifile under the[ModInstaller]section. Restart the server to download and install the mod. - For Singleplayer: Subscribe to the mod on the Steam Workshop or CurseForge and ensure it is enabled in your mod list before loading your save.
- For Clients: Ensure you have the mod installed on your client to see the engram and the structure. If you join a server with the mod, it will usually prompt you to download it automatically.
Once installed, place the box in your base. You will notice it requires power by default, though this can be disabled by the admin. Interact with it to access your personal inventory. The contents are saved instantly and will be waiting for you on the next server you visit, provided the admin has correctly configured the shared folder path. For those who prefer a more automated experience, the foxygame.net launcher offers one-click install for mods, which can help you get Personal Cluster Storage up and running without manually editing server files.
Final Thoughts
Personal Cluster Storage is an essential mod for anyone serious about cluster play in ARK: Survival Ascended. It eliminates the tedious logistics of item transfer, allowing you to focus on exploration, building, and combat. While the admin setup requirement might seem daunting, the payoff is immense. The ability to access your entire personal arsenal from any map in your cluster is a luxury that quickly becomes a necessity. Whether you are a solo player managing a network of bases or a tribe leader distributing resources across the cluster, this mod delivers a seamless, secure, and highly configurable solution. Download it today and say goodbye to the fear of losing your best gear in transit.