Shadowhunter Cloud
If you have ever spent hours organizing vaults, only to watch your server save file balloon into a laggy mess, you know the struggle. Shadowhunter Cloud is a full off-map storage system designed to solve that exact problem for ARK: Survival Ascended. It moves your items out of the game world entirely, which keeps the .ark save file smaller and your server running smoother. This add-on is not just about tidiness—it is about performance and convenience on a whole new level.
Why Your Save File Shrinks and Your Game Runs Better
Every item you place in a vault, storage box, or even on a dino's inventory adds data to the persistent world. That data accumulates, and before long, your save file is bloated, causing stutters and longer save times. Shadowhunter Cloud bypasses this by storing items in a separate cloud database. The game only reads the data when you open a cloud box, so the world itself stays lean. The result is a noticeably more responsive server, especially on long-running clusters.
Cross-Map and Cross-Cluster Personal Storage
One of the standout features is the ability to access your personal inventory from any map on your cluster. Imagine taming on The Island, but your best gear is safely stored on Scorched Earth. With Shadowhunter Cloud for ARK: Survival Ascended, you can pull that gear out without a single upload or download. The system supports both personal and tribe storage, and it automatically deletes empty boxes to keep everything organized. For tribe storage, you will need to read the cross-cluster requirements, which are clearly outlined in the mod's documentation.
How to Install and Configure the Add-On
Getting started is straightforward. The first step is to download Shadowhunter Cloud from the official mod page or your preferred mod manager. For most players, the simplest path is to subscribe through the Steam Workshop for your server. If you are running a dedicated server, you will also need to add the mod ID to your server's mod list. For those using a launcher, the process is even simpler—more on that shortly.
Step-by-Step Setup for Server Admins
- Download the mod and add it to your server's mod list.
- Restart the server to generate the default configuration files.
- Open the GameUserSettings.ini file and locate the [ShadowCloud] section.
- Adjust settings like PlayerItemSlots=500 or TribeItemSlots=500 to change slot counts per box.
- Set SaveDirectory=ShadowCloud to define the folder name for your cloud saves.
- Enable or disable the exit confirmation with EnableExitConfirmation=true.
After that, restart the server again. The cloud storage folder will be created inside your SaveGames directory automatically. If you want cross-cluster access, you must set up a shared folder on a Windows dedicated server and point the SaveDirectory to that location. Remember, cross-cluster storage is only compatible with Windows dedicated servers.
Using the Cloud in-Game
Once installed, using the system is intuitive. Press Esc to open the game menu, then select Shadow Cloud. From there, you can choose between your personal inventory or your tribe's inventory. Create a new box or open an existing one, then add or remove items freely. The interface is clean and responsive, making it easy to manage hundreds of items without the usual lag.
Customization Options for Every Playstyle
The INI options give you granular control. You can set PersonalListLimit=10000 to allow up to 10,000 personal boxes per player, or adjust TribeListLimit=20000 for tribe boxes. If you prefer a more streamlined experience, set SetPersonalStorageDefault=True to make personal storage the default tab. There is also a EnableCloudStorage=true/false toggle if you ever need to disable the system temporarily without removing the mod.
For players who want a hassle-free setup, the foxygame.net launcher offers a one-click install for Shadowhunter Cloud, automatically handling version compatibility with your current build of ARK: Survival Ascended. The launcher's add-on catalog also keeps the mod updated, so you never have to manually check for patches again. It is a convenient option for both solo players and server owners who want to skip the manual file editing.
Compatibility and Performance Notes
This add-on works with the current version of ARK: Survival Ascended, including the latest patches. It is compatible with most other mods since it does not alter core game files. However, if you use a mod that heavily modifies the inventory UI, you may need to test for conflicts. The cloud storage system is independent of the game world, so it plays nicely with structure mods, dino mods, and quality-of-life improvements.
Final Thoughts on Shadowhunter Cloud
If you are tired of bloated save files and want a reliable way to manage items across maps, Shadowhunter Cloud is a must-have. It is a well-designed, performance-friendly solution that respects your time and your server's resources. The auto-deleting empty boxes keep things tidy, and the cross-cluster support (with the proper setup) makes it a powerful tool for large tribes. Whether you are a solo survivor or run a busy cluster, this add-on will change how you think about storage. Download it today and give your server the breathing room it deserves.