For ARK, world state, survivor profiles, and tribe state are separate companion records. Preserve all of SavedArksLocal before server transfer or mod changes and keep official-server expectations separate.
Prepare the source PC
On the source system, identify the actual ARK: Survival Evolved save root: Windows: <game-folder>ShooterGameSavedSavedArksLocal. The expected file/folder pattern is *.ark world saves with .arkprofile and .arktribe companion records. Close the game, let the active launcher finish writing and synchronizing, then make a complete offline copy rather than transferring a file that may still be open.
Preserve storefront and profile identity
Documented storefronts: Steam, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store. The active Steam, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store installation determines which local profile and cloud copy can overwrite the save. Identify the storefront and account before restoring files. A transfer between two PCs is simplest when both systems use the same storefront/account/profile context. If the destination uses a different store or container, treat that as a migration problem rather than an ordinary restore.
Move the complete save boundary
Close ARK: Survival Evolved, let the launcher finish any synchronization, then copy the complete documented save directory to a dated folder outside the live path. Preserve companion files rather than selecting only the newest-looking record. Put the copied data on the destination only after confirming the destination save path. If the game creates a new empty save first, keep that new folder as another backup so you can compare structures and revert.
Handle cloud sync deliberately
Official servers are server-side; local/non-dedicated/private-server files require their own manual backup strategy. Decide whether the local transferred copy or cloud copy should be authoritative before launching the game. If possible, preserve both. After the transferred save loads correctly, make a fresh in-game save and let the launcher synchronize normally.
Check compatibility before blaming the transfer
ARK local worlds use a set of world, player-profile, and tribe files. A reliable backup preserves the entire SavedArksLocal directory rather than only the map .ark file. Compatibility note: Treat saves as version-, storefront-, account-, and mod-sensitive unless the game or a separately verified migration workflow proves otherwise. A similar filename or extension is not evidence that two releases are interchangeable. If the destination does not see the transferred progress, If progress is missing after a restore, confirm the active Windows account, storefront/profile, cloud state, and exact directory first. Restore the untouched backup before experimenting with individual files or older autosaves. Verify game edition/version, store, profile IDs, redirected folders, and mod/DLC dependencies before editing the save itself.
Verification context: Windows save location, file-boundary, launcher/cloud, and backup notes were reviewed against the linked game-specific references for ARK: Survival Evolved. This Game Hub is documentation only and does not claim a new game-specific Save Editor.
Recorded Phase 40 evidence boundary
This Phase 40 entry is grounded in the researched PC save boundary for ARK: Survival Evolved: Windows: <game-folder>ShooterGameSavedSavedArksLocal The recorded file or folder pattern is *.ark world saves with .arkprofile and .arktribe companion records. These concrete identifiers are retained so backup, transfer, recovery, and editing preparation remain tied to the documented game/storefront context instead of a generic extension guess.