How to Reinstall Your ARK Server

Published June 8, 2026 · By Host Havoc Technical Support Team

A reinstall returns your ARK: Survival Evolved server to the default state it had at purchase. It deletes all server files except backups, so it is the right tool when the install is too broken to repair any other way. Save anything you want to keep first.

Warning: This deletes all server files except backups, including configs and saves. To preserve your world, create a backup and download anything you want to keep before you start.

Reinstall the server

  1. Log into the game panel and open your ARK service.
  2. Stop the server.
  3. Click More.
  4. Click Reinstall.
  5. Confirm the reinstall, keeping the Default values option selected.
    The More button in the game panel
    The Reinstall option in the game panel
    Confirming an ARK reinstall with Default values selected

The panel deletes the server files, downloads a fresh copy, and installs a default setup. This can take several minutes depending on the file size. When it finishes, you have a clean install.

Tip: Try a file validation before a full reinstall. It repairs damaged files without wiping your configuration.