Alex Ruben
How To Find Save Game and Config Files in ARK Survival Ascended on PC (Game Pass)
How to Find Your ARK Survival Ascended Save and Config Files on Windows (Game Pass)
What’s kinda weird with ARK Survival Ascended on Windows, especially through Game Pass, is that your save and config files aren’t right out in plain sight. Sometimes they hide in the depths of weird folders or hidden app data, and figuring out where they actually live can be a pain. That’s frustrating when you want to back up your progress or transfer saves to another machine. Luckily, this walkthrough helps to uncover those files so you can get a grip on your game data, whether for backup, troubleshooting, or just plain curiosity. Expect to end up with a clear idea of where everything’s stored, and no more guessing game.
Step 1: Find the Game’s Installation Directory
First, you gotta get to the game files themselves. On Windows, if you’re using the Xbox app or Game Pass, the easiest way is through the Manage option.
- Right-click on the ARK Survival Ascended icon in your library.
- Select Manage.
- Click on the Files tab, then hit Browse. This should open the folder where the game is installed—though sometimes it’s not super straightforward depending on updates or your install location.
If you don’t see the folder pop up, you might need to manually hunt down the install folder, probably inside C:\Program Files\WindowsApps or your custom install drive.
Step 2: Dig Into the Save Game Folder
Once you’re in the main game directory, you need to find where the save data lives. Usually, it’s inside a subfolder called Content or similar.
- Open the Content folder.
- Next, go into ShooterGame, which is common for ARK games.
- Then, find the Saved folder. That’s typically where save files, player data, configs—all that jazz—is stored.
Heads up—if you don’t see anything obvious here, rest assured, there are other spots it could be leaning towards, especially in hidden app data folders.
Step 3: Locate Your Config Files
If your goal is to tweak or just view the configuration files, check this folder:
- Look for a file named
config.vin.gdkinside the Saved folder. - This is typically where game settings and configs are stored, and you might find other files with extensions like
.inior.cfg.
Not sure why, but on some setups, configs are all over the place or stored differently, so don’t be surprised if you need to check a few other subfolders.
Step 4: Hunt in the Hidden AppData Folder
Because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary. Your save files might be tucked away in AppData, which is hidden by default.
- Open This PC or File Explorer.
- Go to C:\Users\YourUsername\
- Enable Hidden Items if not already:
- Click on View tab at the top.
- Check the box for Hidden items.
- Navigate to AppData\Local.
- From here, look for folders related to ARK or StudioWildcard. These often contain save data, configs, or cache files.
This isn’t always perfect, but it’s a common spot for saved progress, especially if the game saves are configured to store data outside the main install folder.
Step 5: Explore the Packages Folder in the WindowsApp Folder
If you still can’t find what you’re after, you might have to dig into the Windows store app files.
- Navigate to C:\Program Files\WindowsApps—but brace yourself, because this folder is protected.
- You’ll need permissions—generally, you have to take ownership. (This can be tricky, and sometimes it’s just easier to access via a recovery or special tool.)
- Inside, look for a folder named StudioWildcard.ARKSurvivalAscended. This is the typical package folder for the game.
- Open it, then explore the System AppData or similar subfolders.
- Eventually, you should land in the WGS folder—your save files laid out right there.
Ugly process, yeah, but sometimes this is the only way to get the actual save data. Just be careful; editing files here can break your game if you’re not careful.
Extra Tips & Common Snags
- Make sure you have admin rights if you’re poking around in protected folders—the system can block access otherwise.
- If AppData or WindowsApps folders seem invisible or locked, enabling hidden items and taking ownership might be necessary, but it’s a pain.
- Backing up your save game files regularly—like copying them to another folder or external drive—can save a lot of trouble later.
Wrap-up
Getting to your save and config files in ARK Survival Ascended on Windows with Game Pass isn’t necessarily a smooth ride. It involves hunting through some hidden, system-protected folders that Windows doesn’t want to make obvious. But once you know where they are (or at least where to look), managing backups or transferring saves becomes a lot easier. Just remember, sometimes it’s all about patience and a bit of tech curiosity.
Summary
- Check the game’s install folder through Manage > Files > Browse.
- Look inside the Content/ShooterGame/Saved folder.
- Inspect the
config.vin.gdkfile for configs. - Enable Hidden Items and peek into AppData\Local.
- Dig into WindowsApps folder if necessary, with caution.
- Always keep backups!