How Do I Switch My ARK Server to Pre-Aquatica?

Many players of ARK: Survival Evolved have chosen to roll back to the Pre-Aquatica version following the release of the Aquatica DLC. The latest update has caused various issues, including mod incompatibility and performance problems. This guide will show you how to set up Pre-Aquatica on both your client and CloudNord server.

What is Pre-Aquatica?

Pre-Aquatica is an official beta branch that allows you to play ARK: Survival Evolved before the Aquatica update was released. This version is more stable and maintains full compatibility with popular mods.

Benefits of Using Pre-Aquatica

• ✅ Mod Compatibility: Full support for community mods like Dino Storage V2, Structures Plus (S+), and others that were broken by Aquatica
• ✅ Better Stability: Avoid crashes, bugs, and performance issues introduced with the Aquatica update
• ✅ No Forced Changes: Maintain control of your gameplay experience without surprise mechanics or visual overhauls

Part 1: Installing Pre-Aquatica on Steam (Client)

Step 1: Access Beta Settings

1. Open Steam and locate ARK: Survival Evolved in your Library
2. Right-click on the game and select Properties
3. Click on Betas in the left-hand menu

Step 2: Select Pre-Aquatica Version

1. In the "Beta Participation" dropdown menu, select preaquatica - ASE : Pre-Aquatica
2. Steam will automatically begin downloading the Pre-Aquatica build
3. Once the download completes, launch ARK: Survival Evolved

Note: Your game client version must match your server version to connect successfully.

Part 2: Installing Pre-Aquatica on Your Server

Step 1: Stop Your Server

1. Log in to your CloudNord Game Panel
2. Stop your ARK: Survival Evolved server

Step 2: Change Beta Branch

1. Navigate to the Startup tab in your Game Panel
2. Locate the Beta Branch variable
3. In the Beta Branch field, enter: preaquatica
4. Click Save or apply the changes

Step 3: Reinstall/Update Server

1. Go to the Settings tab
2. Click Reinstall Server to download the Pre-Aquatica version
3. Wait for the reinstallation to complete
4. Start your server from the Game Panel

Important: Reinstalling the server will not delete your saves or configuration files. Your world data will remain intact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch back to the latest version of ARK?

Yes, you can switch back at any time:

• On Steam: Select "None" from the Beta Participation dropdown to return to the latest version
• On Server: Clear the Beta Branch field (leave it blank) in the Startup tab, then reinstall the server

Will my saves and characters be compatible?

Yes, your existing saves and character data will work with Pre-Aquatica. However, if you switch back to the latest version later, new content from Aquatica may not be present in your Pre-Aquatica saves.

Can I downgrade to other versions besides Pre-Aquatica?

Yes, you can specify other beta branches in the Beta Branch field. Check Steam's beta branch list for available versions.

Which version should I choose?

• Pre-Aquatica: Best for mod compatibility and stable custom experiences
• Latest Version: Includes new Aquatica content and official features, but may have mod compatibility issues

Choose based on whether you prioritize mods and stability or new official content.

Do all my players need to use Pre-Aquatica?

Yes, all players must be on the same game version as the server. If your server runs Pre-Aquatica, all players must also install Pre-Aquatica on Steam to connect.

Troubleshooting

I can't connect to my server after switching versions

• Ensure your Steam client is also set to Pre-Aquatica (preaquatica branch)
• Verify the server has fully restarted after reinstalling
• Check that both client and server versions match
• Confirm the Beta Branch field shows preaquatica in the Startup tab

My mods aren't working on Pre-Aquatica

• Verify the mods you're using were compatible before the Aquatica update
• Ensure mods are properly subscribed and loaded in your server configuration
• Most popular mods (Dino Storage V2, S+, etc.) work correctly on Pre-Aquatica

The server won't start after changing the branch

• Make sure you reinstalled the server after changing the Beta Branch field
• Check the Console tab for any error messages
• Verify the branch name is spelled correctly: preaquatica (all lowercase, no spaces)
• Try clearing the Beta Branch field and reinstalling to return to the default version first

The Beta Branch field is not visible

• Make sure you're looking in the Startup tab, not Settings
• The field may be labeled as "Beta Branch", "SRCDS_BETAID", or similar
• If you cannot find this field, contact CloudNord support

Need Help?

If you're experiencing issues not covered in this guide, please contact CloudNord support through your client area.