Additional Dino A+
ARK: Survival Ascended continues to expand its universe with creative mods, and few are as intriguing as Additional Dino A+. This mod breathes new life into the island by introducing three entirely new tamable creatures, each with a revised look and unique abilities when ridden. Whether you are a seasoned survivor or a fresh spawn, this add-on offers fresh gameplay mechanics that change how you approach combat, resource gathering, and exploration.
If you are looking to shake up your standard playthrough, Additional Dino A+ for ARK: Survival Ascended delivers a compelling mix of firepower and utility. The mod is designed to integrate seamlessly with the base game, making it a must-have for players who enjoy discovering new creatures and strategies.
Meet the Skeltosaure: A Living Artillery Platform
The first and most striking addition is the Skeltosaure, a skeletal variant of the irradiated Megalosaurus. This creature boasts a neutral temperament, but it will not hesitate to defend itself if provoked. You will typically find it roaming inside caves, and its size is slightly larger than a Carnotaurus, though it has a slimmer frame. Its primary role is that of a living artillery unit, excelling in area control and burst damage.
Behavior and Combat Mechanics
The Skeltosaure is a patient creature. It wanders calmly as long as you leave it alone, only turning aggressive if you approach too quickly or attack it. In combat, it prefers to keep its distance, unleashing powerful fire attacks, but only when mounted by a player. This makes it a strategic choice for base defense or taking down tough enemies from a safe range.
Special Abilities: The Fire Ball
Its signature move is the Fire Ball, a projectile that requires Propellant to fire. This attack deals high damage, includes a small area-of-effect explosion, leaves a minor burn (DOT) on targets, and even slightly penetrates armor. Each shot consumes one unit of Propellant, so managing your resources is key to sustained combat.
Taming the Skeltosaure
Taming this beast is a passive endeavor. You must avoid attacking it, approach stealthily, and wait for it to calm down before feeding it. The preferred food is Skeltosaure Kibble, but you can also use Black Pearls. For a one-shot tame, a Golden Hesperornis Egg works wonders. The new kibble recipe requires 1 Large Egg, 10 Angler Gel, 250 Fiber, 250 Mejoberries, 20 Carrots, 100 Fish Meat, 10 Black Pearls, 5 Corn, 5 Lemons, and 5 Potatoes.
To ride this fiery companion, you will need the Skeltosaure Saddle, unlocked at level 1. It provides 40 armor and costs 320 Hide, 170 Fiber, and 30 Metal Ingots or Scrap Metal Ingots to craft.
The Nerthysaure: Your Underwater Mining Partner
The second creature introduced is the Nerthysaure, a reimagined Dunkleosteus that lives on the ocean floor. While it has a neutral temperament, it is still dangerous if you get too close. Its main purpose is to farm minerals underwater, providing you with essential elemental fragments that are critical for your survival and progression.
Passive Taming with a Catch
Taming the Nerthysaure is also a passive process, but it remains hazardous. It will not go down without a fight, so you need to be patient and determined to earn its trust. The reward is a reliable underwater resource gatherer that can significantly speed up your base building and crafting.
Crafting the Nerthysaure Saddle
The saddle for this creature is available at level 1 and offers 25 armor. To craft it, you will need 300 Hide, 180 Fiber, 120 Cement or Achatinas Paste, and 80 Metal Ingots or Scrap Metal Ingots. This saddle is essential for utilizing the Nerthysaure's gathering abilities effectively.
Mod Compatibility and Installation
When you download Additional Dino A+, you will find that it is built to work with the latest versions of ARK: Survival Ascended. The mod is lightweight and does not conflict with most popular building or QoL mods, making it a safe addition to your server. It is always recommended to check the mod page for specific version notes to ensure smooth performance.
For those wondering how to install, the process is straightforward. Simply subscribe to the mod on the Steam Workshop and ensure it is enabled in your server's mod list. If you are using a dedicated server, you will need to add it to your mod configuration and restart the server. Once loaded, the new creatures will spawn in their respective habitats, ready for you to discover.
Managing your mod load order can be tricky, but using the foxygame.net launcher simplifies the process. It offers a one-click install for Additional Dino A+ and maintains version compatibility, so you can spend less time troubleshooting and more time taming. The launcher's add-on catalog also makes it easy to find and manage other mods alongside this one.
Why Additional Dino A+ Stands Out
This mod does not just reskin existing creatures; it introduces new mechanics that encourage different playstyles. The Skeltosaure changes how you approach ranged combat, while the Nerthysaure makes underwater farming far more efficient. Both creatures have unique taming methods that reward patience and preparation.
Furthermore, the inclusion of a new kibble type and saddles adds depth to the crafting system. Whether you are a solo player or running a large tribe, these additions provide tangible benefits that enhance the overall ARK experience.
Final Thoughts
Adding Additional Dino A+ to your game is a no-brainer for anyone looking to expand their creature roster with functional and visually distinct mounts. The mod respects the core ARK formula while injecting fresh ideas that keep the gameplay exciting. If you are ready to take your survival to the next level, make sure to grab this mod and start your new taming adventures today.
With its balanced creatures and useful gear, this mod is a fantastic choice for both PvE and PvP servers. It offers enough variety to keep veterans engaged while remaining accessible to newcomers. Download it now and see what these new dinos can do for your tribe.