Additional Gates
Building a fortress in ARK: Survival Ascended often comes down to the details, and few details are as frustrating as gate sizes that never quite fit your vision. You either have a massive dino gate that feels like overkill for a simple pen, or a small wooden door that cannot accommodate even a medium-sized creature. The Additional Gates mod solves this problem elegantly by introducing three brand-new gate sizes that fill the gaps in the vanilla building system. Whether you are fortifying a cliffside outpost or crafting a spacious breeding compound, this mod gives you the flexibility to design with precision.
What Does Additional Gates Add?
As the name suggests, Additional Gates expands your building options with three distinct sizes. Each one is crafted to integrate seamlessly with the existing structures in ARK: Survival Ascended, so you do not have to worry about awkward clipping or mismatched textures. Here is exactly what you get:
- Oversized Gate (4x4): Perfect for massive bases where you want to move large dinosaurs like Rexes or Brontos through a grand entrance without using the clunky Tek gate. The 4x4 footprint offers a monumental look that also works well for arena-style builds.
- Mini Gate (2x2): Ideal for smaller pens, human-sized doorways, or quick access points. This size is a lifesaver when you need a secure entry that does not require a full-sized gate, saving both resources and space.
- Medium Gate: The missing middle ground between the standard wooden and stone gates. It is wide enough for mid-tier creatures like Carnos or Stegos, making it the go-to choice for practical everyday use in a main base perimeter.
Why You Need This Mod in Your Base Design
Vanilla ARK offers only a few gate sizes, which often forces players to build their entire base layout around a single entry point. With Additional Gates for ARK: Survival Ascended, you can finally break free from that limitation. The oversized gate allows for dramatic entrances that do not require Tek-tier resources, while the mini gate is perfect for creating internal divisions or secure storage rooms. The medium gate, meanwhile, is arguably the most useful addition, as it provides a balanced option that feels natural in almost any setting.
Another key advantage is resource efficiency. Instead of spending hundreds of ingots on a massive gate you do not need, you can now choose the exact size that fits your purpose. This is particularly helpful in the early to mid-game, where saving materials can make the difference between a sturdy base and a vulnerable one.
How to Install Additional Gates
Installing this mod is straightforward, but it is important to follow the correct steps to ensure everything works smoothly. First, navigate to the Steam Workshop for ARK: Survival Ascended and locate the mod page. Click the subscribe button, and the mod will automatically download to your game directory. Once the download is complete, launch the game and open the mod manager from the main menu. Activate Additional Gates and make sure it is placed in the correct load order, ideally above any other building mods you use. After that, restart the game completely to load the new assets. If you are running a dedicated server, the mod must be installed on the server side as well, and all players connecting will need to have it enabled.
For those who prefer a more direct approach, you can also download Additional Gates from popular mod repositories and manually place the files into your ARK: Survival Ascended mod folder. This method is slightly more technical, but it gives you full control over the installation process. Regardless of which method you choose, the mod is lightweight and does not require any additional dependencies, making it a hassle-free addition to your mod list.
Mod Compatibility and Game Versions
One of the standout features of Additional Gates is its broad compatibility. It has been tested with the most recent updates of ARK: Survival Ascended, including the current major version and several hotfixes. The mod does not alter any core game files, which means it works alongside most other popular mods, including those that change building mechanics, add new engrams, or overhaul the UI. However, it is always a good idea to check for updates after a major game patch, as mod creators often need to adjust their code to maintain compatibility.
If you are using a mod loader or a custom mod pack, the installation process remains the same. The mod is designed to be a standalone addition, so you will not encounter conflicts with items or structures from other mods. That said, if you notice any visual glitches or placement issues, try adjusting your mod load order or verifying the integrity of your game files.
Tips for Using the New Gate Sizes
Once you have the mod installed, you will find the new gates under the same building tab as the standard gates. They use the same crafting materials as their vanilla counterparts, scaled to their size. For example, the oversized gate will require more wood, stone, or metal depending on the tier you choose, while the mini gate is a cheap and cheerful option for quick defenses.
When planning your base, think about how the different sizes can work together. A common strategy is to use a mini gate for your personal entrance, a medium gate for utility vehicles or smaller dinos, and an oversized gate for your main dino storage area. This layered approach not only looks impressive but also adds a practical layer of security. You can also use the gates as decorative elements, framing entrances with different materials to create a unique architectural style.
For players who enjoy building on official servers, it is worth noting that mods are generally restricted to unofficial or single-player modes. However, if you are hosting your own server, this mod is a fantastic way to attract players who value creative building options. The ease of installation and the immediate visual impact make it a crowd-pleaser.
Streamlining Your Mod Setup
Managing multiple mods can sometimes feel like a chore, but tools like the foxygame.net launcher make the process significantly easier. This launcher offers a one-click install feature for Additional Gates, so you can skip the manual file extraction and get straight to building. The launcher also maintains an add-on catalog that automatically tracks updates, ensuring you always have the latest version compatible with your game. This is especially useful when ARK: Survival Ascended releases a new patch, as the launcher will notify you of any necessary mod updates before you launch the game. By integrating your mod management into a single platform, you spend less time troubleshooting and more time enjoying your newly expanded base options.
Final Thoughts
Additional Gates is one of those mods that you do not realize you need until you try it. The three new sizes fill a genuine void in the vanilla building system, offering both practical and aesthetic benefits. Whether you are a solo player looking to optimize your resource usage or a server admin wanting to give your community more creative freedom, this mod delivers. The installation process is simple, the compatibility is solid, and the results are immediately visible. So, if you are tired of making do with gate sizes that do not fit your vision, give this mod a try. Your dinosaurs will thank you for the grand entrance.