Ark Poker
If you have spent any time in the world of ARK: Survival Ascended, you know that the downtime between taming sprees and base-building raids can feel a little empty. Sure, you can organize a dino race or just stare at the sunset over the volcano, but for many survivors, the real endgame is gathering around a table for a high-stakes game of cards. That is where Ark Poker steps in. This clever add-on brings the beloved Poker Table back into the game, and it does so without requiring you to own any premium DLC. It is a simple, focused mod that adds a whole new layer of social gameplay to your server.
What Does Ark Poker Add to Your Server?
At its core, this mod is all about bringing players together. The original Poker Table was locked behind the Bob's Tall Tales DLC, which meant many players could not access it. Ark Poker for ARK: Survival Ascended removes that barrier completely. Now, any survivor can craft and place a Poker Table, regardless of their DLC ownership. The mod is designed to be lightweight and performance-friendly, so you can drop it into your existing save without worrying about bloat or conflicts.
The creator has gone the extra mile by designing two entirely new decks of cards. These are not just recolors; they feature unique artwork that fits the prehistoric survival aesthetic. The mod currently ships with four distinct variants of the table and chairs, allowing you to match the furniture to your base's style. Whether you are building a rustic wooden saloon or a high-tech metal fortress, there is a table that will look right at home.
Admin Controls and Customization
One of the standout features of this add-on is the admin-only menu. This is not just a decorative prop; it is a fully functional game system. Server admins can select which of the two decks is used on any given table. More importantly, the admin panel offers three key gameplay settings:
- Time To Act: This sets the countdown timer for each player's turn, keeping the game moving at a brisk pace.
- Starting Chip Stack: Used exclusively in tournament mode, this determines how many chips each player begins with.
- Blind Level Time: This controls how often the small and big blinds increase, which is crucial for pacing longer tournament sessions.
These options give server owners the flexibility to host everything from casual friendly games to intense, structured tournaments with escalating blinds. It is a surprisingly deep system for a mod that describes itself as "very simple."
How to Install and Spawn the Table
Getting the mod up and running is straightforward. For those wondering how to install, the process is the same as any other mod for the game. You will need to subscribe to the mod on the Steam Workshop or the appropriate platform for your setup, then activate it in your server's mod list. Once it is loaded, you can find the table in your engrams or use the dedicated spawn commands provided by the creator. The primary command is:
cheat giveitem "/ArkPoker/Poker/Table/PrimalItemStructure_ArkPokerTable_6H.PrimalItemStructure_ArkPokerTable_6H" 1 0 0 false
Alternatively, you can use the simpler GFI command: cheat gfi ArkPokerTable 1 0 0. This makes it incredibly easy to test the mod out in single-player or admin spawn it for your community.
Compatibility and Server Performance
When it comes to mod compatibility, this add-on plays nicely with most other popular mods. Because it does not alter core game files or require specific map dependencies, it works across all official and custom maps in ARK: Survival Ascended. It is also compatible with the current supported versions of the game, so you do not have to worry about it breaking after a major update. The mod is purely additive, meaning it adds new structures and items without overwriting existing ones. This makes it a safe addition to any modded server stack.
If you are running a dedicated server, you will appreciate that the mod does not add any significant overhead. The poker logic is handled client-side for the most part, with the server only tracking game state. This ensures that even with multiple tables in use, your server tick rate remains stable. For players looking to download the mod, it is a relatively small file size, so it will not bloat your mod list or increase download times significantly.
Getting the Mod via the Foxygame.net Launcher
For those who prefer a more streamlined approach to mod management, the foxygame.net launcher offers a one-click install for Ark Poker. This launcher is designed to simplify the entire process, letting you browse and add mods directly from its catalog without needing to navigate the Steam Workshop. It also handles version compatibility checks automatically, ensuring that the version of Ark Poker you are running matches your game client. This is a fantastic option for server admins who want to deploy the mod across multiple machines quickly.
Why This Mod Matters
In a game where survival is the primary goal, it is easy to forget that the social aspect is what keeps servers alive. Ark Poker fills that niche perfectly. It gives players a reason to gather, to compete, and to engage in some friendly banter. The fact that it is free from DLC requirements means that everyone on your server can participate, regardless of their budget. The future addition of more deck designs is a promising sign that the mod will continue to evolve.
Whether you are a server admin looking to boost player retention or a solo player who wants to host a game night for your tribe, this mod is a must-have. The inclusion of tournament settings and customizable blind levels adds a competitive edge that is often missing from other social mods. It is a polished, functional, and genuinely fun addition to the ARK ecosystem. So gather your tribe, place your bets, and see who has the nerve to bluff their way to victory in the unforgiving world of ARK: Survival Ascended.