ArkPlus
If you have spent any time in the sprawling world of ARK: Survival Ascended, you know that the base game's structure system can feel restrictive. You might be hunting for a way to make your industrial base more efficient, quieter, or simply more compact. That is exactly where ArkPlus steps in. This fan-favorite mod takes the structures you already know and love, and gives them a thoughtful, gameplay-first rework. It is not about adding overpowered items that break the game's balance; instead, it is a collection of quality-of-life upgrades, trade-offs, and niche tools designed to give you more control over how you build and survive.
What Exactly Does ArkPlus Change?
ArkPlus is a work-in-progress mod that currently adds ten unique structure variants to the game. Each one is a reimagining of a vanilla counterpart, offering distinct advantages and drawbacks. The goal is to provide alternatives, not strict upgrades. You will need to think about your base layout and resource management to get the most out of them.
Core Structure Additions and Their Trade-Offs
The mod's current roster is impressive, covering everything from crafting to storage. Here is a breakdown of what you can expect when you download ArkPlus for your server.
- A+ Air Conditioner: Offers a much larger range and quieter operation, and it is stackable via snap points. The build cost is altered, making it a heavier investment for better comfort.
- A+ Blueprint Vault: A mini-vault specifically designed to hold blueprints, keeping your precious schematics organized and safe without taking up a full-sized vault.
- A+ Fabricator: This version is slightly smaller and crafts items much faster. It makes less noise, but has reduced inventory slots and can be placed directly on the ground.
- A+ Feeding Trough: Boasts a way larger max range for your tames. The trade-off is fewer inventory slots, and it can hold additional item types, though it blocks several non-food edibles.
- A+ Industrial Forge: Much smaller in size and cooks faster. It has altered build costs and fewer inventory slots, but can be placed on the ground for easier setup.
- A+ Metal Water Intake: A game-changer for inland bases. It has a much larger range and does not require water to be placed, but it can only be placed on terrain.
- A+ Power Generator: Provides a much larger power range and operates with less noise. It comes with fewer inventory slots and an altered build cost.
- A+ Refrigerator: Slightly fewer inventory slots, but it can take additional item types. It is snap-point stackable and has an altered build cost.
- A+ Smithy: Crafts much faster than the vanilla version. It has fewer inventory slots and can be placed on the ground, but the build cost is altered.
- A+ Vault: Slightly smaller in size but offers more inventory slots than the standard vault. It is also snap-point stackable for neat storage rooms.
How to Install and Get Started
Getting ArkPlus for ARK: Survival Ascended into your game is a straightforward process. Since the mod is still in active development, it is crucial to check the mod ID (949980) to ensure you are downloading the latest version. For those using the foxygame.net launcher, the process is even simpler—their launcher provides a one-click install for ArkPlus, and the add-on catalog automatically checks for version compatibility with your current build of ASA, saving you from manual file management headaches.
For manual installation, you will want to use the in-game mod browser or a third-party manager. Once you have subscribed to the mod, ensure it is activated in your server's mod list. The mod is designed to work with the current supported versions of ARK: Survival Ascended, and it generally plays well alongside other popular mods, though you should always test for conflicts when running large mod packs.
Unlocking and Using the A+ Structures
All structures in ArkPlus unlock after you have learned their vanilla counterpart. They cost 0 engram points, making them a free addition to your existing tech tree. You can craft them in either vanilla or A+ crafting stations. When placed, all A+ structures are colored black for easy identification, and you can custom name them for tribe log clarity. They cannot be placed near enemy foundations, but they can be rotated before placement, giving you flexibility in tight spaces.
What is on the Horizon for ArkPlus?
The developer has a clear roadmap for the mod's future. They are actively working on balancing the A+ Feeding Trough with ideas like only accepting certain foods in exchange for a better spoil timer. They are also experimenting with an A+ Plant X Turret that might feature slower but stronger hits or different status effects. In the planning phase is an emote wheel option to toggle hiding dino names, as well as tweaks to vanilla Ankylosaurus and Doedicurus to allow them to auto-farm up to 100% max weight instead of the default 50%. The mod author is also learning to add filter options to the turrets and better visual indicators for the trough's range.
ArkPlus is a breath of fresh air for players who feel constrained by the vanilla structure meta. It encourages creative base designs and strategic resource allocation. While it is a work in progress and you might encounter a few bugs or balance tweaks, the core philosophy is solid: provide valuable, niche tools that respect the game's balance. If you are tired of the clunky formatting options in the in-game browser and want a mod that feels like a true expansion, give ArkPlus a try. It is a fantastic way to reclaim your base from the noise and bulk of standard equipment.