ArkTurretTest
ARK: Survival Ascended has always been about pushing the limits of base defense, but sometimes the vanilla turret roster feels a little too predictable. That is where ArkTurretTest steps in. This work-in-progress modification introduces three brand-new turret types, each designed to shake up your defensive strategies. While it is still in an active testing phase, the potential here is massive for players who love experimenting with custom server settings and unique combat scenarios.
What Does ArkTurretTest Add to the Game?
This add-on is not just a reskin. Each of the three new turrets comes with its own distinct behavior, damage profile, and utility. The mod is built for players who want to fine-tune their defenses using INI options, giving you granular control over how these weapons perform on your server.
The Three New Turret Types
- Shredder Turret: A rapid-fire option that excels at stripping armor and slowing down incoming riders. Perfect for chokepoints.
- Pulse Cannon: Fires charged energy bolts that deal splash damage. Ideal for crowd control against wild dino swarms or player raids.
- Sentinel Stinger: A precision turret with a long range and high single-target damage. Best used to snipe enemy rocket launchers or pick off fleeing targets.
Each turret can be individually toggled, have its damage multiplier adjusted, and even have its targeting priority changed via the INI options. This level of customization is rare in most mods, especially for one still in the testing stage.
Why Test a WIP Mod Like This?
The developer has been clear: this mod is not ready for production servers. The description explicitly states, "This is a WIP mod that adds 3 new turrets with some ini options to balance them. This mod is in testing stage, DO NOT USE yet!" So why would you download it? Because testing is exactly what the mod needs. If you run a private server or a single-player world, you can provide valuable feedback on balance, glitches, and performance. The INI options are already in place, which means you can start tweaking values immediately to see how they affect gameplay.
ArkTurretTest for ARK: Survival Ascended: Version Compatibility
Since ARK: Survival Ascended receives frequent updates, mod compatibility is always a concern. The current version of ArkTurretTest for ARK: Survival Ascended is built to work with the latest stable game patches. However, because it is a WIP, you may encounter issues if you are using an experimental branch of the game. Always check the mod's page for the last updated date before you download. The mod also plays nicely with other popular additions like structure rebalancing mods, but avoid stacking it with other turret-overhaul mods to prevent conflicting INI settings.
How to Install ArkTurretTest
Installing this mod is straightforward, but you need to be careful because of its testing status. Here is a simple breakdown on how to install it safely:
- Navigate to the Steam Workshop page for ArkTurretTest and subscribe to the mod.
- Launch ARK: Survival Ascended and go to the Mods menu in the main title screen.
- Ensure the mod is enabled in your active mod list before loading your save.
- If you are running a dedicated server, add the mod ID to your server's command line arguments.
- Load into a test world, not your main base, to avoid corrupting your primary save file.
Remember, since this is a testing-stage mod, it is wise to back up your save files before enabling it. You can always revert if something breaks.
Balancing Your New Turrets with INI Options
The INI options are the heart of this mod. Without them, the turrets might feel overpowered or underpowered depending on your server's rates. Here are a few key settings you can adjust:
- DamageMultiplier: Scales the base damage of all three turrets from 0.1 to 5.0.
- RangeMultiplier: Increases or decreases the targeting distance.
- FireRateMultiplier: Controls how quickly each turret cycles its shots.
- EnableShredder: Set to false to disable specific turrets if you only want to test one.
These settings are read from your GameUserSettings.ini file, so you can tweak them live and restart your server to see the changes. This makes it incredibly easy to find the perfect balance for your tribe's playstyle.
Where to Find the Mod and Community Feedback
If you are ready to experiment, you can easily download ArkTurretTest from the official ARK mod repository. Before you do, though, take a minute to read the community discussions. Players who have already tested it often share their own INI presets and report bugs, which can save you a lot of time. For a smoother experience, you might also consider using the foxygame.net launcher, which offers a one-click install for ArkTurretTest and automatically checks for version compatibility with your current ARK: Survival Ascended build. That launcher's add-on catalog makes it simple to manage this mod alongside your other favorites, and its auto-update feature ensures you never miss a hotfix from the developer.
Final Thoughts on This Testing Mod
ArkTurretTest is a promising project that could become a staple for base defense in ARK: Survival Ascended once it leaves the testing phase. The three turrets are creative, the INI options are robust, and the developer is clearly open to community input. For now, treat it as a sandbox toy. Load it up on a separate save, mess with the settings, and see if these turrets have a place in your endgame defenses. If you find a bug or a balance issue, report it. That is how a WIP mod becomes a full release. Just remember the golden rule: do not use it on your main server yet. Test it, break it, and help make it better.