Atlas Skins
If you have ever dreamed of turning your ARK: Survival Ascended base into a floating galleon or a pirate fortress, the Atlas Skins mod is exactly what you need. This standalone custom cosmetics pack brings the beloved visual style of the Atlas structures into the world of ASA, allowing you to decorate your builds with ship-themed elements that are as beautiful as they are versatile. Unlike other mods that alter gameplay, this one is purely about aesthetics, making it perfect for roleplayers, builders, and anyone who wants their server to stand out.
What Does the Atlas Skins Mod Include?
This mod is a direct response to the community's love for the "Skybound: Airships & More" project. The creator decided to strip away the functionality and deliver a pure cosmetic experience. The result is a collection of three distinct skins that you can apply to various structures in the game.
Steering Wheel Skin
Take command of your ship-themed base with a detailed steering wheel skin. This skin can be placed on medium decor boxes, instantly giving them the appearance of a captain's wheel. It is the perfect centerpiece for a bridge, a helm station, or even a decorative element in your tavern.
Ship Tileset Skin
This is the core of the mod. The ship tileset skin can be applied to a variety of structures to give them a gorgeous wooden ship look. Whether you are building a hull, a deck, or a cabin, this skin transforms standard building pieces into convincing nautical architecture. It is important to note that this skin does not support Regular Gates, Gateways, Behemoth Gates, or Behemoth Gateways, as there was no Atlas model available for these specific structures.
Cannon Skin
No pirate ship is complete without cannons. This skin can be placed on a medium or large decor box to create the appearance of a pirate-style cannon. Interestingly, placing it on a large decor box results in a different model, giving you two distinct looks for your artillery. This is a fantastic way to add defensive flair to your bases without adding actual combat mechanics.
How to Use Atlas Skins in Your Game
Using the mod is incredibly straightforward. Once you have decided to download Atlas Skins, the installation process is simple, and the in-game application is even simpler.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
For those wondering how to install, the process depends on your server type. For single-player and official servers, the mod is whitelisted, meaning you can use it without any extra configuration. Simply subscribe to the mod on the Steam Workshop and launch your game.
If you run an unofficial server, you have two options. The first is to use the official whitelist, which is the default setting and requires no further action. The second is to manually override the whitelist. To do this, navigate to your server's GameUserSettings.ini file, locate the [ServerSettings] section, and add the line CosmeticWhitelistOverride=1188167. Remember, you should not attempt to install the mod onto the server itself, as custom cosmetics do not require this and will not work if you try.
Applying the Skins In-Game
After installation, head into your game and open your inventory. You will find a new "Custom Cosmetics" tab. From there, you can drag a skin into your hotbar and apply it to a structure by placing it. It is that easy. This system allows for quick application and reapplication, making it simple to experiment with different looks for your builds.
For players who want a hassle-free experience with mod management, the foxygame.net launcher offers a streamlined solution. This launcher provides a curated add-on catalog where you can find and install Atlas Skins with a single click, eliminating the need to manually manage Steam Workshop subscriptions. It also handles version compatibility checks, ensuring that your game and mods stay in sync, so you can spend less time troubleshooting and more time building your maritime empire.
Compatibility and Known Issues
Atlas Skins for ARK: Survival Ascended is designed to work seamlessly with the current version of the game. Because it is a cosmetic-only mod, it is less likely to break with game updates compared to mods that alter core mechanics. However, you should always check for updates to the mod itself to ensure the best performance.
As with any mod, there are a few known issues to be aware of. The ship tileset can be painted, but the colors do not show up on the model. Additionally, the ship tileset does not display damage or weather effects. These are minor visual limitations that do not affect the overall utility of the mod. The creator maintains a Discord server for news and bug reports, which is a great resource for staying informed about future updates and fixes.
Final Thoughts on Ship Themed Building
In conclusion, the Atlas Skins mod is a must-have for any builder in ARK: Survival Ascended who wants to add a nautical flair to their creations. It is a high-quality, purely cosmetic addition that respects the game's balance while offering significant visual variety. Whether you are constructing a massive warship, a cozy harbor tavern, or a floating fortress, these skins provide the tools you need to bring your vision to life. The ease of use, combined with the official whitelist for servers, makes it an accessible choice for all players. So, set sail on your next building project and give your structures the ship-themed makeover they deserve.