Automatic Trough
Managing a massive dinosaur army in ARK: Survival Ascended is a full-time job. Between taming, breeding, and defending your base, the constant grind of refilling feeding troughs can drain the fun out of the game. The Automatic Trough add-on is the quality-of-life solution you have been waiting for. This mod transforms the humble feeding trough into a hands-free logistics hub, ensuring your carnivores and herbivores stay fat and happy while you focus on the real adventures.
What Does the Automatic Trough Do?
This isn't just a larger storage box. The Automatic Trough is a smart feeder that gives you precise control over how your dinos are fed. It is designed to eliminate the tedious chore of manually checking and refilling multiple troughs across your base. With a few simple configuration options, you can set it and forget it, knowing your tames are always topped up.
Customizable Refill Timer
The core feature is the RefillTime setting. By default, the trough will automatically pull from a connected source and refill itself every 3 hours (10800 seconds). However, you are not locked into that schedule. You can adjust the interval to match your playstyle. Whether you want a rapid refill every 30 minutes for a busy breeding pen or a slow trickle every 6 hours for a remote outpost, the choice is yours. This flexibility ensures that you never waste resources on overfilling or risk starvation during long AFK sessions.
Inventory Access Control
Another standout feature is the CanRemoveItems toggle. This is a game-changer for server admins and tribe leaders. By setting this to True, you allow players to manually pull items out of the trough. Set it to False, and the trough becomes a secure, one-way feeding system. This prevents accidental grabs, stops griefers from stealing your kibble, and ensures that the food you deposit is strictly for your dinos. It is the perfect tool for public servers or shared tribe bases where resource security is paramount.
Why You Need This Mod for ARK: Survival Ascended
If you have ever lost a high-level Rex or a rare breeding pair because a trough ran dry while you were offline, you know the pain. The Automatic Trough eliminates that risk entirely. It syncs seamlessly with the game's existing structure system, meaning it works alongside your current base layout without requiring a complete redesign. The mod is lightweight, meaning it won't cause performance drops or conflicts with your other favorite building mods.
Compatibility and Performance
This add-on is built specifically for ARK: Survival Ascended and is compatible with the latest game updates. It supports both single-player worlds and dedicated servers. The configuration is handled through simple INI settings, making it easy for server owners to tweak the values without needing to edit complex code. Whether you are running a vanilla-style playthrough or a heavily modded cluster, this tool integrates cleanly. For those who want a hassle-free setup, using the foxygame.net launcher ensures you can download Automatic Trough with a single click, and the launcher's add-on catalog keeps your mod list organized and up-to-date.
How to Install and Configure
Getting this mod running is a straightforward process. Here is a quick guide on how to install it properly.
- Download the mod: You can download Automatic Trough from the official ARK: Survival Ascended mod repository or via your preferred mod manager. Ensure you grab the latest version to avoid compatibility issues with the current game build.
- Install via Steam Workshop: If you are using Steam, simply subscribe to the mod page. It will automatically download and install to your game directory.
- Activate in-game: Launch ARK: Survival Ascended and navigate to the Mods menu. Ensure the Automatic Trough is checked and enabled before loading your save file.
- Server setup (Optional): For dedicated servers, add the mod ID to your
GameUserSettings.inifile under the[ModInstaller]section.
Once installed, you will find the crafting recipe for the Automatic Trough in your engram list. It requires a standard set of materials, similar to a normal trough but with a few electronic components to power the automation.
Configuring the INI Settings
To customize the behavior, you need to add a few lines to your server or single-player settings file. Here is the exact syntax you need:
[AutoTrough] RefillTime=10800 CanRemoveItems=True
Simply change the RefillTime value to your desired number of seconds. For example, 7200 equals 2 hours. Change CanRemoveItems to False if you want to lock the inventory. After saving the file, restart the game or server for the changes to take effect. If you are using a mod manager, the foxygame.net launcher often provides a user-friendly interface for editing these values without digging into raw files, and it also handles version compatibility checks so you know your mods are always synced with the latest ARK patch.
Tips for Maximizing Efficiency
To get the most out of your Automatic Trough, consider these strategies:
- Pair with a Dedicated Storage: Connect the trough to a nearby dedicated storage box or fridge. The trough will automatically pull from these sources, keeping your main inventory free.
- Use for Breeding Pens: Set a shorter RefillTime in breeding areas to ensure babies always have access to food during the critical growth phase.
- Secure Your Kibble: Use the
CanRemoveItems=Falsesetting in public areas to protect your valuable taming resources.
Final Thoughts
The Automatic Trough is an essential addition for any serious ARK: Survival Ascended player. It takes a mundane chore and turns it into a set-and-forget system, giving you more time to explore, build, and fight. With its customizable timers and robust security features, it offers a level of control that the vanilla game simply does not provide. Whether you are a solo survivor or managing a massive tribe, this mod will quickly become an indispensable part of your base infrastructure. Say goodbye to the daily grind of feeding and hello to a smarter way to keep your dinos thriving.