BA Resource Plots (Cross-Platform)
Gathering rare resources in ARK: Survival Ascended can quickly turn from an exciting adventure into a tedious grind, especially on maps where specific materials are scarce. Whether you are hunting for Ammonite Bile, chitin, or Organic Polymer, the search often leads you across dangerous biomes and into the jaws of hungry predators. That is where the BA Resource Plots (Cross-Platform) add-on steps in, offering a practical and streamlined solution to your resource woes. This mod transforms passive resource collection into a simple, automated process, giving you more time to focus on building, taming, and exploring.
What Are BA Resource Plots?
BA Resource Plots are specialized, placeable structures that generate specific resources over time. Instead of relying on luck or long expeditions, you can place a plot on the ground or a foundation, activate it, and let it work its magic. The plots are designed for players who struggle to access certain items on The Island map and other official maps. Each plot is crafted in your inventory under the BA Mods folder, and they can be toggled on or off depending on your needs. The mod also supports both INI file configuration and an in-game Mod Settings Menu, giving you flexibility in how you manage your resource generation.
Cross-Platform Support and Optimization
The headline feature of this update is full cross-platform compatibility. This means that whether you are playing on PC, Xbox, or PlayStation, you can share the same mod experience with friends across different systems. The developer has also done significant optimization work, drastically reducing the mod's file size while retaining all its previous functionality. This makes the download faster and ensures smoother performance on all platforms. Keep in mind that cross-platform updates may take a little longer to roll out across all stores, but the developer is actively pushing hotfixes to iron out any bugs.
Exploring the Full Plot Roster
Each plot in the mod serves a unique purpose, catering to different resource shortages. Here is a breakdown of what you can expect to unlock as you progress through the game:
Oil and Chitin Plots (Level 15)
- BA Oil Plot: This plot pulls oil from tamed Beetles every six minutes, giving them time to craft their valuable resource. It also keeps Squid Oil fresh for longer periods, ensuring your supply never spoils.
- BA Chitin Plot: Generates chitin over time, saving you from hunting bugs and trilobites endlessly.
Rare and Snail Plots (Levels 20 and 25)
- BA Rare Plot: Perfect for players who need Rare Mushrooms and Rare Flowers but do not have easy access to caves or swamp biomes. Just activate it and let it craft these items for you.
- BA Snail Plot: This plot collects Achatina Paste and Organic Polymer from nearby Snails. Note that the collection settings default to OFF, so you will need to turn them on in the menu or INI file to get it working.
- BA Oyster Bed Plot: Creates Pearls and Black Pearls over time, with the added bonus of no longer producing unwanted stone.
Miner's and Desert Plots (Levels 30 and 40)
- BA Miner's Plot: Generates precious ores over time and can pull ores from dinos that wander close to the plot. This is a lifesaver for metal and crystal shortages.
- BA Desert Plot: A unique addition that collects Sand during sandstorms on Scorched Earth. It also holds Wyvern Milk and Cactus Sap for longer, and allows you to craft Preserving Salt and Clay. The plot includes a small, non-adjustable safe zone that provides an insulation buff during high-heat events on any map. There is a limit of five Desert Plots per area to maintain balance.
Leech and Ammonite Plots (Levels 35 and 40)
- BA Leech Plot: Creates Leech Blood over time and stores both Leech Blood and Lesser Antidote for extended periods.
- BA Ammonite Plot: Generates Ammonite Bile and keeps it fresh, along with Lesser Antidote, so you are always ready to craft medical brews.
Installation and Configuration
Learning how to install this mod is straightforward. Simply subscribe to the mod on your platform's mod browser and add it to your server or single-player session. The mod ID is 942025 for reference. Once active, you can find the plots in your inventory and place them like any other structure. For advanced users, the INI file options allow for fine-tuning collection rates and toggle states. The in-game Mod Settings Menu is also a work in progress, but it offers a user-friendly way to adjust settings without leaving the game.
For those looking to streamline the process, the foxygame.net launcher provides a one-click install for BA Resource Plots (Cross-Platform), letting you skip the manual subscription steps and jump straight into the action with all dependencies handled automatically.
Mod Compatibility and Version Notes
This mod is built for the latest versions of ARK: Survival Ascended and is compatible with The Island and future maps. The developer has adjusted the unlock levels to spread the plots out across the progression curve, encouraging players to plan their resource strategy. As with any mod, it is always wise to check for updates after major game patches. The developer maintains an as-needed update schedule, focusing on weekends and holidays, to address any issues that arise from game updates or cross-platform certification.
If you are running a dedicated server, you will appreciate the launcher's auto-update feature for BA Resource Plots (Cross-Platform), which ensures your server always runs the latest version without manual intervention, reducing downtime and keeping your community happy.
Final Thoughts
The BA Resource Plots (Cross-Platform) add-on is an essential quality-of-life mod for any ARK: Survival Ascended player tired of grinding for rare materials. With a diverse range of plots, cross-platform support, and flexible configuration options, it fits seamlessly into both solo and multiplayer experiences. The reduced mod size and ongoing optimization mean you get all these features without sacrificing performance. Whether you are a seasoned survivor or just starting your journey, these plots will ensure you never run dry on the resources that matter most. Add it to your loadout today and reclaim your exploration time.