Better Torches
Surviving the harsh landscapes of ARK: Survival Ascended often means battling the darkness as much as the dinosaurs. While the base game offers standard lighting options, they come with the constant hassle of resource management. Enter Better Torches, a promising new add-on designed to strip away that tedious upkeep and let you light up your base without a second thought. This mod is currently a work-in-progress (WIP), but it already delivers on its core promise: torches that require no fuel whatsoever.
What Does Better Torches Offer?
At its heart, this mod is about convenience. The current version focuses on two essential light sources that every survivor needs, freeing you from the constant need to gather sparkpowder or thatch. The goal is simple: place a torch, and it stays lit, no strings attached.
Fuel-Free Standing Torch
The classic Standing Torch gets a major quality-of-life upgrade. Instead of burning through your precious wood or sparkpowder reserves, this version provides a steady, reliable light source indefinitely. It's perfect for illuminating the perimeter of your base, marking pathways, or simply creating a warm glow in your main hall without worrying about maintenance.
Fuel-Free Wall Torch
Similarly, the Wall Torch has been reworked to require no fuel. This is a fantastic option for interior lighting, hallways, and crafting rooms. You can now line your walls with these fixtures, creating a well-lit, safe environment that doesn't drain your inventory. It allows for more creative base designs without the logistical nightmare of keeping every light stocked.
What's on the Horizon?
The developer has a clear roadmap for expanding Better Torches for ARK: Survival Ascended. The current WIP status means there is plenty more to look forward to. The focus is on making lighting even smarter and more versatile.
Auto On/Off System
One of the most anticipated features is an automatic on/off system. This will likely use a light sensor or a timer, meaning your torches will illuminate your base at dusk and extinguish themselves at dawn. This not only adds a layer of realism but also ensures you never return to a dark base, nor waste any potential performance on daytime lighting.
Expanded Lighting Catalog
The mod is not stopping at just two torches. The developer plans to add more lamps, torches, and other lighting fixtures to the roster. This will give players a broader range of aesthetic and functional options to choose from, ensuring that your base can look exactly how you envision it while staying perfectly lit.
Current Limitations and the WIP Status
It is important to manage expectations, as this is a work in progress. The mod page clearly states that the torch weapon and belt items are present but not fully functional. You might see them in your inventory, but do not expect them to work correctly in combat or as off-hand light sources just yet. The developer welcomes suggestions and feedback, so the community plays a big role in shaping what gets added next.
For players who want to test the latest version, the easiest way to download Better Torches is through the mod browser in-game. However, if you prefer a more streamlined approach, the foxygame.net launcher offers a one-click install for this add-on, ensuring you get the correct version without any manual file placement. This is particularly useful for keeping track of updates as the mod evolves.
How to Install and Version Compatibility
Understanding how to install is straightforward. Since this mod is designed for ARK: Survival Ascended, it is compatible with the current major game versions and is designed to work alongside most other mods that don't alter the same core lighting mechanics. As with any WIP mod, always check for the latest update to ensure stability.
Step-by-Step Installation
- Open ARK: Survival Ascended and navigate to the Mods section in the main menu.
- Search for "Better Torches" in the curated mod list.
- Click "Install" and wait for the download to complete.
- Once installed, activate the mod in your single-player world or server settings.
- Launch your game and enjoy your new, fuel-free lighting.
Alternatively, if you manage multiple mods, using a dedicated launcher can simplify the process. The foxygame.net launcher maintains a catalog of add-ons and automatically handles version compatibility for Better Torches, so you do not have to worry about a game update breaking your lighting mod. This ensures your experience remains seamless.
Final Thoughts
Better Torches is a fantastic quality-of-life mod that addresses a core annoyance in survival games: constant resource upkeep. Even in its early WIP state, the fuel-free standing and wall torches are a welcome addition to any base. The promise of an auto on/off system and a wider variety of lighting options makes this a mod to watch closely. If you are tired of refilling your torches, this is definitely worth adding to your loadout.
As the developer continues to refine the mod and fix the torch weapon and belt items, the potential for this add-on is significant. It is a simple concept executed well, and it promises to make the dark nights on the island a little less frightening and a lot more convenient.
Whether you are a solo player or run a large tribe, the convenience of never having to craft another torch is a huge win. Keep an eye on this mod's progress, and do not hesitate to provide the developer with your suggestions for future lighting fixtures. It is clear that Better Torches for ARK: Survival Ascended is on the right path to becoming an essential part of the modding scene.