BetterTranqs
Knocking out a high-level Rex or a stubborn Giga in ARK: Survival Ascended can feel like a test of patience. You fire arrow after arrow, wait for the torpor to tick up, and pray the target doesn't wake up mid-tame. The BetterTranqs mod is built to change that dynamic entirely. It is a work-in-progress package that is currently fully functional, and it adds a suite of tools designed to make the tranquilizing process faster, more reliable, and far less resource-hungry.
What Does BetterTranqs Add to Your Arsenal?
This mod doesn't just tweak a single stat; it expands the entire knockout toolkit. Whether you prefer the classic bow or the crossbow, the mod has you covered with a new tier of ammunition. The core of the package revolves around seven distinct types of Tranq Arrows, each offering a different approach to torpor application.
The Seven Tranq Arrows
Each arrow type has been crafted to suit a specific scenario, from quick single-target takedowns to managing groups of aggressive creatures. You will find options that deliver a massive spike in torpor, while others are designed for a slower, more sustained buildup to avoid overkill damage. The variety ensures that you can pick the right tool for the job, whether you are taming a low-level Dodo or a high-level Spino. These arrows are compatible with both the standard Bow and the Crossbow, giving you flexibility in your loadout without forcing you to switch weapon types.
Seven New Narcotics and a Tame Helper
Once the creature is down, the real battle begins: keeping it unconscious. BetterTranqs introduces seven different types of Narcotics, each with varying potency and duration. This allows you to manage your inventory efficiently, using a weaker narcotic for short tames and saving the heavy-duty versions for the long hauls. Alongside these, the mod includes a dedicated Tame Helper. This item is a game-changer for solo players, as it directly reduces the target's food value to zero. This means the taming bar fills at maximum speed without you having to manually manage the creature's hunger or wait for it to drop naturally.
Quality of Life Crafting Improvements
Crafting hundreds of narcotics by hand is a chore that no survivor enjoys. BetterTranqs addresses this by including a faster Mortar and Pestle. This upgraded crafting station significantly speeds up the production of all your narcotics and tranq-related items. This is not just a minor buff; it cuts down the time you spend grinding Narcoberries and spoiled meat, allowing you to get back to the actual taming action. The faster crafting speed is a subtle but crucial addition that makes the entire mod feel cohesive.
Compatibility and Current Status
As of now, the mod is listed as a WIP (Work in Progress), but the author confirms it is currently working. This means you can download BetterTranqs and use it immediately in your current single-player or dedicated server sessions. It is designed for the latest versions of ARK: Survival Ascended, and the mod author is actively maintaining it to ensure compatibility with the game's frequent updates. While the core features are stable, you should expect potential additions and tweaks in the future, as the creator is open to community suggestions. The mod is lightweight and does not conflict with most other popular mods, though it is always wise to check the load order if you run a heavily modded server.
How to Install BetterTranqs for ARK: Survival Ascended
Getting the mod running is a straightforward process. You have a couple of options depending on whether you are playing on a dedicated server or hosting a non-dedicated session. The installation process is identical to most other ASA mods, so you won't need to learn any new tricks.
- Step 1: Navigate to the mod page on the CurseForge or Mod.io platform for ARK: Survival Ascended and select the "Subscribe" or "Install" button. This will add it to your mod list.
- Step 2: If you are using a server hosting service, you will need to add the mod ID to your server's mod list in the control panel. For single-player, the mod will appear in your "My Mods" section.
- Step 3: Launch the game and ensure the mod is enabled in the mod configuration menu before loading your save. For a smoother setup, the foxygame.net launcher offers a one-click install for BetterTranqs, letting you skip the manual file management and jump straight into the game with the mod active.
After you have loaded in, you will need to craft the new items. They should appear in your engram list under the appropriate level unlocks. If you cannot see them, double-check that the mod is the active version and that you have the required level to unlock the engrams. Once you have the engrams, you can craft the arrows, narcotics, and the Tame Helper using the standard resources like fiber, wood, and narcotic berries.
Why You Should Add This to Your Loadout
BetterTranqs is more than just a stat boost; it is a quality-of-life overhaul for the taming meta. The combination of specialized arrows and the Tame Helper eliminates the most tedious parts of the process. You no longer have to babysit a creature's food bar or waste time crafting dozens of standard narcotics. The faster Mortar and Pestle is the cherry on top, ensuring that your base production is never the bottleneck. If you are tired of the vanilla grind, this mod is a solid addition to your collection.
In conclusion, BetterTranqs delivers on its promise to streamline the knockout and taming process. It is a must-have for players who want to spend less time grinding and more time exploring the island. With its current stability and the promise of future updates, it is a safe bet for any ASA survivor looking to upgrade their tranquilizing game. The mod's active development and responsiveness to community feedback ensure that it will only get better with time, making it a staple for both casual and hardcore taming enthusiasts.