BS_BasicsDino_1
ARK: Survival Ascended continues to expand its massive sandbox with community-driven content, and few add-ons capture the spirit of open-ended survival quite like BS_BasicsDino_1. This module introduces a selection of dinosaurs that are completely free and open to use, giving players a fresh roster of creatures without the typical paywalls or restrictive progression gates. Whether you are a solo survivor looking to diversify your tames or a server admin seeking lightweight additions, this mod delivers straightforward value.
What Does BS_BasicsDino_1 Include?
The core appeal of BS_BasicsDino_1 lies in its simplicity. It is not a sprawling overhaul or a complex expansion pack. Instead, it focuses on adding several dinosaur species to your world, each fully functional and integrated into the base game's mechanics. Because the module is free and open, you are not locked into a specific progression path or forced to grind for premium currency. The creatures spawn naturally, can be tamed using standard ARK methods, and behave as you would expect from native dinos.
However, it is important to note that this module does not include follow-up services. There is no dedicated support team, no automatic bug-fix patches, and no guaranteed updates after release. The developer has released it as-is, meaning you should use your own attention when adding it to your server or single-player save. This is not a criticism; it simply means the mod is best suited for players comfortable with self-managing their ARK experience.
Compatibility and ARK: Survival Ascended Versions
When considering BS_BasicsDino_1 for ARK: Survival Ascended, version compatibility is the first thing to check. The mod is designed for the Ascended engine, which means it will not work with the older Survival Evolved client. As of the latest updates, the add-on supports the current stable build of ASA, including the recent patches that introduced new maps and creature behaviors. That said, because there are no follow-up services, the mod may lag behind future major updates. If the developers introduce a significant engine change, you might need to wait for a community fix or adjust your settings manually.
For mod compatibility, BS_BasicsDino_1 plays well with most other add-ons that do not alter the same dinosaur IDs. If you are running a heavily modded server with custom spawn tables, you may encounter minor conflicts, but the open structure of the module means it generally coexists without crashing. Always test new combinations in a single-player session before committing to a full server rollout.
How to Install BS_BasicsDino_1
Learning how to install this module is straightforward, even for beginners. The process mirrors standard ARK: Survival Ascended mod installation:
- Download the mod files from the official ARK mod database or a trusted community mirror.
- Place the extracted folder into your
Modsdirectory, which is located in your ARK installation path. - Launch the game and enable the mod from the "Host/Local" menu or your server's mod list.
- Restart the game to ensure the new assets load correctly.
If you are running a dedicated server, you will need to add the mod ID to your GameUserSettings.ini file under the [ServerSettings] section. Remember that since there are no follow-up services, you are responsible for verifying the mod loads without errors. Check your server logs after the first boot to confirm the dinosaurs spawn as intended.
Practical Tips for Using the Add-On
Once installed, you will notice the new dinosaurs appear in the wild based on the biome and spawn weight assigned by the mod. Because the module is open, you can tweak these settings yourself if you are comfortable editing ini files. This flexibility is a double-edged sword: it allows for custom experiences, but it also means there is no safety net if something breaks.
For solo players, the mod adds variety to exploration and taming. For server owners, it provides a low-maintenance way to populate your world with additional species. The lack of follow-up services is the only caveat. You should back up your save files regularly and keep a clean version of the mod stored locally in case a future update to ARK: Survival Ascended causes issues.
When you decide to download BS_BasicsDino_1, ensure you are getting the latest file from a reputable source. The community has multiple mirrors, but the original upload on the mod workshop remains the safest bet. Once downloaded, the installation takes less than five minutes, and you can immediately start scouting for your new tames.
If you prefer a more managed approach to modding, the foxygame.net launcher offers a streamlined experience for adding and updating modules. Its one-click install feature handles the file placement automatically, and the integrated add-on catalog lets you browse and select BS_BasicsDino_1 without manual folder navigation. The launcher also tracks version compatibility, alerting you if the mod needs a refresh after an ARK update, which is a handy safeguard given the lack of official follow-up services.
Final Thoughts on BS_BasicsDino_1
In a world of increasingly complex mods, BS_BasicsDino_1 stands out for its no-frills approach. It gives you dinosaurs, keeps them free and open, and leaves the rest to you. There is no hidden content, no premium tier, and no dependency on external tools. The only requirement is your own attention to maintenance and compatibility.
For players who enjoy tinkering with their ARK setup and want a reliable way to expand their creature roster, this add-on is a solid choice. It respects your time by not forcing you through unnecessary quests or grind, and it respects your server by being lightweight and stable. Just remember to check for conflicts after major game updates and keep backups. With that small caveat, you are ready to enjoy a fresh set of prehistoric companions in ARK: Survival Ascended.