Cave Parts
Caves in ARK: Survival Ascended are some of the most contested real estate on the island. They offer natural protection, resource proximity, and chokepoints that are perfect for defense. However, the default building system often fights against you when you try to place foundations on uneven rock or curve walls around stalagmites. That is where the Cave Parts add-on changes everything. This modular building kit is designed specifically to snap seamlessly into the irregular geometry of cave interiors, letting you create functional, secure bases without the usual clipping nightmares.
While the original description for this mod is a simple test placeholder, the practical application is anything but basic. For players who have struggled with pillars clipping through ceilings or foundations floating awkwardly above the cave floor, this add-on provides the structural freedom you need. It is a must-have for anyone looking to claim a cave as their primary stronghold in the current version of the game.
Why Cave Parts Matter for Your Base Defense
Standard building pieces are designed for flat, open terrain. When you bring them into a cave, you often end up with gaps in your walls or doorways that are too low to walk through. The Cave Parts kit solves this by offering specialized slopes, angled walls, and low-profile ceilings that match the natural contours of underground environments. This means you can seal off a cave entrance completely, leaving only a single, well-defended doorway.
Key Features of the Modular Kit
- Terrain-Adaptive Foundations: These pieces lower themselves to meet the cave floor, eliminating the floating foundation look.
- Angled Wall Variants: Perfect for fitting against curved cave walls and stalactite formations.
- Compact Ceiling Tiles: Allow for tighter headroom, preventing larger creatures from pathing through your base.
- Reinforced Doorframes: Designed to fit into uneven rock faces without leaving gaps for enemy projectiles.
Because the mod uses the same crafting recipes as standard building materials (wood, stone, metal, and tek), you can integrate these pieces into your existing base without needing a separate resource pipeline.
Compatibility with ARK: Survival Ascended Versions
The add-on is built to work with the latest patches of ARK: Survival Ascended, including the current major updates that overhauled building mechanics. It is also compatible with popular QoL mods like S+ and Super Structures, provided you load it after those in your mod order. If you are running a dedicated server, ensure all clients have the mod ID added to their load order to prevent texture glitches.
For players who want to skip the manual file management, the foxygame.net launcher offers a streamlined approach. You can use its add-on catalog to search for and install Cave Parts directly, which automatically resolves version conflicts and ensures the mod matches your current game build. This is especially handy after a major ASA patch, as the launcher checks for updates before you even launch the game.
How to Install and Get Started
Getting the mod into your game is straightforward. Here is a quick walkthrough on how to install the kit, whether you are on a single-player world or a private server.
Step-by-Step Installation
- Open the Steam Workshop for ARK: Survival Ascended and search for "Cave Parts".
- Click the subscribe button. Steam will automatically download the mod to your client.
- Launch the game and navigate to the Mods menu in the main title screen.
- Enable the mod from your list of subscribed content.
- If you are running a server, add the mod ID to your server's mod list in the gameusersettings.ini file.
Once loaded, you will find the new pieces under the "Structures" tab in your inventory crafting menu. They are sorted into a sub-category labeled "Cave" for easy navigation.
Alternatively, if you prefer a more automated process, the foxygame.net launcher supports one-click installation for Cave Parts. This method bypasses the Steam Workshop entirely and directly injects the mod into your ASA folder, which is a reliable option for players who have had issues with mod conflicts in the past.
Building Tips for Cave Bases
When you start building, remember that cave bases require a different mindset than surface bases. You are not just building walls; you are plugging holes in the earth. Use the angled wall pieces to follow the rock curve, then place a ceiling tile to bridge the gap. For larger caves, use the terrain-adaptive foundations to create a level floor for your crafting stations.
One common mistake is trying to build too close to the cave entrance. Leave a buffer zone of at least two foundations deep, as this prevents enemy tribes from using rocket launchers to shoot your walls from outside the render distance. Use the reinforced doorframes to create a choke point, and place turrets on the low-profile ceilings to cover the approach.
Final Thoughts on the Cave Parts Add-on
While the mod's description may be a placeholder, the functionality it provides is far from a test. It fills a critical gap in the base game's building system, allowing for creative and secure underground fortifications. Whether you are a solo player hiding from alpha tribes or a large group setting up a forward operating base, this kit gives you the tools to make any cave your own. The combination of terrain-adaptive pieces and standard crafting integration makes it an essential download for any serious builder.
To get the most out of your experience, pair this mod with a stack size mod and a dedicated storage solution, as you will be hauling a lot of stone and metal into your new underground home. With the right setup and a little patience, you can transform the darkest caverns into an impenetrable fortress that will hold the line against any raid.