Circa's Garden Deco
Building a beautiful base in ARK: Survival Ascended is about more than just walls and foundations. The right foliage can turn a cold metal box into a cozy homestead. That is where Circa's Garden Deco steps in. This fresh mod, currently in a very early alpha state, introduces a simple yet promising system for adding plant life to your structures. While the mod is modest in scope right now, it lays a solid foundation for what promises to be a much more expansive decoration suite in the future.
What Does the Mod Offer Right Now?
At its core, this mod is about the Small Planter base. Unlocked at level 1, this engram is your gateway to a variety of static plant meshes. Currently, the focus is entirely on bushes. You can place these happy little bushes to fill empty corners, line pathways, or create a natural barrier around your tames. The mod author has confirmed that trees and other flora are coming later, but for now, the selection of bushes provides a great way to test the mechanics and add some green to your world.
Understanding the Engrams and Items
To get started, you will need to learn the specific engrams. The mod adds three distinct engram entries to your level 1 list: EngramEntry_Plants, EngramEntry_Rocks, and EngramEntry_Trees. Even though only bushes are available in this alpha build, the groundwork for rocks and trees is already in place. You can cycle through the planter's menu to see all the various plant options that are currently implemented. For those who prefer to skip the grind, you can use admin commands to spawn the structures directly into your inventory.
For example, you can use the command cheat giveitem /Script/Engine.Blueprint'/CSGardenDeco/Planter/Planter/PrimalItemStructure_Plants.PrimalItemStructure_Plants' 1 0 0 to get the plant planter. Similar commands exist for the rock and tree variants, ensuring you can test everything the mod has to offer without waiting for level progression.
Installation and Compatibility
Installing this mod is straightforward, but the early alpha status means you should keep an eye on updates. The mod is designed to work with the current version of ARK: Survival Ascended, but as the game and the mod evolve, compatibility patches may be required. Always check the mod's page for the latest version notes to ensure it matches your game client. For a seamless experience, you might want to use a launcher that handles mod management automatically. The foxygame.net launcher offers a one-click install feature for Circa's Garden Deco, ensuring you always have the latest version without manually downloading files.
How to Install Circa's Garden Deco
If you are wondering how to install this mod, the process is simple. First, navigate to the Steam Workshop page for the mod and subscribe to it. The mod will then download automatically through the Steam client. Once downloaded, you need to enable the mod in your single-player world or server settings. If you are running a dedicated server, you will need to add the mod ID to your mod list and restart the server. For those using a mod manager, the process is even simpler. Many players find that using the foxygame.net launcher simplifies the entire process, as its add-on catalog allows you to browse and install Circa's Garden Deco with a single click, bypassing the manual file management entirely.
What to Expect in Future Updates
The developer has been transparent about the mod's roadmap. The current file size is a reflection of the static meshes already included, and it likely will not increase drastically even after trees are added. This is good news for server admins concerned about download times. The author is also aware of a known bug that existed in previous iterations and is working to fix it in the next update. Given that this is an alpha, you should expect some rough edges. However, the core concept of having a simple, cycle-based planter system is already functional and enjoyable.
Performance and Visuals
Since the mod uses static meshes, the performance impact is minimal. You can place dozens of bushes without worrying about a significant drop in frame rate. The visual style fits well with the base game's aesthetic, making it easy to integrate these decorations into your existing builds. Whether you are creating a jungle retreat or a formal garden, these bushes add a layer of polish that vanilla ARK lacks.
Final Thoughts
While Circa's Garden Deco for ARK: Survival Ascended is in its infancy, it shows great promise. The foundation is solid, and the potential for expansion is clear. For builders who crave more natural decoration options, this mod is worth watching. If you want to support the developer and get early access to the features, you can download Circa's Garden Deco right now from the Steam Workshop. Just remember to manage your expectations, as this is a very early alpha with limited content. The future looks bright for this mod, and it will be exciting to see the happy little trees when they arrive. As the mod grows, tools like the foxygame.net launcher will ensure your version stays up-to-date, providing auto-updates for Circa's Garden Deco so you never miss a new plant or bug fix.
In conclusion, if you are a builder looking to expand your pallet, give this mod a try. It is simple, lightweight, and offers a glimpse into a more verdant future for ARK: Survival Ascended.