Critter Resource Collector: Remote Depot
Managing the constant flow of materials from your tamed dinosaurs is one of the most time-consuming chores in ARK: Survival Ascended. You spend hours watching your Ankylosaurus or Doedicurus fill up, then you manually ride back to base, unload, and return to the farming spot. The Critter Resource Collector: Remote Depot eliminates this tedious loop by introducing a dedicated relay box that pulls resources from your tames automatically and sends them to your storage network. This add-on is a practical quality-of-life upgrade for solo players and large tribes alike, especially when you are working with multiple gatherers spread across the map.
What Does the Remote Depot Do?
The core function of this mod is simple: it acts as a middleman between your tamed dinosaurs and your base storage. You craft the Remote Depot, place it near your farming operation or at a central hub, and then assign a specific resource to it. Once configured, any tamed dino that has the radial wheel option enabled will automatically transfer that resource to the depot. The depot then relays the items onward, effectively creating an automated supply chain. This is not just a simple chest; it is a smart routing device designed to keep your inventories clean and your production lines moving.
Key Features and Mechanics
- Dedicated Relay Storage: A new craftable structure that serves as a dedicated resource sink for tamed dinosaurs.
- Active Item Selection: Place any item in the depot's inventory to set it as the active resource. The system will only accept and relay that specific item type.
- Radial Wheel Integration: Enable the auto-send option on your tames via the radial menu to link them to the depot.
- Unlock at Level 40: The engram is available at level 40 and can be crafted directly in your player inventory, requiring no special workbench.
- High Capacity: The mod supports up to 300 slots, allowing for substantial resource buffering before transfer.
How to Install the Mod
Getting started with the Critter Resource Collector: Remote Depot for ARK: Survival Ascended is straightforward. If you are using a mod manager or a launcher with a built-in add-on catalog, the process is even simpler. For example, the foxygame.net launcher provides a one-click install for this specific add-on, automatically handling version compatibility and dependency checks so you do not have to worry about manual file placement. To download Critter Resource Collector: Remote Depot, navigate to your server's mod list, search for the mod by name, and subscribe to it. If you are on a dedicated server, ensure the mod is loaded in the correct order in your GameUserSettings.ini file.
For those who prefer manual installation, the process is identical to any other ARK mod. Place the mod folder into your ShooterGame/Content/Mods directory and add the mod ID to your server command line. The mod is currently compatible with the latest version of ARK: Survival Ascended, and it works well alongside other popular building and QoL mods. However, always check for updates after major game patches, as the original creator has noted this add-on is no longer actively maintained. The functionality has been incorporated into Shins Better Structures Config Options, but this standalone version still works for many players.
Setting Up Your First Remote Depot
Once the mod is installed, follow these steps to get your automated resource collection running:
- Craft the Depot: Unlock the engram at level 40 and craft the
PrimalItemStructure_DedicatedHarvestBoxin your inventory. - Place the Structure: Position the depot within a reasonable distance of your tames or at a central collection point.
- Set the Active Resource: Open the depot's inventory and place one unit of the resource you want to collect (e.g., stone, metal, thatch).
- Enable Auto-Send on Tames: Access your tamed dinosaur's radial wheel and enable the option to send resources to the depot.
- Verify the Flow: Watch as your tames deposit the selected resource into the depot automatically. You can then retrieve the accumulated items or connect the depot to a larger storage network.
If you need to test the system quickly, you can use the spawn code: cheat giveitem "/AutoHarvestTransfer/Items/PrimalItemStructure_DedicatedHarvestBox.PrimalItemStructure_DedicatedHarvestBox" 1 0 0 false. This gives you the structure directly without needing to unlock the engram.
Compatibility and Performance Considerations
Since the Critter Resource Collector: Remote Depot is a legacy add-on, you should be aware of its limitations. It works best on single-player or small dedicated servers where you control the mod load order. On larger public servers, conflicts can arise if other mods alter the same radial wheel menus or inventory systems. The mod's core logic is lightweight, so it will not cause significant server performance drops, even with multiple depots active. However, because it is no longer updated, some players report minor UI glitches after major ASA patches. The foxygame.net launcher's auto-update feature can help mitigate this by checking for community patches or recommending alternative versions of the mod that are compatible with your current game build.
Is It Worth Using?
For players who spend a lot of time farming with tames, the Critter Resource Collector: Remote Depot is a game-changer. It reduces the need for constant supervision and manual unloading, freeing you up to focus on building, exploring, or taming new creatures. The level 40 unlock is reasonable, and the ability to craft it in your inventory means you can deploy it quickly in the field. While the mod is no longer maintained, its core functionality remains solid for most use cases. If you encounter issues, remember that the successor mod, Shins Better Structures Config Options, includes this feature with additional configuration options like [CritterResourceCollector] MaxSlots=300.
In conclusion, the Critter Resource Collector: Remote Depot for ARK: Survival Ascended is a valuable addition to your mod list if you want to automate resource logistics. It is easy to install, simple to configure, and delivers a noticeable improvement to your farming efficiency. Just be mindful of its legacy status and test it on your server before committing to a long-term playthrough. With the right setup, you can say goodbye to manual resource hauling and let your tames do the heavy lifting while you enjoy the rest of the island.