Cryo Geodes
For many ARK: Survival Ascended players, the standard cryopod is a marvel of futuristic technology. But what if your tribe's story is set in a world of stone castles, ancient forests, and dragon riders? The default sci-fi visual can clash with a medieval fantasy role-play narrative. This is where the Cryo Geodes mod steps in, offering a beautiful and functional alternative that blends seamlessly with a more archaic aesthetic.
Instead of sleek metal capsules, this mod introduces a single new item: the Geode. These crystalline stones act as a modified version of the standard Cryopod, allowing you to capture, store, and deploy your tamed creatures without breaking the immersion of your server's theme. It is a simple concept with a profound impact on the atmosphere of your gameplay.
What Makes Cryo Geodes Unique?
The core appeal of Cryo Geodes for ARK: Survival Ascended is its dedication to role-play. It replaces the high-tech visual of the Cryopod with a natural, fantasy-friendly crystal. This single change can transform the feel of creature management, making it feel more like a magical binding than a digital download. The mod is designed with a focus on server owners, providing a robust suite of configuration options to tailor the experience precisely to their community's needs.
Beyond the visual overhaul, the mod offers two distinct types of geodes: the classic "Old Geode" and a newer "New Geode" variant, each with its own set of configurable features. This allows server admins to choose the level of complexity and control they want to offer their players.
Key Features and Customization Options
The mod is packed with ini configuration options for server owners who want to fine-tune the capture and deployment mechanics. Here is a breakdown of the primary settings available:
Configuring the Old Geodes (GameUserSettings.ini)
For those who prefer a more traditional setup, the old geodes are configured directly in the GameUserSettings.ini file under the [CryoGeode] header. These options give you direct control over the core mechanics:
- CapturingTime: Adjust the time required to capture a creature (Min 0.2, Max 20).
- CapturingRange: Modify the distance from which you can capture a creature (Min 200, Max 4000).
- CapturingPassiveExperienceMultiplier: Change the passive experience gain for captured creatures (Min 0.1, Max 10).
- CapturingPassiveHealingMultiplier: Modify the passive healing rate inside a geode, with the default healing 25% every 6 hours (Min 0.1, Max 10).
- AllowInCave: Enable or disable capturing and releasing creatures inside caves.
Additionally, if your server uses the base game setting DisableCryopodEnemyCheck=False, you can use new configuration options under [CryoGeode] like PlayerRangeCheck and StructureRangeCheck to edit the range checks for enemy players and structures.
In-Game Config for the New Geodes
The newer geode variant shifts configuration to in-game options, offering a more user-friendly and dynamic way to manage server settings. These are divided into several categories:
- Capture Settings: Adjust base capture time, in-combat capture time, disable injured capture prevention, modify the post-injury capture delay, disable DLC capture requirements (for QOL), and edit the capture range.
- Throw Settings: Disable the structure requirement for throwing creatures, allow throwing in cave prevention volumes, and modify the required deploy structure (e.g., change the CryoFridge requirement to a different item).
- General Settings: Remove the cryo charge/durability requirement and disable the cryo-sickness debuff when deploying a creature.
How to Install Cryo Geodes
Getting started with this mod is straightforward. To download Cryo Geodes, you can find it on the official ARK modding platform and subscribe to it. For players using a modded launcher, the process is even simpler. The foxygame.net launcher offers a one-click install for Cryo Geodes, placing it directly into your game's mod folder without any manual steps, and its add-on catalog makes finding and managing this mod a breeze. This is especially useful for players who want to ensure they are running the latest version compatible with their game client. Once downloaded, simply activate it in your server's mod list.
For server owners, the how to install process involves adding the mod to your server's mod list and then configuring the settings. For the old geodes, you will edit the GameUserSettings.ini file. For the new geodes, you can adjust the settings directly in the game if you have admin privileges. Remember that this mod is designed for ARK: Survival Ascended, and while it aims for broad compatibility, it is always best to check the mod's page for the latest supported versions to ensure a smooth experience.
Engram and Spawn Codes
For server admins and players, here are the necessary codes to spawn the items and unlock the engrams. The mod's item class is PrimalItem_WeaponEmptyCryoGeode for the old version and PrimalItem_WeaponEmptyNewCryoGeode for the new one.
- Engram Entry (Old):
EngramEntry_CryoGeode - Spawn Command (Old):
cheat gfi Geode 1 0 0 - Engram Entry (New):
EngramEntry_EmptyNewCryoGeode - Spawn Command (New):
cheat gfi NewCryoGeode 1 0 0
Conclusion
Cryo Geodes is an essential mod for any role-play server looking to escape the futuristic constraints of the base game. It is a thoughtful, well-crafted addition that respects the player's desire for immersion. With its deep configuration options, it empowers server owners to create a unique and balanced experience. Whether you are a lone wanderer or a server administrator, this mod is a fantastic way to add a layer of fantasy to your ARK: Survival Ascended world. The mod is a testament to the creativity of the ARK community, and it is a perfect example of how a simple visual change can significantly enhance the overall narrative and gameplay.