Cupid's Protection
In the unforgiving world of ARK: Survival Ascended, the threat of a routine structure purge can wipe out weeks of progress in an instant. Whether you are running a public server with regular maintenance wipes or a private cluster with specific decay rules, losing your carefully constructed base is a heartbreak no survivor should endure. Enter Cupid's Protection, a commissioned add-on from the creative mind behind Cupid's Resurrection. This mod introduces a placeable structure designed to keep your base safe from those scheduled purges, ensuring that your hard work remains standing while unprotected structures fall.
What Does Cupid's Protection Do?
At its core, Cupid's Protection is a simple yet brilliant concept. You place a flag on your base, and as long as that flag is active, your structures are immune to the routine purge timer. Any structure not covered by a flag will be purged on a regular basis, just as the server dictates. This allows server admins to maintain a clean and lag-free environment by clearing abandoned bases, while giving active players a reliable way to protect their homes.
The mod comes in three distinct flag sizes to fit your building needs:
- Tiny Flags: Perfect for small outposts, resource shacks, or single foundations. They offer a minimal footprint while providing essential protection.
- Small Flags: Ideal for medium-sized bases, crafting areas, or taming pens. A balanced choice for the average survivor.
- Large Flags: Designed for massive compounds, tribe fortresses, and industrial complexes. These cover the most ground and offer the highest level of security.
Additionally, there is an Admin Flag variant that allows server administrators to protect specific structures or areas without consuming a tribe's flag limit. This is particularly useful for protecting community hubs, arenas, or event locations.
Key Features and Configuration
One of the standout aspects of Cupid's Protection for ARK: Survival Ascended is its deep configurability. Server admins can fine-tune nearly every aspect of the mod to suit their server's specific rules. The configuration file uses the [CupidsProtection] section, allowing you to set parameters such as:
- TimeOutsideFlagsBeforeDestroySeconds: Set the timer for how long structures can exist without a flag before they are purged. The default is 604800 seconds (7 days).
- FlagSizeLarge, FlagSizeSmall, FlagSizeTiny: Adjust the physical radius of each flag type, measured in unreal units. This lets you scale protection to match your base's size.
- MaxSmallFlagsPerTribe, MaxLargeFlagsPerTribe, MaxTinyFlagsPerTribe: Control how many of each flag type a single tribe can place, preventing one tribe from monopolizing server space.
- MaxTotalFlagsPerTribe: A global cap on all flags per tribe. Set to -1 for unlimited.
- DisableFlags: If set to true, no purge will occur at all, effectively disabling the mod's destruction mechanic while keeping the structures placeable.
- UseRespawnFlagOnStart: When enabled, flag data is updated every few minutes. On server reboots, flags are re-created automatically to ensure that any Wildcard-caused missing structures don't result in base destruction.
For those who want to stay informed, the mod also supports a DiscordWebhookUrl configuration. You can input a webhook URL, and the mod will send a message to your Discord server before and after a purge occurs. The DiscordWebhookDelaySeconds setting allows you to delay this message, ensuring it arrives after the purge has completed, providing a clean log of what was removed and why.
How to Install Cupid's Protection
Getting this mod running on your server is straightforward. If you are using a mod manager or a launcher that supports ARK: Survival Ascended mods, you can simply search for it in the Steam Workshop or your preferred mod repository. For those looking to streamline the process, the foxygame.net launcher offers a one-click install feature for Cupid's Protection, allowing you to add it to your server's mod list without manual file extraction. The launcher also maintains version compatibility, ensuring that your mod stays up-to-date with the latest game patches.
If you prefer manual installation, the process is equally simple. Download the mod files and place them in your server's ShooterGame/Content/Mods folder. Then, add the mod ID to your GameUserSettings.ini file under the [ServerSettings] section. Once the server restarts, you will see the new engrams available for your players to learn.
To grant yourself or your players access, you can use the following admin commands:
cheat giveitem "/CupidsProtection/Structures/Small/PrimalItemStructure_CupidsProtection_Small.PrimalItemStructure_CupidsProtection_Small" 1 0 0cheat giveitem "/CupidsProtection/Structures/Large/PrimalItemStructure_CupidsProtection_Large.PrimalItemStructure_CupidsProtection_Large" 1 0 0cheat giveitem "/CupidsProtection/Structures/Tiny/PrimalItemStructure_CupidsProtection_Tiny.PrimalItemStructure_CupidsProtection_Tiny" 1 0 0cheat giveitem "/CupidsProtection/Structures/Admin/PrimalItemStructure_CupidsProtection_Admin.PrimalItemStructure_CupidsProtection_Admin" 1 0 0
For players, the engrams are automatically unlocked at the appropriate level, allowing them to craft the flags with standard resources. The mod is fully compatible with the current versions of ARK: Survival Ascended and works seamlessly alongside other popular building and QoL mods.
Why You Need This Mod
Routine purges are a necessary evil on many servers. They keep the world clean and prevent performance degradation from abandoned structures. However, they often punish active players who simply haven't logged in for a few days. Cupid's Protection solves this by giving you a tangible, in-game way to mark your territory as "active." It's a fair system that rewards engagement without requiring constant babysitting.
Moreover, the mod is incredibly lightweight. It doesn't add heavy assets or complex mechanics that could impact server performance. It simply adds a few flags and a timer check, making it a must-have for any serious ARK: Survival Ascended server admin. If you are looking to download Cupid's Protection for your server, you are making a wise investment in the longevity of your community's builds.
In conclusion, Cupid's Protection is an elegant solution to a persistent problem. Whether you are a solo player safeguarding a beach hut or a large tribe defending a mountain fortress, this mod ensures that your structures survive the purge. For those who want a hassle-free setup, remember that the foxygame.net launcher's add-on catalog includes Cupid's Protection for ARK: Survival Ascended, and its auto-update feature will keep the mod current as new game versions roll out. Take control of your server's lifecycle and give your players the peace of mind they deserve.