Customizable Structures
In ARK: Survival Ascended, base building is a core pillar of survival, but the default balance of structural resistance can sometimes feel rigid. What if you want a stone base to be tougher than metal for a specific roleplay server, or you want to make Tek require a truly monumental effort to breach? The Customizable Structures mod for ARK: Survival Ascended answers that call by handing the reins of durability directly to you. This is not a simple reskin or a new building set; it is a powerful configuration tool that alters the fundamental damage resistance of every existing structure tier.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this add-on, from its core mechanics to advanced configuration. We will cover how to install it, how to tweak the values, and why it has become a staple for server admins and solo players alike who want a fresh take on raiding and defense.
Understanding the Core Mechanic of Customizable Structures
At its heart, the mod is elegantly simple. It introduces a set of multiplier values that apply directly to the health pool of structures when they are hit by explosive damage. The default game has a fixed hierarchy where Tek is strongest, followed by Metal, then Stone, Wood, and finally Thatch. Customizable Structures breaks this hierarchy, allowing you to create entirely new metas.
For example, you could set the StoneResistanceMultiplier to 0.5, effectively doubling the amount of C4 or Rocket Launcher ammo required to bring down a stone wall. Conversely, you could increase the MetalResistanceMultiplier to 2.0, making metal structures significantly weaker than their stone counterparts. This opens up a world of strategic possibilities, from creating "early-game" safe havens to forcing end-game tribes to invest heavily in specific ammo types.
Key Features and Configuration Values
The mod uses a straightforward INI configuration system. You don't need to edit any game files directly; you simply add a few lines to your server's GameUserSettings.ini file. The primary settings are as follows:
- ThatchResistanceMultiplier - Controls the durability of Thatch structures.
- WoodResistanceMultiplier - Controls the durability of Wood structures.
- StoneResistanceMultiplier - Controls the durability of Stone structures.
- MetalResistanceMultiplier - Controls the durability of Metal structures.
- TekResistanceMultiplier - Controls the durability of Tek structures.
The logic is simple: the lower the value, the more damage a structure of that tier takes. A value of 1.0 is the vanilla default. A value of 0.8 means the structure takes 20% more damage (making it 20% more durable), while a value of 1.2 means it takes 20% less damage (making it weaker). This granular control is what makes the mod so compelling.
How to Install and Configure the Mod
Getting started is a breeze, whether you are playing on a dedicated server or in a single-player world. First, you need to subscribe to the mod on the Steam Workshop or your preferred mod repository. Once subscribed, the mod will automatically download. For a hassle-free setup, many players use the foxygame.net launcher, which features a dedicated add-on catalog. This launcher simplifies the process of managing your mod list, ensuring that Customizable Structures is installed with a single click and automatically updated to the latest version, preventing version mismatch errors with your server.
To configure the mod, you will need to locate your configuration file. Here is the exact code block you need to copy and paste into your GameUserSettings.ini file, under the [ServerSettings] section:
[CustomizableStructures]
ThatchResistanceMultiplier=1
WoodResistanceMultiplier=1
StoneResistanceMultiplier=1
MetalResistanceMultiplier=1
TekResistanceMultiplier=1
After pasting this, you simply change the values to your liking. For instance, if you want to make Stone 20% more durable, you would set StoneResistanceMultiplier=0.8. This means it will take 20% more C4 to break through a stone wall. If you want to make Metal weaker, you would set MetalResistanceMultiplier=1.5, making it significantly easier to raid.
Version Compatibility and Mod Synergy
The mod is designed to work seamlessly with the latest updates of ARK: Survival Ascended. It is lightweight and does not conflict with most other popular building mods, such as those that add new structures or QoL improvements. However, it is always recommended to check the mod's Workshop page for the latest compatibility notes. The mod works by modifying the base class of structures, so it is compatible with mods that add new tiers, as long as those tiers are not hard-coded to override the resistance values.
For server administrators, this mod is a godsend. It allows you to balance your server's PvP experience without needing to tweak every single structure individually. You can create a server where stone is the ultimate end-game material, encouraging a more primitive playstyle, or you can make Tek incredibly fragile to speed up raid cycles. The flexibility is unmatched.
Practical Examples and Use Cases
Let's look at a few scenarios where Customizable Structures shines. On a PvE server, you might want to reduce the grind for players by making their bases more resilient to random dinosaur attacks. Setting all multipliers to 0.5 would make every structure twice as durable, giving players peace of mind without making them invincible.
On a PvP server with a "no Tek" rule, you might want to make Tek structures as weak as Wood to prevent players from using them for defense. Setting TekResistanceMultiplier=3 would effectively nerf Tek into the ground, forcing players to rely on the intended tiers. Conversely, if you want to encourage late-game raiding, you can make Metal weaker than Stone, creating a unique strategic layer where players must choose between cheap, weak metal and expensive, strong stone.
Balancing Your Server with the Add-On
The true power of this mod lies in its ability to create custom game modes. It is not just about making things harder or easier; it is about creating a unique identity for your server. By combining these multipliers with other server settings, such as increased harvesting rates or faster taming, you can craft a completely new survival experience. The mod encourages experimentation, and the instant feedback from a quick raid test makes balancing a fun and iterative process.
Remember, the lower the value, the less damage structures of that tier take against explosions. This is the golden rule of the mod. Keep this in mind as you fine-tune your server's balance. The mod also works well with mods that add new explosive types, as the multiplier applies to the structure's resistance, not the damage type of the explosive.
Conclusion
Customizable Structures is an essential add-on for anyone looking to take control of their ARK: Survival Ascended experience. It is a simple, powerful, and highly configurable tool that can completely change the dynamics of base building and raiding. Whether you are a server admin looking to create a balanced PvP environment or a solo player wanting a more relaxed building experience, this mod provides the tools you need. To get started, simply download Customizable Structures and follow the configuration steps outlined above. With a little tweaking, you can create the perfect building balance for your world. The ability to make metal weaker than stone or buff Tek to god-tier levels ensures that your server will never feel stale again.