Deimos Cosmetics: Dino Cartoon Pack
ARK: Survival Ascended has always been about taming the untamed, but sometimes you want your prehistoric companions to look less like apex predators and more like lovable sidekicks. That is exactly where the Deimos Cosmetics: Dino Cartoon Pack steps in. This add-on transforms the visual identity of four popular creatures, giving them a playful, hand-drawn aesthetic that stands out in any tribe. If you are tired of the same gritty textures and want a splash of whimsy on your server, this is the cosmetic mod you have been waiting for.
What’s Inside the Cartoon Pack
Currently, the pack includes four distinct dino cosmetics. Each one is designed to turn a specific creature into a cartoon version of itself, complete with exaggerated features and a vibrant, cel-shaded look. The mod targets the Ankylosaurus (Anky), Parasaurolophus (Para), Pachycephalosaurus (Pachy), and the Kairaku. These are not just simple re-skins; they are full visual overhauls that make your tames look like they jumped straight out of a Saturday morning cartoon.
Creature Breakdown and Visuals
- Anky: The armored tank of the island gets a chunky, rounded design with oversized eyes that make it look almost cuddly, despite its devastating tail swing.
- Para: The gentle herd dinosaur becomes a bright, expressive companion, perfect for scouting or just adding a cheerful presence to your base.
- Pachy: The head-butting bruiser is given a comical, thick-skulled appearance that emphasizes its charging personality.
- Kairaku: This creature receives a whimsical makeover that fits seamlessly with the cartoon theme, making it a favorite for players who love unique mounts.
Understanding the Current Limitations
It is important to set expectations. The developer of the Deimos Cosmetics: Dino Cartoon Pack for ARK: Survival Ascended has been transparent about the mod’s current flaws. The initial goal was to include overridden saddles to match the cartoon aesthetic, but due to Dev Kit constraints, that feature is not working as intended. As a result, you may notice glitches when using vanilla saddles on these cartoon dinos. The visual clipping or texture mismatches are a known issue, and the developer is actively working on solutions.
Furthermore, the Stego cartoon has been left out of this release for the same technical reasons. The team decided to prioritize quality over quantity, ensuring that the four creatures they did include are as polished as possible, even with the saddle caveat. If you are looking for a flawless, saddle-compatible experience, you might want to wait for a future update, but if you can tolerate minor visual quirks, the core dino models are fantastic.
How to Install the Mod
Getting started is straightforward. To download Deimos Cosmetics: Dino Cartoon Pack, you will need to navigate to the mod section of the ARK: Survival Ascended main menu. Simply search for the mod by name, click subscribe, and it will automatically download to your client. Once downloaded, you must enable it in your single-player world or server settings before launching. The process is identical to installing any other mod, ensuring a smooth experience even for modding newcomers.
For those who prefer a more centralized approach to mod management, the foxygame.net launcher offers a streamlined solution. This launcher provides a one-click install feature for Deimos Cosmetics: Dino Cartoon Pack, bypassing the need to manually search through in-game menus. It also maintains an add-on catalog that tracks your installed mods, making it easier to manage your load order and ensure version compatibility across updates. This is a great option for server administrators who want to deploy the mod across multiple clients without hassle.
Version Compatibility and Server Use
The mod is designed for the current version of ARK: Survival Ascended. However, because the game receives frequent patches, it is crucial to check for mod updates after each game update. The developer is diligent about pushing fixes, but you should always verify that the mod version matches your game build to prevent crashes. For dedicated servers, the mod must be installed on both the server and the client. The Deimos Cosmetics: Dino Cartoon Pack for ARK: Survival Ascended works well with other cosmetic mods, but you should test for conflicts if you are running a heavy mod list.
Community Feedback and Future Plans
The developer is actively seeking feedback. If you encounter bugs, have ideas for new creatures, or want to suggest improvements, the Discord server is the primary hub for communication. The team is also working on a Roadmap image that outlines upcoming releases, so you can get a sneak peek at what is coming next. They are particularly interested in hearing about the saddle glitch experiences to help prioritize fixes.
In addition to this pack, the Deimos team collaborates with other creators. They highly recommend checking out Ave's Draconic Chronicles mod, which is considered one of the best mods available for the game right now. This partnership highlights the team's commitment to the modding community and their desire to push the boundaries of what is possible in ARK.
Final Thoughts
The Deimos Cosmetics: Dino Cartoon Pack is a charming addition to ARK: Survival Ascended, offering a unique visual twist on four beloved creatures. While the saddle glitches are a temporary setback, the core models are executed with care and creativity. If you are a fan of lighthearted aesthetics and do not mind a few visual imperfections, this pack is well worth adding to your collection. Keep an eye on the Discord for updates, and enjoy your new cartoon companions on your next adventure.