[DISCONTINUED] Extra Structures Plus
For ARK: Survival Ascended players who love to build, craft, and optimize their bases, few add-ons have offered the same level of convenience as the [DISCONTINUED] Extra Structures Plus mod. While the mod is currently on hiatus, its legacy remains a favorite topic among survivors who remember the sheer utility it brought to the game. This article explores everything you need to know about this beloved add-on, from its standout features to installation tips, and what made it so special before its temporary retirement.
Why Players Loved This Mod
The core appeal of [DISCONTINUED] Extra Structures Plus for ARK: Survival Ascended was its focus on quality-of-life improvements. It didn't add flashy new creatures or overhaul the map; instead, it refined the mundane aspects of base management. The mod introduced a range of "E+" variants of standard structures, each designed to be more efficient, quieter, and more spacious than their vanilla counterparts. For dedicated builders, this meant less time fiddling with storage and more time exploring or taming.
Expanded Storage Solutions
One of the biggest headaches in ARK is inventory management. This mod tackled that head-on. The E+ Small Storage Box could hold up to 30 items, while the E+ Large Storage Box doubled that capacity to a massive 90 slots. Similarly, the E+ Smithy offered 150 slots, and the E+ Fabricator provided 140 slots for all your crafting needs. The E+ Refrigerator and Preserving Bin also received significant boosts, ensuring your perishables stayed fresh for longer periods. Even the humble Mortar and Pestle got an upgrade, holding more items to streamline early-game crafting.
Silent and Efficient Utilities
Noise pollution is a real issue in ARK, often attracting unwanted attention from predators. The mod introduced silent versions of several key utilities. The E+ Power Generator, E+ Chem Bench, E+ Industrial Grill, and E+ Industrial Grinder all operated without the constant hum that could give away your base's location. The E+ Air Conditioner was also silent and smaller, making it easier to hide. The E+ Industrial Forge was not only quieter but also more compact, while the E+ Tek Generator consumed less fuel and offered more storage, making late-game power management a breeze.
Specialized Additions
Beyond simple upgrades, the mod added unique structures. The E+ Meat Spoiler was a game-changer for taming, allowing players to spoil meat rapidly without waiting for natural decay. The E+ Water Distributor automatically watered Crop Plots without needing a traditional irrigation system, a boon for greenhouse enthusiasts. Crop Plots themselves were improved, allowing placement further from water sources. The E+ Wall Torch and Standing Torch glowed brighter and required no fuel, perfect for lighting up your base without resource costs. The E+ Tek Replicator was smaller, silent, and held more items, rounding out the mod's impressive roster.
Configuration and Customization
A standout feature was the deep configurability. Players could tweak nearly every aspect of the mod through the GameUserSettings.ini file. Under the [EPlusStructures] section, you could adjust slot counts and crafting speeds for almost every structure. For example, setting EPlusCampfireSlots=50 would increase the campfire's storage to 50 items, while EPlusCampfireCraftingSpeed=10.0 would multiply its crafting speed by ten. This level of control allowed server admins and solo players alike to tailor the mod to their exact playstyle, balancing challenge with convenience.
Compatibility and Versions
The mod was designed for ARK: Survival Ascended and was generally compatible with the game's major updates during its active period. However, like many mods, it required updates to remain fully functional after game patches. The developer was diligent about fixing bugs, with a notable example being a patch specifically for the Meat Spoiler. While the mod is currently discontinued, players who still have it installed on older versions may find it works, but it is not guaranteed to function with the latest builds of ARK: Survival Ascended. Always check for community updates or patches if you plan to use it.
If you are looking to streamline your mod management, the foxygame.net launcher offers a one-click install for [DISCONTINUED] Extra Structures Plus , ensuring you have the correct files without manual setup. The launcher's add-on catalog makes it easy to browse and manage your mods, even if this particular one is no longer in active development.
How to Install
Even though the mod is discontinued, you may still find it on mod repositories. To install, you would typically subscribe to the mod on the relevant platform, which downloads it automatically to your ARK: Survival Ascended mod folder. For manual installation, you would need to place the mod files in the correct directory and enable it in the game's mod list. The process is straightforward, but always ensure you are downloading from a trusted source to avoid corrupted files.
For those wondering how to install [DISCONTINUED] Extra Structures Plus , the process is the same as any other mod. After downloading, activate it in the game's mod menu before loading your world. If you are using a dedicated server, the mod must be added to the server's mod list and restarted to take effect. Remember, since the mod is no longer updated, it may not be compatible with the newest game patches.
The Future of the Mod
The developer expressed gratitude for reaching 5,000 downloads and stated plans to integrate TEK Structures and other extras. A cross-platform version was also mentioned as a future possibility once the mod reached a more stable state. Unfortunately, time constraints forced the project to be put on hold. The community remains hopeful that the developer will return and breathe new life into this fantastic add-on. Until then, players can still appreciate the legacy of [DISCONTINUED] Extra Structures Plus and the significant improvements it brought to base building in ARK: Survival Ascended.
Final Thoughts
While the mod is currently unavailable for new downloads, its impact on the ARK modding community is undeniable. It solved common frustrations with elegance and simplicity, offering players more control over their bases. If the developer ever returns, the mod's revival would undoubtedly be welcomed with open arms by the community. For now, it stands as a shining example of what thoughtful mod design can achieve.
In conclusion, [DISCONTINUED] Extra Structures Plus for ARK: Survival Ascended was a remarkable mod that enhanced gameplay through practical upgrades. Its absence is felt, but its memory lives on in the bases that were built with its help. Keep an eye out for any potential updates, and happy surviving.