Egg Grinder [Open Source]
If you have ever spent hours in ARK: Survival Ascended manually converting fertilized eggs into kibble, or worse, watched a pile of eggs spoil because you could not process them fast enough, then the Egg Grinder [Open Source] mod is about to change your entire breeding and taming workflow. This isn't just a simple crafting station; it's a fully automated resource management system that takes the busywork out of egg handling and turns it into a streamlined, configurable process. Whether you are a solo player managing a small base or running a massive tribe with dedicated storage networks, this mod is designed to save you time and clicks.
What Exactly Does the Egg Grinder Do?
At its core, the Egg Grinder [Open Source] mod adds a new, buildable structure to your ARK: Survival Ascended world. Once placed and powered, this machine automatically processes any fertilized eggs you feed into it. But it doesn't just destroy them. The grinder converts those eggs directly into kibble, and simultaneously harvests other resources from the egg, such as organic polymer or raw meat, depending on the egg type. The real magic lies in its automation and storage integration.
Instead of manually running back and forth to a fridge or vault, the Egg Grinder can be configured to send its output to dedicated storage containers. You can set a specific range for the grinder to scan for those storage units, and it will automatically push the kibble and harvested resources into them at a set interval. This means you can set it and forget it, ensuring your kibble production line never backs up.
Core Features and INI Configuration
The mod is heavily driven by an INI configuration file, giving server admins and single-player users granular control. Here is a breakdown of the most important settings you can tweak:
- GiveKibble – Toggle whether the grinder produces kibble or just raw resources.
- CustomResourceMultiplier – Multiply the amount of non-kibble resources harvested from each egg.
- CustomKibbleMultiplier – Boost the kibble yield per egg.
- MaxInventoryItemsSlot – Set the internal storage cap for the grinder itself (default is 300).
- DedicatedStorageSendInterval – Control how often the grinder pushes items to your storage network (in seconds).
- ForceStructureLock – Automatically lock the structure to prevent unauthorized access.
- ChanceForBabiesToGiveKibble – A fun setting that allows baby dinos to occasionally drop kibble when killed by the grinder (if you use it for disposal).
- DinoLevelToKibbleAmtMulti – Scale the kibble output based on the level of the dino that laid the egg.
- AutoGrindEggsInterval – Set how often the machine checks its input for new eggs.
- DedicatedStoragesScanRange – Define the radius (in units) within which the grinder looks for your storage boxes.
These settings allow you to tailor the mod to your specific server rates and play style. For example, if you want a high-speed kibble factory, you can increase the multipliers and reduce the send interval. If you are worried about griefing, the force lock option is a lifesaver.
How to Install the Mod
Getting started is straightforward. To download Egg Grinder [Open Source], you can find it on the popular mod repositories for ARK: Survival Ascended. The installation process is the same as any other mod: subscribe to it on the Steam Workshop or add it to your server's mod list, then restart your game or server. For those asking how to install it on a dedicated server, you simply need to add the mod ID to your GameUserSettings.ini file under the [ModInstaller] section. Once loaded, you can craft the structure using the in-game engram system, and you are ready to go.
For players who prefer a more managed approach, the foxygame.net launcher offers a streamlined way to handle your ARK: Survival Ascended mods. The launcher's integrated add-on catalog allows you to search for Egg Grinder [Open Source] and deploy it with a single click, ensuring you always have the latest version and proper dependency handling without manually managing files.
Version Compatibility and Performance
This mod is built specifically for ARK: Survival Ascended and is updated regularly to support the current game version. It is compatible with most other mods, particularly those that add new storage containers or egg types, as long as they use the standard item structures. Because it is open source, the community can also contribute fixes and improvements, making it a reliable choice for long-term servers. The mod is lightweight and does not add significant overhead to your server's performance, even with multiple grinders running simultaneously.
Using the Cheat Command
If you are testing the mod in single-player or need to spawn it quickly for admin purposes, you can use the console command: cheat gfi PrimalItemStructure_EggGrinder 1 1 0. This will spawn the structure directly into your inventory, bypassing the need to craft it.
Final Thoughts on the Egg Grinder
The Egg Grinder [Open Source] is more than just a convenience; it is a fundamental upgrade to how you handle breeding byproducts in ARK: Survival Ascended. Its deep INI configuration means it can be as simple or as complex as you need, and the automatic storage routing eliminates one of the most tedious parts of kibble production. Whether you are a casual player or a server administrator looking to optimize your cluster, this mod deserves a spot in your load order. Give it a try, and you will wonder how you ever managed without it.