Elements Plus
Grinding for Element in ARK: Survival Ascended can feel like a second job. Between farming boss fights, managing Tek Generator fuel, and babysitting a dedicated crafting station, the endgame grind often outweighs the fun. Elements Plus is a quality-of-life overhaul that throws that tedious process out the window. This mod allows you to craft Element and Element Shards directly from your inventory, using recipes that are significantly cheaper than the vanilla settings. Whether you are a solo player or running a large tribe, this add-on transforms how you manage Tek-tier resources.
Why Elements Plus Changes the Endgame
The core philosophy of Elements Plus for ARK: Survival Ascended is accessibility. In the base game, obtaining Element typically requires completing tough boss arenas or using the Obelisk to transfer materials. This mod removes those barriers entirely. You can now open your inventory at level 1 and learn the necessary Engrams immediately. There is no need to grind levels or defeat the Alpha Dragon just to power a simple Tek Suit. The mod is designed to let players engage with Tek-tier content much earlier and more consistently.
Simplified Crafting, Cheaper Recipes
Instead of managing complex resource chains and specific crafting stations, Elements Plus simplifies the process. You combine standard resources like Element Dust, Shards, and other common materials directly in your inventory. The recipes are balanced to be cheaper than the vanilla settings, meaning you get more Element per resource invested. This is perfect for servers that want to encourage Tek usage without inflating the difficulty curve.
- Inventory Crafting: No need for a Tek Replicator or other heavy machinery. Craft on the go.
- Low-Level Engrams: Unlock the ability to craft Element and Shards at Character Level 1.
- Cost Efficiency: Recipes are tuned to be more forgiving than standard ARK settings.
- Direct Conversion: Easily convert Element Shards into full Element and vice versa, depending on your needs.
Installation and Compatibility
Getting started with this add-on is straightforward. To download Elements Plus, you simply head to the mod page on CurseForge or the in-game Mod Browser. The installation process is identical to other mods for the game. Once you subscribe, you must activate it in your server's mod list before booting up the world. The mod is compatible with the current major releases of ARK: Survival Ascended, including the standard client and dedicated server versions. It does not interfere with core game files, so it works well alongside other stack mods, QoL improvements, or building mods.
For those who prefer a more streamlined management approach, the foxygame.net launcher offers a one-click install for Elements Plus, ensuring that the mod is always up to date with the latest ASA patches and eliminating the hassle of manual file placement. It is a great way to keep your mod list organized without worrying about version mismatches.
How to Install on Single Player and Servers
If you are wondering how to install this mod, the process is simple. For single-player, subscribe to the mod in the Steam Workshop or the in-game browser, then enable it in the "Mods" section of the host session menu. For dedicated servers, you will need to add the mod ID to your GameUserSettings.ini file under the [ModInstaller] section. After a server restart, the mod will download automatically to all connected clients. It is a stable, lightweight mod that rarely requires updates, but when it does, the changes are usually focused on balancing the resource costs to match new ASA content patches.
Balancing and Gameplay Impact
While the mod makes Element cheap, it does not necessarily break the game. The recipes still require a substantial amount of raw materials like Element Dust, which means you still need to farm the resource-rich caves or extinction maps. The main difference is that you are no longer gated by boss cooldowns or the need for a specific crafting structure. This makes it an excellent choice for PvE servers where players want to experiment with Tek building without the massive time sink. On PvP servers, admins often use this mod to level the playing field, ensuring that smaller tribes can access Tek defenses without dominating the endgame content first.
Community Feedback and Mod Support
The mod has received positive feedback for its simplicity and effectiveness. Many players appreciate that it respects the original progression while removing the "busy work" associated with Tek crafting. The developer maintains an active Discord server for bug reports and suggestions, ensuring that the mod stays compatible with the latest game updates. It is a community-driven project that prioritizes functionality over flashy visuals, which is exactly what a utility mod should do.
In conclusion, Elements Plus is a must-have for anyone who feels that the vanilla Element grind is too restrictive. It respects your time, offers a fair economic trade-off, and integrates seamlessly into the ASA ecosystem. Whether you are building a massive Tek base or just want a jetpack for exploring, this mod ensures that the power of Element is within your reach from the moment you spawn. Give it a try and see how much faster your endgame progresses.