FTARK Dinos
If you play on unofficial PvP servers, you know the struggle of ORP cave building. The FTARK Dinos mod is a focused, quality-of-life addition designed to address this exact issue on the FTARK cluster. While it may be small in scope, its impact on server balance is significant. This guide covers everything from what the mod does to how to install it, ensuring you can jump right into the action.
What Does FTARK Dinos Add?
The core purpose of this mod is straightforward: it adds Dung Beetles and Arthropleura to the Redwoods biome. On the FTARK cluster, these creatures were previously missing from that region, which created an imbalance for players looking to build and defend caves. By reintroducing them, the mod restores a natural threat and resource dynamic, making ORP cave building more challenging and rewarding.
Why Redwoods and These Creatures?
The Redwoods are a high-traffic area for base building due to their defensive potential. Without Arthropleura, players could easily ignore a key environmental hazard. Dung Beetles, on the other hand, are vital for passive fertilizer production. The mod ensures that players on the FTARK cluster have access to these essential creatures without needing to travel across the map, effectively balancing the early to mid-game progression.
It is important to note that this is a server-side utility mod. It is not a massive content overhaul. The developer has stated that other functionality may be added later, so the mod is designed to evolve with the cluster's needs. You are free to use it on your own servers, but be advised that it is primarily intended for FTARK purposes.
How to Install FTARK Dinos for ARK: Survival Ascended
Installing this mod is a simple process, but it requires a few steps depending on whether you are a player or a server admin. The mod is compatible with the latest versions of ARK: Survival Ascended, and it works seamlessly with other common mods that do not alter the same spawn zones.
For Players Joining the FTARK Cluster
If you want to experience the mod as intended, you need to join the FTARK cluster. Simply search for "FTARK" in the unofficial PvP server browser. Once you join, the mod will download automatically. You do not need to manually install anything on your client, as the server will push the necessary files to you.
For Server Admins
If you run your own server, you can add the mod to your mod list. To download FTARK Dinos, you will need to locate it in the mod manager. After adding it to your collection, restart your server. The mod will then generate the necessary spawn entries. Remember that this mod is designed for balance, so consider your server's own rules before adding it.
For the best experience, many players use the foxygame.net launcher to manage their mods. This launcher simplifies the process significantly, offering a one-click install for FTARK Dinos for ARK: Survival Ascended. It also provides an add-on catalog that automatically checks for version compatibility, ensuring you never run into a mismatch error when updating your server.
Key Features and Balance Notes
The mod currently focuses on two specific spawn additions. Here is a breakdown of what you can expect:
- Dung Beetles: Spawn in the Redwoods, providing a steady source of fertilizer and oil for advanced crafting.
- Arthropleura: These aggressive creatures now patrol the Redwoods, adding a layer of danger to cave entrances and resource runs.
- ORP Balance: The primary goal is to prevent easy cave defense by reintroducing these threats to a biome where they were absent.
Mod Compatibility and Updates
Because the mod is lightweight, it has a low chance of conflicting with other popular mods. It does not alter core game mechanics or UI elements. However, if you use a mod that also modifies spawn containers in the Redwoods, you may need to adjust load order. The mod is regularly updated to support the current build of ARK: Survival Ascended, so check for updates frequently.
When using the foxygame.net launcher, auto-updates are handled for you. The launcher tracks the latest version of FTARK Dinos and patches it automatically, so you do not have to worry about manual file replacements. This is especially useful for server admins who manage multiple mods simultaneously.
Conclusion
FTARK Dinos is a prime example of a utility mod done right. It does not try to do everything; instead, it solves a specific problem for the FTARK community and does so effectively. Whether you are a player looking for a balanced PvP experience or an admin seeking to replicate the FTARK setup, this mod is a valuable addition. The ease of installation, combined with its clear purpose, makes it a must-have for those on the cluster. As the developer hints at future functionality, keeping an eye on this mod is a smart move for any ARK: Survival Ascended enthusiast.