Funny Monkey
ARK: Survival Ascended is a game about survival, taming, and building, but sometimes you just want a little more chaos in your tribe. The Funny Monkey mod delivers exactly that, transforming the humble Mesopithecus into a ranged combat companion with a penchant for throwing anything you give it. This isn't just a gag mod, though. It adds a layer of strategic depth, unique loot mechanics, and a hefty dose of personality to your island adventures.
What Does Funny Monkey Actually Do?
At its core, this mod changes the rules of engagement for your primate pals. Instead of just flinging their own filth, these clever creatures will throw specific items from your inventory. By default, this includes stones, most types of grenades, boomerangs, and even bolas. This turns a passive shoulder pet into an active combat participant that can apply crowd control or explosive damage from a safe distance.
The mod is fully compatible with the current builds of Funny Monkey for ARK: Survival Ascended, and it plays nicely with other popular mods. If you happen to run the PooPlus mod, Funny Monkey can also throw Slinger ammo, adding even more variety to its arsenal.
Smart Targeting System
One of the standout features is the "smart monkey" AI. This isn't a mindless auto-turret. The monkey will assess the situation and choose the right tool for the job. For example, if it detects that an enemy is immune to bolas, it will switch to a different projectile type rather than wasting your resources. Furthermore, it will never waste ammo on dead or unconscious targets, ensuring that your monkey is always acting tactically.
Leveling and the Throwing Ability
As your Funny Monkey gains levels, you get to spec points into a dedicated "Throwing Ability" skill tree. This allows you to customize your primate's combat efficiency to match your playstyle. You can invest points into three primary areas:
- Range: Increases the distance from which the monkey can engage targets.
- Cooldown: Reduces the delay between throws, increasing the rate of fire.
- Ammo Conservation: Grants a chance to throw items without consuming them from your inventory.
The amount of benefit you gain per level scales with the monkey's base level after taming, meaning a high-level tame has the potential to become an absolute powerhouse of projectile fury.
Loot, Hats, and Spawning Mechanics
Beyond combat, Funny Monkey adds a unique loot layer. These monkeys spawn wearing helmets to distinguish them from their "not so funny" cousins. They can spawn with most types of headgear, with rarer and better-quality helmets being less common. The quality of the helmet is randomized, but higher-level monkeys have a higher upper limit for the quality of gear they can spawn with. There is also a 50% chance for them to spawn with a random hat skin, adding a fashion element to your tames.
In terms of spawn rates, this mod replaces roughly 40% of standard Mesopithecus spawns. This makes encountering a Funny Monkey a regular but special occurrence. If you prefer not to search for them, you can use the spawn command: cheat spawndino "Blueprint'/FunnyMunkey/Blueprints/Dinos/FunnyMunkey_Character_BP.FunnyMunkey_Character_BP'" 500 0 0 150.
Configuration and Customization
For players who want to tweak the experience, the mod offers a configuration file. By adding a [FunnyMonkey] section to your GameUserSettings.ini, you can control exactly what your monkey throws. The AllowedThrownItems array lets you add specific blueprint paths for items you want the monkey to use. You can even set UseDefaultItemArray=False to disable the default items and only allow your custom list. This opens up possibilities for some truly wild (and potentially dangerous) combinations.
How to Install and Get Started
Getting this mod into your game is straightforward. To download Funny Monkey, you simply navigate to the Steam Workshop for ARK: Survival Ascended and subscribe to the mod page. Once subscribed, the mod will automatically download to your client. If you are running a dedicated server, you will need to add the mod ID to your server's mod list to ensure all players can join. The installation process is standard for most ASA mods, ensuring that how to install is a hassle-free experience for even novice server admins.
For those who prefer a more streamlined approach to mod management, the foxygame.net launcher offers a convenient alternative. It provides a one-click install feature that handles the setup process for Funny Monkey, and its integrated add-on catalog makes it easy to discover and manage your mods without leaving the launcher. This can be particularly useful for players who are new to modding and want to ensure version compatibility is handled automatically.
Is Funny Monkey Right for Your Server?
This mod is perfect for players who enjoy unconventional tactics and a bit of humor in their survival games. It is equally at home on a PvE server where you want to protect your base with a squad of grenade-throwing primates, or on a PvP server where the unpredictability of a bola-throwing monkey can turn the tide of an ambush. The ability to customize thrown items makes it a versatile tool, whether you want to stick to the default loadout or experiment with throwing rockets (at your own risk).
In conclusion, Funny Monkey for ARK: Survival Ascended is a fantastic mod that combines utility, humor, and strategic depth. It takes a passive tames and gives them a meaningful role in combat and resource management. With its smart AI, deep customization options, and the thrill of looting rare helmets, it is a must-have for any survivor looking to add a new dimension to their gameplay. Whether you are a solo player or running a large tribe, this mod is sure to bring a smile to your face as your monkey hurls a grenade at a raptor. It is a simple download that offers hours of chaotic fun, proving that sometimes the best companions are the ones who throw things for you.