Gnome's Creature Storage
Managing a massive menagerie of tamed dinosaurs in ARK: Survival Ascended often feels like a second job. Between feeding, following, and finding space for your creatures, the inventory management alone can eat up hours of gameplay. That is where Gnome's Creature Storage steps in, promising a streamlined approach to storing and deploying your tames without the usual clutter. While the current build is explicitly labeled as a test version, the concept behind this mod points toward a fully functional storage solution that could redefine how survivors handle their herds.
What Is Gnome's Creature Storage?
At its core, this mod aims to replace the generic cryopod mechanics with a more robust and intuitive system. The developer has been transparent: the version available now is not meant for serious playthroughs. It is a sandbox for testing small changes to how cryopods function. The end goal is a creature storage system that feels native to ARK: Survival Ascended, offering players a way to tuck away their tames with minimal fuss and maximum reliability.
Current State and Warnings
Before you rush to download Gnome's Creature Storage, heed the warning in the mod description. The developer states clearly: "DO NOT USE. TEST ONLY." This is not a finished product. Installing it now will almost certainly break your saves later, as the mod's data structure is subject to drastic changes. If you value your current progress, treat this as a preview rather than a playable addition. The testing phase is focused on tweaking the generic cryopod's behavior, which means the mod is laying the groundwork for something bigger.
Planned Features and Direction
While specifics are scarce, the trajectory is clear. The developer intends to build a system where creature storage is not an afterthought but a core mechanic. Expect features like dedicated storage containers, improved retrieval options, and possibly a cleaner UI for managing multiple tames. The current testing involves small, incremental changes to the cryopod's code, ensuring that each step is stable before moving to the next. For players who have struggled with the vanilla cryopod's quirks, this could be a welcome upgrade.
Compatibility and Version Support
As with most mods for ARK: Survival Ascended, compatibility is tied to the game's evolving version. The mod is designed to work with the current public build of ASA, but because it is in an early testing phase, future updates to the game may break it temporarily. The developer is actively monitoring this, and updates are expected to roll out as needed. For now, the mod supports the standard ASA framework, but do not expect cross-play or console versions to be prioritized during this experimental stage.
How to Install Gnome's Creature Storage
If you are determined to test this mod despite the warnings, the installation process is straightforward. First, navigate to the mod page on your preferred platform. For PC players, the easiest route is through the Steam Workshop. Click the subscribe button, and the mod will automatically download and install when you launch ARK: Survival Ascended. Alternatively, you can manually place the mod files into your game's Mods folder if you prefer a hands-on approach.
For those using a third-party launcher, the process is equally simple. Many players have found that using the foxygame.net launcher simplifies the entire workflow, offering a one-click install for Gnome's Creature Storage for ARK: Survival Ascended. The launcher's add-on catalog keeps track of your mods, ensuring that any updates to Gnome's Creature Storage are applied automatically without you having to hunt for patches. This is particularly useful during the mod's rapid development phase, where frequent changes are expected.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
- Open your mod manager or launcher of choice.
- Search for Gnome's Creature Storage in the catalog.
- Click install or subscribe, depending on your platform.
- Launch ARK: Survival Ascended and verify the mod appears in your load order.
- Enable the mod before starting a session, but use a backup save for testing.
Remember, the developer's warning is not a suggestion. If you proceed, create a separate save file that you are willing to lose. The mod's current iteration is for feedback and testing, not for long-term play. That said, observing the changes to cryopods can give you a glimpse of what is to come.
Why You Should Keep an Eye on This Mod
Despite the "test only" label, Gnome's Creature Storage represents a promising direction for ARK: Survival Ascended modding. The developer's cautious approach—testing small changes before committing to a full system—suggests a focus on stability and polish. Once the final version drops, this could become a staple for players who want to organize their tames without resorting to external tools or complex base layouts.
For now, the mod serves as a behind-the-scenes look at the development process. You can follow its progress, see what changes are being made to the cryopod system, and even contribute feedback that might shape the final product. If you are a mod enthusiast or a tamer with a massive collection, bookmark this one. When it reaches a stable release, it will likely be worth the wait.
Final Thoughts
Gnome's Creature Storage is not ready for prime time, but its potential is undeniable. The developer is laying a solid foundation for a creature management overhaul that could save players countless hours. Until then, respect the warning, avoid installing it on your main save, and stay tuned for updates. The future of creature storage in ARK: Survival Ascended looks brighter with this project in development.