Hcfire's Speedometer
In the vast, unforgiving world of ARK: Survival Ascended, knowing your exact velocity can be the difference between a clean escape and a fatal miscalculation. Whether you are chasing down a fleeing prey, timing a strategic retreat from a Rex, or simply curious about the top speed of your newly tamed Pteranodon, the guesswork is finally over. Hcfire's Speedometer is a quality-of-life add-on that brings a clear, on-screen speed tracker to your HUD, transforming how you navigate the island, the Scorched Earth dunes, and every biome in between.
What Does Hcfire's Speedometer Do?
This mod does exactly what its name suggests. It provides a real-time numerical readout of your current speed, eliminating the need for visual estimation. The tracker is not just for your character on foot; it works seamlessly across a wide range of entities. The developer has confirmed that the speedometer has been tested and functions correctly with vanilla creatures, modded creatures, and even vehicles. This makes it an invaluable tool for server admins, racers, and survivalists who want to optimize their travel methods.
How to Get the Speed Tracker In-Game
Acquiring the tracker is a straightforward process designed to fit the game's progression. You will need to reach level 70 to unlock the engram. Once unlocked, you can craft the Speedometer item in the Fabricator. To activate it, simply "consume" the item from your inventory. This equips the speed tracker to your screen immediately. If you want to remove it, just "consume" the item a second time, and it will toggle off. This simple toggle system ensures you have control over your HUD at all times, keeping your screen clear when you do not need the data.
Customizable Settings for Every Survivor
One of the standout features of Hcfire's Speedometer is its built-in customization. The mod understands that players have different preferences and needs. You are not locked into a single unit of measurement. The settings menu allows you to switch between three distinct speed units:
- Centimeters per Second (cm/s): This is the default unit used by ARK and the Unreal Engine, offering the most precise technical data.
- Kilometers per Hour (km/h): A metric standard that is intuitive for many players worldwide.
- Miles per Hour (mph): The imperial unit of choice for players who prefer the American standard.
Beyond the units, you can also adjust the calculation method. The mod allows you to disable the Vertical Axis (up and down) from contributing to the speed calculation. By doing this, you can see only your horizontal speed, which is often more useful for gauging ground travel or sailing speed. This is particularly handy when flying, as your descent or ascent can skew the overall velocity number.
Compatibility and Performance
Hcfire's Speedometer for ARK: Survival Ascended is built to be a lightweight addition to your mod list. It is designed to work with the current versions of the game, ensuring that you can use it without worrying about frequent breakages. The mod's compatibility with modded creatures and vehicles is a significant plus, as it means the tool remains useful even on heavily modified servers. However, there is one minor restriction to note: some specific vehicles are programmed in a way that does not allow the vertical speed to be hidden. This is a limitation of the vehicle's code, not the mod itself, and it only affects the display of horizontal-only speed for those particular vehicles.
When you are ready to enhance your gameplay, you can download Hcfire's Speedometer from popular mod repositories like CurseForge. The installation process is simple. For those looking for a streamlined experience, the foxygame.net launcher offers a one-click install feature for Hcfire's Speedometer, making it easier than ever to get the mod running without manual file management. The launcher's add-on catalog also helps you track version compatibility, ensuring that your game and the mod stay in sync.
How to Install the Mod
If you are new to modding ARK: Survival Ascended, the process is user-friendly. Here is a quick guide on how to install:
- Navigate to the CurseForge page for Hcfire's Speedometer.
- Click the "Install" button, which will typically prompt you to open the CurseForge desktop app or your mod manager.
- Ensure the mod is enabled in your mod list before launching the game.
- If you are using a dedicated server, you must add the mod ID to your server's mod list as well.
Alternatively, using a third-party launcher can simplify the process. For example, the foxygame.net launcher provides an integrated add-on catalog where you can find Hcfire's Speedometer and install it with a single click, and it will also handle auto-updates to keep the mod current with the latest game patches.
Final Thoughts on the Speedometer
Hcfire's Speedometer is a brilliant utility that fills a gap in the base game. It is a testament to the community's ability to enhance the ARK experience with practical tools. The ability to precisely measure speed opens up new possibilities for testing tames, building race tracks, or just satisfying your curiosity about the physics of the island. With its customizable units and vertical axis toggle, it caters to a wide audience. Whether you are a casual player or a hardcore min-maxer, this mod is a worthy addition to your loadout. It is simple, effective, and does exactly what it promises, making it a must-have for anyone who wants to know just how fast they are really going.
--- **Update Sep 12, 2026:** Added 4 files for version 1.0.