JIT That Derg
ARK: Survival Ascended has always been a playground for modders, but some creations push the boundaries of what the game engine can do. JIT That Derg is one such add-on—a fascinating tech test that demonstrates the viability of runtime patching and the duplication of CC blueprint assets. While it may not add a massive arsenal of weapons or towering structures, this mod serves a very specific purpose for those who understand the underlying mechanics of the Unreal Editor for ARK: Survival Ascended.
At its core, JIT That Derg for ARK: Survival Ascended is a proof-of-concept. It introduces several variant skins with different colorization configs, but here is the catch: it contains no actual assets of its own. This means that when you load it, you might see a desert ghillie torso, or you might see nothing at all. The mod relies entirely on runtime patching to reference and duplicate blueprint assets that already exist within the game's core files or other loaded mods.
What Does JIT That Derg Actually Do?
If you are a casual survivor just looking for new cosmetics, this mod might confuse you. It does very little by itself due to not containing any actual assets. Instead, it acts as a demonstration. The developer created this to prove that it is possible to inject, patch, and duplicate CC (Custom Cosmetic) blueprints on the fly, without requiring a full asset rebuild or a separate mod package. For mod authors, this is a significant breakthrough, as it opens the door to more efficient update cycles and smaller file sizes.
The Variant Skins and Colorization
When the runtime patching works correctly, you will see variant skins that pull from existing CC blueprints. These skins come with different colorization configs, allowing for subtle or dramatic shifts in appearance. However, because the mod is a test, stability is not guaranteed. You may experience visual glitches, invisible items, or even crashes depending on your current mod load order and the version of the game you are running. This is not a bug per se, but rather the nature of a tech demonstration.
Compatibility and ARK: Survival Ascended Versions
As of the latest updates, JIT That Derg is designed to work with the current stable builds of ARK: Survival Ascended. However, because it relies on runtime patching, it is highly sensitive to game updates. If Wildcard pushes a major patch that alters the blueprint structure, this mod may break until the author releases an update. Always check the mod's workshop page for notes on which specific game versions are supported. It is also worth noting that this mod is not compatible with every other add-on. Mods that heavily modify the core blueprint hierarchy may conflict with the patching process.
For those who want to experiment, the installation process is straightforward. To download JIT That Derg, navigate to the Steam Workshop page for ARK: Survival Ascended and subscribe to the mod. Once subscribed, the game will automatically download it. If you are using a third-party launcher, you can also find it there. For example, the foxygame.net launcher offers a one-click install for JIT That Derg, which simplifies the process of managing multiple mods and ensures you always have the latest version without manually checking for updates.
How to Install JIT That Derg
Knowing how to install this mod is crucial, especially since it behaves differently from standard content packs. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Open the Steam Workshop and search for "JIT That Derg".
- Click the subscribe button. This will add it to your ARK: Survival Ascended mod list.
- Launch the game and navigate to the Mods menu in the main title screen.
- Ensure that JIT That Derg is enabled and placed in the correct load order. It should generally be loaded after other mods that contain the CC blueprints you want to duplicate.
- Start a single-player world or a dedicated server with the mod enabled to test the patching.
If you are running a dedicated server, you will need to add the mod ID to your server's command line or configuration file. The mod ID can be found on the Steam Workshop page. Remember, this is a test mod, so do not expect polished, out-of-the-box results. You are essentially beta-testing a new modding technique.
Why You Might Need It
The original description says it best: "download it if you know why you need it." This is not a mod for everyone. It is for modders, developers, and tech-savvy players who want to explore the limits of ARK's modding capabilities. If you are working on your own mod and want to see how runtime patching can reduce file sizes or enable dynamic content updates, this is an invaluable reference. It proves that you do not need to bundle every asset with your mod if you can reference and duplicate existing ones at runtime.
For those using the foxygame.net launcher, the add-on catalog there also lists JIT That Derg, and its auto-update feature will notify you when the author releases a fix for compatibility with newer ARK: Survival Ascended versions. This is particularly useful because runtime patching mods often need frequent adjustments to keep up with the base game's evolution.
Final Thoughts on the Tech Test
JIT That Derg is a unique entry in the ARK: Survival Ascended modding scene. It is not flashy, and it will not give you a new dinosaur or a fancy base piece. Instead, it offers a glimpse into the future of modding—a future where mods can be smaller, faster, and more dynamic. If you are a creator, studying this mod can teach you a great deal about blueprint duplication and runtime injection. If you are a player, you might find it interesting to see the invisible strings that hold mods together. Either way, it is a clever piece of engineering that deserves a look from the community.
Ultimately, whether you choose to download JIT That Derg or simply read about it, you are witnessing a stepping stone toward more advanced modding techniques. Keep an eye on the author's future projects, as this demonstration may very well lead to more robust tools and mods that leverage the same principles. For now, this mod stands as a testament to the creativity and technical skill within the ARK: Survival Ascended community.