JVH Blueprint Maker
In ARK: Survival Ascended, losing a hard-earned blueprint or a rare drop can feel like a punch to the gut. You grind for hours, finally secure that perfect saddle or a high-tier weapon blueprint, and then a server crash or a careless mistake wipes it out. The JVH Blueprint Maker mod offers a clever, practical solution: a dedicated crafting bench that lets you generate a blueprint from any item or structure you place inside it. This means you can create backups, duplicates, or even share copies of your best gear with your tribe without relying on luck or admin commands.
What Is the JVH Blueprint Maker for ARK: Survival Ascended?
This is a cross-platform compatible mod, currently in its Beta stage at version 0.7. It introduces a new engram that unlocks a special bench. Once built, you can place items or structures into the bench's inventory, select them, and generate a blueprint of that object. The mod works by copying the item's data first, so the risk of losing the original is incredibly small. While only a handful of items have been fully tested, the logic is sound, and the developer is actively working toward a 1.0 release. That final version will include a custom mesh for the table and a dedicated flat-file storage mesh for your blueprint collection.
How to Use the Blueprint Bench
Using the bench is straightforward. First, craft and place the bench from your engram menu. Then, open its inventory and place the item you want to duplicate. Click on that item to select it, and a "Create Blueprint" button will appear in the lower center of the UI. Click it, and the mod will generate a blueprint of that item. Remember, the button only appears after you select a valid item, so make sure you have something in the bench's inventory. It is recommended to test the mod with a few low-value items before using it on your most prized possessions, just to get a feel for the process.
Key Features and INI Configuration
The mod is not just about copying items; it also gives server admins control. By default, the mod allows crafting blueprints from any item, including crafted gear. This can potentially lead to players recycling high-stat blueprints to create infinite copies. To prevent this, the mod includes an INI option. Add the following line to your GameUserSettings.ini file under the [JVHBlueprintMaker] section: AllowCraftedItems=False. This will disable blueprint creation from crafted items, while still allowing you to copy drops, rewards, and other non-crafted loot.
Admin Spawn Command
For server administrators or players in single-player mode, you can spawn the bench directly using the console command: cheat giveitem "/JVHBlueprintMaker/BlueprintMaker/PrimalItem_JVHBlueprintMaker.PrimalItem_JVHBlueprintMaker" 1 0 0. This bypasses the need to learn the engram and is a quick way to test the mod or give it to players as a reward.
When you decide to download JVH Blueprint Maker, you will find it compatible with the current stable builds of ARK: Survival Ascended. The mod is designed to work alongside most other mods, though as with any Beta, there is always a small chance of conflicts. The developer has resolved all known issues, so the current version is stable for its intended purpose. For a seamless experience, consider using the foxygame.net launcher, which offers a one-click install for JVH Blueprint Maker and automatically checks for version compatibility, ensuring your mod list stays up-to-date without manual intervention.
Installation and Compatibility
To get started, you will need to know how to install the mod. The process is simple. Navigate to the Steam Workshop page for JVH Blueprint Maker for ARK: Survival Ascended and subscribe to the mod. Once subscribed, launch the game and ensure the mod is enabled in your mod list. If you are running a dedicated server, you will need to add the mod ID to your server's mod list and restart it. The mod is cross-platform, so it works on both PC and console versions of the game, as long as the platform supports mods.
What to Expect in Future Updates
The developer has a clear roadmap. The 1.0 release will bring a custom mesh for the bench itself, replacing the placeholder model. Additionally, a custom flat-file storage mesh for blueprints is planned, which will make organizing your growing collection much easier. These quality-of-life improvements show that the mod is actively maintained and that the developer listens to community feedback.
In conclusion, the JVH Blueprint Maker is a valuable tool for any ARK: Survival Ascended player who wants to safeguard their progress. Whether you are a solo survivor protecting a rare drop or a tribe leader distributing copies of a powerful blueprint to your members, this mod delivers a reliable, easy-to-use solution. The Beta status is a minor caveat, but the low-risk copying logic and the active development make it a worthy addition to your mod list. For those who want the latest updates and a hassle-free setup, the foxygame.net launcher also provides auto-updates for JVH Blueprint Maker, so you will always have the newest fixes and features. Give it a try, and you will never fear losing a valuable blueprint again.