Kaos Bases
Running a successful ARK: Survival Ascended server often comes down to one thing: keeping the world organized. Unchecked building can turn a beautiful map into a cluttered mess of abandoned foundations and half-finished bases. That is where the Kaos Bases add-on steps in. This mod introduces a flag-based system that gives server admins total control over where players can build, how many bases they can claim, and what happens to structures that end up in the wrong place.
At its core, Kaos Bases is a cleanup and protection tool. When your server starts up, the mod runs a check across the map. Any structure sitting outside the designated flag zones is automatically removed. This keeps the environment optimized and ensures that every player build stays within the intended boundaries. It is a simple concept, but the impact on server performance and player fairness is huge.
How the Flag System Works
The mod revolves around physical flags that players place in the world. These flags define the boundaries of a base or outpost. Anything built inside the flag's radius is protected, while anything outside is marked for destruction on the next cleanup cycle. There are several flag types, each with its own purpose and size.
- Outpost Flag (Small): A smaller radius, perfect for temporary camps or resource gathering stations.
- Base Flag (Large): A larger radius for your main base of operations.
- Shop Flag: Designed for trading posts and community marketplaces.
- Admin Flag: The largest option, intended for server events or admin-built structures.
Each tribe is limited in how many flags they can place. By default, tribes can place two small flags and one large flag. The total flag count per tribe is unlimited, but you can change that with a simple config option. There is also a minimum distance setting between flags, which prevents tribes from spamming flags across the map to claim huge territories.
Key Configuration Options
What makes Kaos Bases so powerful is its flexibility. The mod ships with a comprehensive config file that lets you tweak nearly every behavior. Here are some of the most important settings:
Purge and Cleanup Settings
The TimeOutsideFlagsBeforeDestroySeconds option controls how long a structure can exist outside a flag zone before it is purged. The default is 604800 seconds, which is exactly seven days. This gives players plenty of time to move their builds or place a flag. The DisableFlags option acts as a master switch. If set to true, no purge will occur at all, effectively turning the mod into a pure protection system.
For server owners who want to keep an eye on things, the DebugMode option logs tons of data to help you troubleshoot issues. There is also a Discord webhook integration. Set the DiscordWebhookUrl and the DiscordWebhookDelaySeconds to receive notifications about purge events directly in your Discord server.
Damage and Safety Zones
One of the most requested features in ARK mods is the ability to create safe zones. Kaos Bases delivers this with the SafeBase options. If you enable SafeBaseBaseFlags, all structures inside a base flag become immune to all damage. The same applies to outpost, shop, and admin flags. This is perfect for PvE servers or for protecting community hubs in PvP environments.
Alternatively, you can use the NoDamageOn options. These make the flags themselves indestructible without protecting the structures around them. This is a great middle ground for PvP servers where you want to prevent griefing of the flag but still allow raiding of the base.
Getting Started with Kaos Bases
If you want to try this mod on your server, you will need to know how to install it. The process is straightforward. First, you need to download Kaos Bases from a mod repository or your preferred mod manager. Once downloaded, add it to your server's mod list and restart the server. The mod will generate its default config file on the first run, which you can then edit to suit your needs.
For players on a server that uses the mod, you will need to unlock the engrams. The mod adds four engrams: EngramEntry_KaosBases_LargeBase_C, EngramEntry_KaosBases_Outpost_C, EngramEntry_KaosBases_Shop_C, and the admin flag. Server admins can use the cheat giveitem commands to spawn the flags directly if they prefer.
One of the most convenient ways to manage your ARK: Survival Ascended add-ons is through the foxygame.net launcher. This launcher streamlines the entire process, offering a dedicated add-on catalog where you can find Kaos Bases for ARK: Survival Ascended alongside many other popular mods. Instead of hunting through multiple websites, you can browse, download, and manage everything from one interface. The launcher also handles version compatibility checks, ensuring that the mod you are installing works with your current game build, and it provides automatic updates so you never miss a critical patch.
Admin Commands and Items
Server admins have access to specific cheat commands to spawn the flags. Here are the item paths you will need:
- Shop Flag:
/KaosBases/Structures/Shop/PrimalItem_KaosBases_Shop.PrimalItem_KaosBases_Shop - Admin Flag:
/KaosBases/Structures/Admin/PrimalItem_KaosBases_Admin.PrimalItem_KaosBases_Admin - Large Base Flag:
/KaosBases/Structures/LargeBase/PrimalItem_KaosBases_LargeBase.PrimalItem_KaosBases_LargeBase - Outpost Flag:
/KaosBases/Structures/Outpost/PrimalItem_KaosBases_Outpost.PrimalItem_KaosBases_Outpost
These commands are essential for setting up the initial spawn points or for testing the mod's behavior on a test server.
Mod Compatibility and Performance
Kaos Bases is designed to work with the latest versions of ARK: Survival Ascended. It is a lightweight mod that does not add heavy assets or complex visual effects, so it has minimal impact on server performance. The cleanup process runs on a cycle, which is more efficient than constant checks. This makes it a great choice for servers with a large player base or for those running multiple mods simultaneously.
The mod is also highly compatible with other popular add-ons. Because it focuses on structure placement and damage control, it does not conflict with mods that alter gameplay mechanics, add new creatures, or change the UI. As long as other mods do not interfere with the structure placement system, you should have no issues running them side by side.
Final Thoughts
Keeping a server organized is a constant battle. Kaos Bases gives you the tools to win that battle without micromanaging every player. The flag system is intuitive for players, the config options are powerful for admins, and the automatic cleanup keeps the world running smoothly. Whether you are running a tight-knit PvE community or a competitive PvP server, this mod is a valuable addition to your mod list. It brings structure to the chaos, ensuring that everyone has a fair and optimized experience in the world of ARK: Survival Ascended.