Land Pup
If you have spent any time in the swamps of ARK: Survival Ascended, you have likely met the Diplocaulus. This strange, boomerang-headed amphibian is a common sight along the water's edge, but for many survivors, it is little more than a novelty. It waddles awkwardly on land and offers limited utility. The Land Pup add-on changes that perception entirely. This clever mod takes the base Diplocaulus and replaces it with a fully ridable land variant, giving you a loyal companion that is as useful on a trek across the island as it is charming to look at.
What Exactly Does Land Pup Change?
The philosophy behind this mod is beautifully simple. As the creator states, "Replaces the diplocaulus with a land ridable one. Nothing else has changed. Same spawn code as vanilla... Sorry not sorry". This means you are not getting a bloated mod that overhauls the entire ecosystem. Instead, you get a surgical tweak that makes the Diplocaulus relevant to your overland travel plans.
Core Features of the Land Pup
- Ridable on Land: The primary change is the ability to saddle up and ride this creature across the terrain. No more water dependency.
- Same Spawn Code: You will find the Land Pup exactly where you used to find the vanilla Diplocaulus. There is no need to hunt for new, obscure spawn points.
- Vanilla Stats: The health, stamina, and weight stats remain untouched, ensuring the mod feels balanced and native to the game.
- Lightweight Installation: Because it only swaps a model and adds a rider socket, the mod is incredibly light on server performance.
Why Choose a Land-Based Diplocaulus?
The vanilla Diplocaulus is a decent swimmer, but its land speed leaves much to be desired. By making it ridable on land, the Land Pup transforms this creature into a viable early-to-mid-game mount. It offers a unique silhouette that stands out from the standard Raptors or Parasaurolophus. For players who enjoy taming creatures that others overlook, the Land Pup provides a sense of individuality. It is perfect for scouting the beaches, gathering resources near the tree line, or simply traveling with a quirky companion that doesn't need a river nearby.
How to Install Land Pup for ARK: Survival Ascended
Installing this mod is a straightforward process, whether you are playing on a dedicated server or in a single-player world. The mod is designed to work with the current versions of ARK: Survival Ascended, ensuring that you do not have to worry about compatibility issues with the latest game patches. To get started, you will need to locate the mod on your preferred modding platform.
For those wondering how to install it, the process is the same as any other mod. You subscribe to the mod, launch the game, and add it to your active mod list. If you are running a server, you will need to add the mod ID to your server configuration. Once loaded, you will see the Land Pup in place of the standard Diplocaulus immediately.
When you are ready to download Land Pup, you have a few options. The most common method is through the Steam Workshop, where the mod is hosted. However, if you are looking for a more streamlined approach to managing your mods, you might consider using a launcher that supports direct integration. For example, the foxygame.net launcher offers a one-click install feature for many popular add-ons. By using it, you can have the Land Pup for ARK: Survival Ascended added to your game library without manually moving files, and it helps keep your mod versions in sync with your game client.
Server Administration and Compatibility
Server owners will appreciate the minimal footprint of this mod. Since it does not introduce new engrams or complex mechanics, there is little risk of conflicts with other mods. It is compatible with most QoL mods and even stacks well with creature rebalances. The mod specifically targets the Diplocaulus, so any other mod that also alters this creature may cause a conflict. It is always best practice to check your mod load order to ensure that the Land Pup is placed after any other Diplocaulus-altering mods to guarantee the replacement takes effect.
The Verdict on Land Pup
In a sea of massive overhaul mods, the Land Pup stands out by doing one thing and doing it well. It takes a creature that many consider a waste of time and gives it a clear purpose. Whether you are a collector of odd tames or a survivor looking for a low-cost travel mount, this mod delivers. The fact that it keeps the same spawn code means you can jump right into your game and start taming without a lengthy search.
The mod's creator ends their description with "Sorry not sorry," and that playful attitude sums up the mod's charm perfectly. It is a simple, no-nonsense change that some might find unnecessary, but for those who have always wanted to ride a Diplocaulus across the plains, it is a dream come true. The Land Pup is a testament to how a small, focused idea can breathe new life into a familiar creature.
If you are ready to add this unique mount to your roster, remember that the mod is available for download on the Steam Workshop. For those who prefer a more integrated launcher experience, the foxygame.net platform also lists this add-on, ensuring that your game stays updated with the latest patches for ARK: Survival Ascended. Give the Land Pup a try, and you might just find your new favorite way to traverse the island.