Logic Base Guardian
Running a successful ARK: Survival Ascended server is about more than just providing a map to explore. It is about maintaining order, ensuring fair play, and keeping the game world clean for every survivor. This is where the Logic Base Guardian steps in. This powerful server add-on is designed to automate the tedious task of base management and territory enforcement, giving administrators the tools they need to create a structured and enjoyable environment without constantly babysitting the map.
Whether you are running a tightly regulated PvP cluster or a friendly PvE community, the Logic Base Guardian for ARK: Survival Ascended offers a sophisticated system to define where players can build and for how long. Instead of relying on manual moderation or vague rules, this mod uses a flag-based system to create designated build zones, ensuring that every structure on your server is placed with intention and within the boundaries you set. Let's dive into what makes this add-on an essential part of any serious server setup.
How the Purge and Cleanup System Works
The core function of the Logic Base Guardian is its automated cleanup process, which runs at server startup. This process is the backbone of the mod, working tirelessly to keep your game world organized. The system scans the map for any structures that are located outside of the designated flag zones. These flags act as the markers for player bases, and anything built outside of their radius is considered stray or abandoned.
Once the cleanup cycle identifies a structure outside a flag zone, it initiates a countdown. The structure is not destroyed instantly; instead, it is given a grace period defined by the TimeOutsideFlagsBeforeDestroySeconds config option. This ensures that players who are just setting up or who may have made a slight placement error have time to correct their mistake. After the allotted time expires, the structure is automatically removed from the world, helping to keep the environment optimized and fair for everyone.
Understanding Flag Zones and Sizes
The system is built around the concept of physical flags that players place on the map. These flags come in several sizes, each serving a specific purpose. The configuration allows you to set the radius for each type, giving you granular control over how much space a tribe can claim.
- Small Flags: Perfect for individual players or small outposts, with a default radius of 3000.
- Large Flags: Designed for larger tribes and main bases, with a default radius of 9000.
- Shop Flags: A specialized flag type for community trading posts or shops, also defaulting to a 9000 radius.
- Admin Flags: Reserved for server administrators, these can be set to a massive 30000 radius and are often used for community events or admin-built structures.
This tiered system prevents one tribe from claiming an entire region with a single flag while still allowing larger groups to establish a significant presence. The Logic Base Guardian also includes limits on how many flags a tribe can place, preventing flag-spamming and encouraging strategic base placement.
Configuration Options for Server Admins
One of the greatest strengths of the Logic Base Guardian is its flexibility. The mod is highly configurable, allowing you to tailor the behavior to match your server's specific ruleset perfectly. All settings are managed in the [LogicBaseGuardian] section of your GameUserSettings.ini file.
Key Settings to Consider
Here are some of the most impactful settings you can tweak to get the exact experience you want:
ItemsIgnoreDestruction: This allows you to specify item classes that the purge will ignore. While a Smithy might be destroyed if its foundation is removed, this setting can protect specific valuable items from direct destruction.MaxTotalFlagsPerTribe: Set a hard cap on the total number of flags (small, large, and shop combined) a tribe can have. A value of -1 means infinite.NoDamageOnAdminFlags: When set to true, this makes admin flags indestructible, ensuring that admin-built structures are always safe from raiders.CustomDecayTimeHours: This introduces a decay mechanic for the flags themselves. After a set number of hours, the flag will decay, effectively releasing the territory back to the wild.CustomDecaySelfDestruct: If the decay time is set, you can choose whether the flag explodes upon decay or simply marks itself as inactive.DiscordWebhookUrl: Integrate your server's Discord to receive detailed logs of purge events, keeping your admin team informed of all automated actions.
These options provide a level of control that is rare in ARK mods. You can create a system that is entirely hands-off or one that requires constant player engagement to maintain claims, depending on your server's theme.
Installation and Setup Guide
Getting started with this mod is straightforward. To download Logic Base Guardian, simply head to the Steam Workshop page for ARK: Survival Ascended and subscribe to the mod. Once subscribed, you will need to add it to your server's mod list. If you are using a hosting provider, this is usually done through their control panel. For a dedicated server, you will add the mod ID to your GameUserSettings.ini file under the [ModInstaller] section.
After installation, the next step is to learn how to install the configuration correctly. You will need to add the [LogicBaseGuardian] section to your server configuration file. The mod provides default values, but you will likely want to adjust them to fit your community's needs. Remember to restart your server after making any changes to the configuration to ensure the new settings are applied.
For players, the mod adds new engrams to the game. You will find the small, large, shop, and admin flag blueprints in your engram list. Admins can also use cheat commands to spawn these items directly, such as cheat giveitem "/LogicBaseGuardian/Structures/Small/PrimalItem_LogicBaseGuardian_Small" 1 0 0. This makes it easy to distribute flags for events or testing.
Compatibility and Server Performance
The Logic Base Guardian for ARK: Survival Ascended is built to work seamlessly with the latest versions of the game. It is designed to be lightweight, ensuring that the startup scan and periodic checks do not cause lag or performance issues. The mod is also compatible with most other popular mods, though it is always recommended to test new combinations on a private server first. The flag system works independently of other mods, so it will not conflict with building mods or QoL improvements.
One of the most convenient ways to manage this add-on is through the foxygame.net launcher. This launcher simplifies the entire process, allowing you to manage your mod list and server settings from a single interface. With the foxygame.net launcher, you can download and enable Logic Base Guardian with a single click, and the launcher automatically handles version updates, ensuring you always have the latest features and fixes without manual file management. Its add-on catalog makes finding and installing this specific mod a breeze, removing the technical hassle from server administration.
Enhancing Player Experience with Custom Messages
Beyond the technical cleanup, the Logic Base Guardian also includes a feature to enhance communication with your players. The mod allows you to create a custom welcome or rules message that is accessible via the radial menu. This is a fantastic way to ensure that all players, both new and returning, are aware of your server's rules and the flag system in place.
Admins can configure this message to only display to players under a certain level, ensuring that veterans are not bothered by a popup they have already seen. The message supports a variety of formatting options, including HTML-like tags for headings, bold, italics, and even RichColor tags to create visually appealing and informative text. This feature helps to create a more professional and welcoming server environment, reinforcing the rules directly in-game without requiring players to alt-tab to a website.
In conclusion, the Logic Base Guardian is more than just a cleanup tool; it is a comprehensive territory management system. It empowers server admins to create a structured, fair, and optimized world for their community. By automating the removal of misplaced structures and providing clear visual markers for base claims, it reduces conflicts and admin workload. If you are looking to elevate your ARK: Survival Ascended server to the next level of professionalism, this add-on is an invaluable asset that delivers on its promise of order and fairness.