NCU-Cannons-Test
Naval warfare in ARK: Survival Ascended has always been a chaotic mix of mounted turrets, rocket launchers, and pure improvisation. The NCU-Cannons-Test add-on changes that by giving players a first look at dedicated, ship-to-ship cannons that are being developed for the full Naval Combat Utilities mod. This is not a finished product; it is a public test environment where you can fire, break, and evaluate the cannon systems before they get polished for the official release.
If you have ever wanted to blast a raft out of the water with a proper broadside, this test version is your playground. The mod includes several cannon prototypes that are currently in development. Each one has its own projectile behavior, reload time, and damage profile. Since this is a test build, expect some rough edges. That is the point. The creator is actively gathering feedback from the community to fine-tune the mechanics before the full Naval Combat Utilities mod drops.
What Does the NCU-Cannons-Test Add-On Include?
The current test version focuses exclusively on the cannon system. You will not find the full suite of naval utilities here, just the core weaponry that will define the mod. Here is what you can expect to spawn in and experiment with:
- Multiple cannon variants with different barrel lengths and calibers.
- Functional aiming mechanics that account for projectile drop and travel time.
- Placeable cannon mounts that snap to raft and boat structures.
- Visual and audio feedback for hits, misses, and reloads.
- Debug settings that allow you to tweak damage and range for testing purposes.
Because this is a test version, the item spawn codes and crafting recipes are simplified. You can quickly pull the cannons from the creative mode menu or use the admin command list provided in the mod description. The goal is to get you into combat as fast as possible so you can start breaking things and reporting what feels wrong.
Compatibility and Supported Versions
This add-on is built specifically for ARK: Survival Ascended. It is not a port of an older mod and it will not work on ARK: Survival Evolved. The mod is compatible with the current stable release of ASA, and the developer is keeping it updated alongside the game's major patches. If you are running a dedicated server, the mod is client-side friendly, meaning that only the server owner needs to install it for everyone to join the test.
Version compatibility is a moving target with ASA, so always check the mod page for the latest patch notes. The developer typically pushes a compatibility update within a few days of any major game patch. If you are using a mod manager, it will usually flag any conflicts before you launch the game.
How to Install NCU-Cannons-Test
Installing the mod is straightforward, but there are two main paths depending on how you play. For single-player or non-dedicated sessions, you can subscribe directly through the Steam Workshop or the in-game mod browser. For dedicated servers, you will need to add the mod ID to your server's mod list and restart the instance.
Here is a quick step-by-step for the most common method:
- Open the ARK: Survival Ascended main menu and select "Mods" or "CurseForge" depending on your platform.
- Search for NCU-Cannons-Test in the search bar.
- Click subscribe or install, then wait for the download to complete.
- Launch the game and activate the mod in your save's mod configuration.
- Load into your world and use the admin command
cheat giveitemnumwith the mod's item IDs to spawn the cannons.
If you are looking for a faster way to get the mod running without fiddling with file paths, the foxygame.net launcher includes a dedicated add-on catalog where you can find NCU-Cannons-Test and install it with a single click. The launcher handles the directory setup and version checks automatically, so you can skip the manual download and extraction process entirely.
Why Test a Cannon Mod Early?
Testing an unfinished weapon system might sound like a chore, but it is actually the best way to influence the final design. The developer of Naval Combat Utilities is using this test version to gather data on how the cannons feel in real combat scenarios. Your feedback on projectile speed, splash damage, and structural impact will directly shape the release version.
For players, this is also a chance to practice with the new aiming system before it becomes the standard. The cannons require a different skill set than regular turrets. You have to lead your targets, account for wave motion, and manage your reload timing under pressure. Getting comfortable with these mechanics now gives you a serious advantage when the full mod launches.
What to Test and How to Report Issues
The mod page includes a feedback thread where the developer collects bug reports and balance suggestions. When you find an issue, try to include a screenshot and a short description of what you were doing at the time. Specifics help a lot. For example, "the cannon projectile clips through the raft hull when firing from the side" is much more useful than "cannons are broken."
You should also test the cannons on different structures. Some mounts work better on rafts, while others are designed for stationary land bases. Try firing from a moving boat versus a anchored position. The difference in accuracy is significant, and the developer needs to know if the current values feel fair.
Final Thoughts on the NCU-Cannons-Test
This add-on is a raw, unfiltered look at the future of naval combat in ARK: Survival Ascended. It is not polished, and it is not meant to be. The NCU-Cannons-Test gives you a direct line to the development process, letting you play with the toys before they hit the shelves. If you enjoy ship-to-ship warfare and want to help shape the final product, this is the mod to download. Just remember that the cannons will change, and that is exactly why this test exists.
For the easiest setup, check the foxygame.net launcher. It tracks the latest updates for NCU-Cannons-Test and keeps your installation synced with the current ASA version, so you never have to worry about a broken build after a game patch. Get in there, fire some shots, and tell the developer what needs to be fixed.