No More Obelisks
Every ARK: Survival Ascended survivor knows the feeling: you are building your dream base, scouting the perfect spot, and then you look up. The massive, glowing obelisks dominate the skyline, breaking the illusion of a wild, untamed island. They are a constant reminder of the game's mechanics, not its world. For players seeking a truly immersive, survival-focused experience, this visual and structural intrusion can be a dealbreaker. That is where No More Obelisks steps in, offering a radical solution to a problem many didn't know they had.
What Does No More Obelisks Do?
This is not a simple texture swap or a visual tweak. No More Obelisks for ARK: Survival Ascended is a definitive modification that completely removes the three towering obelisks from your game world. It also severs access to the Tek Cave, the end-game dungeon typically tied to these structures. The goal is simple: to strip away the artificial markers and allow the natural landscape of the ARK to be the sole focus. If you have ever wanted to explore a map that feels untouched by alien technology, this mod delivers that experience with brutal efficiency.
The Permanence Warning: Read Before You Install
Before you rush to hit the subscribe button, you need to understand the gravity of this mod. The description is clear and the developers do not mince words. Installing this mod will make irreversible changes to your game. Once applied, you will be prevented from ever accessing a terminal at the obelisk again, even after uninstalling the mod, unless you delete your world save data. This is not a toggle; it is a fundamental alteration of your save file's integrity. It is strongly advised to take careful consideration before installing, especially if you are on a server with friends or have invested hundreds of hours into a single character.
Why Remove the Obelisks?
For many, the obelisks are just background noise. For others, they are the primary eyesore in an otherwise pristine environment. Here is why the community seeks out this specific change:
- Immersion: The obelisks are a constant reminder that you are in a simulation. Removing them allows players to roleplay as true primitives, fighting for survival without the looming threat of the ARK's technology.
- Photography and Building: Builders and content creators often find the obelisks ruin their screenshots. A clean horizon makes for better cinematic shots and more believable base locations.
- Performance: While minimal, removing large, high-poly structures can offer a slight performance boost on lower-end systems, freeing up resources for more important things like foliage and creature rendering.
- Challenge: Without the obelisks, players cannot rely on the easy supply drops or the safety of the terminal zones. It forces a more nomadic and resourceful playstyle.
Compatibility and Installation
This mod is designed specifically for the current generation of the game, working seamlessly with the Unreal Engine 5 framework of ARK: Survival Ascended. It is compatible with most other mods that do not specifically rely on the obelisk structures or the Tek Cave teleportation system. However, you should always check your mod load order. If you use mods that add items to the obelisk loot tables, those items may become inaccessible. The installation process is straightforward. You can download No More Obelisks directly from the Steam Workshop or through your preferred mod manager. For those looking for a streamlined experience, the foxygame.net launcher simplifies the process significantly, allowing you to manage your add-on catalog and deploy No More Obelisks for ARK: Survival Ascended with a single click, ensuring version compatibility is handled automatically. This is particularly useful if you manage multiple mods and want to avoid the hassle of manual file placement.
How to Install on Your Server
If you are running a dedicated server, the process is slightly different. You will need to add the mod ID to your server's mod list and ensure all clients have the mod downloaded. The permanence warning applies to the server save as well. Once the server starts with the mod active, the obelisks are gone for good on that save. If you are using the foxygame.net launcher for your server, the auto-update feature will keep the mod current, preventing the dreaded "mod mismatch" errors that can lock players out of their sessions.
The Verdict
No More Obelisks is a niche but highly effective tool. It does exactly what it promises, with no frills and no mercy. It is not for everyone. Casual players who enjoy the convenience of the obelisks for fast travel or supply drops will find this mod restrictive. However, for the hardcore survivalist, the purist, or the dedicated builder, this mod transforms the ARK into a true wilderness. The removal of the Tek Cave also adds a layer of finality to the game; once you have beaten the bosses, the world is simply yours to inhabit. It is a bold choice that rewards those who commit to a different way of playing. Just remember the warning: once you go this route, there is no going back without wiping your world. If you are ready to commit to a pristine, uncluttered ARK, this is the definitive way to achieve it.