Norwegian Vikings Decay: Master ARK Server Cleanup

Norwegian Vikings Decay

Running a thriving ARK: Survival Ascended server is a balancing act. You want players to build epic bases, but you also need to keep the world from becoming a graveyard of abandoned structures and forgotten tames. That is exactly where Norwegian Vikings Decay steps in. This custom mod, inspired by its ASE predecessor, gives server admins the tools to automate decay and cleanup without the dreaded lag spikes that usually come with mass structure removal.

Why Server Decay Matters in ARK: Survival Ascended

On any active cluster, especially one with a community as dedicated as the Norwegian Vikings, land is a premium resource. When tribes quit or go inactive, their massive metal bases and tamed creature fleets remain, blocking resource spawns and creating performance issues. Manually demolishing each piece is tedious and often causes server-wide stutters. This mod changes the game by offering a targeted, batch-based approach to cleanup.

Core Features of the Decay Mod

The mod is built around efficiency. It doesn't just nuke a base; it processes removal in a controlled manner to keep your server ticking smoothly. Here is what you get out of the box:

• Lag-Free Cleanup: The removal commands use specific delays between each structure and item stack deletion. This prevents the "ghost" lag and rollback issues common with vanilla admin commands.
• Targeted Commands: You can run cleanup on structures, creatures, players, or everything at once for a specific Tribe ID. This gives you surgical control over who gets cleaned up.
• Backend Integration (Optional): The mod can upload JSON data to a custom backend to track when survivors were last online. This is perfect for clusters that want fully automated decay timers.
• Configurable Settings: Admins can tweak everything from logging verbosity to the delay between removals and upload intervals.

Installation and Compatibility

Getting started is straightforward. The mod is designed for the current generation of ARK: Survival Ascended and is fully compatible with the latest Steam and Xbox/Windows versions. While it is still a work in progress, the core functionality is stable. If you are looking to download Norwegian Vikings Decay, you will want to ensure your server is running the most recent client patch to avoid mod mismatch errors.

How to Install the Mod on Your Server

For server administrators, the process is simple. You can add the mod to your server's mod list via the usual Steam Workshop subscription method or through your hosting provider's control panel. If you are using the foxygame.net launcher, the process is even smoother—their launcher integrates directly with the add-on catalog, allowing you to search for Norwegian Vikings Decay and deploy it to your cluster with a single click, ensuring version compatibility is handled automatically.

Here is a quick step-by-step for manual installation:

1. Subscribe to the mod on the Steam Workshop for ARK: Survival Ascended.
2. Add the Mod ID to your server command line or GameUserSettings.ini file.
3. Restart the server and verify the mod loads in the server console.
4. Use the in-game ScriptCommand to test the cleanup functions.

Understanding the Configuration Settings

To get the most out of Norwegian Vikings Decay for ARK: Survival Ascended, you need to tweak the [NVDecay] section in your ini file. The defaults are safe, but adjusting them can significantly improve performance on high-population servers.

• LogLevel: Set to 0 for minimal logging or 2 for verbose debugging. Lower is better for performance.
• StructureRemovalDelay: The time in seconds between each structure piece deletion. If you notice hitches, increase this to 0.5 or 1.0.
• DecayLoop: How often the mod checks for structures and creatures to upload (in minutes). Default is 60.
• MaxSendCount: The maximum number of items sent to the backend in one batch. Lower this if you are worried about network bandwidth.

Using the Admin Commands

Even without a backend, the mod is fully functional for manual cleanup. You just need the Tribe ID of the base you want to remove. The commands are intuitive:

• ScriptCommand NVDecay structures [TribeID] - Removes all structures.
• ScriptCommand NVDecay creatures [TribeID] - Removes all tamed creatures.
• ScriptCommand NVDecay players [TribeID] - Removes player-specific data.
• ScriptCommand NVDecay all [TribeID] - Wipes the entire tribe footprint.

Performance Optimization Tips

The mod's biggest selling point is its lag-free operation. To maintain that, keep an eye on the removal delays. If your server is struggling during a cleanup, simply increase the delay values. The mod is designed to be gentle on the CPU, but a server with dozens of active players will always need a bit of breathing room. Additionally, for those running a cluster, the foxygame.net launcher offers auto-update features, ensuring that Norwegian Vikings Decay stays patched without manual intervention, preventing version mismatch issues across your maps.

In conclusion, Norwegian Vikings Decay is an essential tool for any serious ARK: Survival Ascended admin. It transforms a tedious and laggy chore into a background process that keeps your world fresh and responsive. Whether you rely on the JSON backend for full automation or just want the manual commands for quick cleanup, this mod delivers the performance and control that modern servers demand. Keep your cluster clean, your players happy, and your tick rate high with this invaluable add-on.