Obsidian Base Protection
Running a successful ARK: Survival Ascended server requires more than just powerful hardware and a good map rotation. It demands constant vigilance over the game world, ensuring that abandoned bases, stray foundations, and unchecked structures do not ruin the experience for active players. This is where the commissioned mod, Obsidian Base Protection, steps in. Designed for the Obsidian Gaming community, this tool automates the tedious process of world maintenance, allowing admins to focus on creating engaging gameplay rather than policing build limits.
Automated World Cleanup: The Core Feature
The heart of this mod is its server-startup cleanup process. Imagine logging into a server that has been running for weeks without intervention. You are likely to find massive, decaying structures that block resource spawns and create performance lag. Obsidian Base Protection solves this by automatically removing any structure that sits outside of designated flag zones. These flags, placed by players, act as territorial markers. If a building is not within a flagged area, it is considered abandoned or illegal and is scheduled for removal. This system ensures that all player builds remain within intended boundaries, keeping the environment optimized and fair for everyone.
Understanding the Flag System
The mod introduces a tiered flag system that gives server admins granular control over land usage. There are several flag sizes to accommodate different playstyles, from small personal shelters to massive tribe fortresses.
- Small Flags: Perfect for solo players or small outposts, with a size of 3000 units.
- Large Flags: Designed for main tribe bases, offering a 9000-unit radius for expansive builds.
- Outpost and Shop Flags: Specific zones for trade hubs and forward operating bases, both set at 1500 units.
- Admin Flags: The largest option at 30000 units, reserved for server events or admin-created structures.
Admins can set limits on how many of each flag type a single tribe can place. For instance, you might limit tribes to one Large flag but allow multiple Outposts. The MaxTotalFlagsPerTribe setting offers a global cap, with a value of -1 disabling the total limit entirely, relying only on individual category caps.
Advanced Configuration and Admin Tools
Obsidian Base Protection for ARK: Survival Ascended is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It comes packed with configuration options that allow you to tailor the purge behavior to your server's specific ruleset.
Key Configuration Settings
- TimeOutsideFlagsBeforeDestroySeconds: This is the grace period. Set to
604800.0(7 days), it gives players a full week to claim their land with a flag before their structures become eligible for destruction. - ItemsIgnoreDestruction: A comma-delimited list of item classes that will never be directly purged. This is useful for protecting essential QoL items like oil pumps or sleeping bags, though note that if their supporting foundation is destroyed, they may still be lost.
- SafeBaseExclusions: Allows you to specify structure classes that are completely immune to the purge, such as
storagebox_anvilbench_c. - RespawnBubbleResetTimeHours: Controls how often the respawn bubble feature resets, allowing players to fast-travel back to their base.
Managing Player Activity
The mod also addresses the issue of inactive players. With MaxAllowedPlayerSleepingHours, you can define a limit (default 168 hours) after which a player's base becomes vulnerable. Similarly, TamedDinoUnsafeTimeHours ensures that tribes cannot leave their tames parked indefinitely without logging in, promoting active participation.
Installation and Compatibility
Getting this mod up and running is straightforward. To download Obsidian Base Protection, you will need to add it to your server's mod list. For those wondering how to install, the process is simple: subscribe to the mod on the platform you use, add it to your server's startup parameters, and configure the [BBGBaseProtection] section in your GameUserSettings.ini file. The mod is compatible with the latest stable versions of ARK: Survival Ascended and does not conflict with most popular QoL and building mods, though you should always test new combinations on a staging server first.
If you are using the foxygame.net launcher, the process becomes even easier. The launcher's add-on catalog lets you find and deploy Obsidian Base Protection with a single click, and its auto-update feature ensures you always run the latest version without manual file management.
Extra Tools: Dino Wipes and Statues
Beyond base protection, the mod includes a [TimedDinoWipes] section. This allows admins to schedule wild dino wipes automatically or trigger them remotely using a special item. Settings like WipeDinoHours and RemoteDinoWipeCooldownHours give you full control over the server's creature population. Additionally, decorative statues are available for purchase or admin spawning, serving as trophies or landmark markers.
Spawn Codes for Admins
For quick setup, admin spawn codes are provided for all structures, including the flag beacons, respawn bubbles, and the admin-only Tek Loot Decay Box. These are invaluable for testing the mod's mechanics or setting up pre-designated areas on your map.
Conclusion
Obsidian Base Protection is an essential tool for any serious ARK: Survival Ascended server administrator. It automates the most tedious aspects of server maintenance, enforces building rules fairly, and provides the granular controls needed to create a balanced and enjoyable world. By integrating this mod, you are not just cleaning up the map; you are investing in the long-term health and community satisfaction of your server. Whether you run a small private cluster or a large public network, this mod ensures that the only thing players need to worry about is surviving the Ark.