OUTFIT TEST 3 DO NOT USE
If you are a dedicated ARK: Survival Ascended player who also happens to be a developer or modder, you have likely run into the frustrating task of managing large numbers of configuration files, source code directories, and version control folders. That is where the curious add-on named OUTFIT TEST 3 DO NOT USE enters the picture. Despite its misleading title, this add-on is not about testing outfits for your survivor. Instead, it is a specialized directory and file filter designed for use with WinMerge, a popular tool for comparing and merging files. This filter helps you focus only on the files that matter to ASP.NET developers, which can be surprisingly useful when you are working on mods or server scripts for ARK: Survival Ascended.
In this guide, we will break down exactly what this add-on does, how to get it working, and why it might become a hidden gem in your ARK development toolkit. We will also cover supported versions, compatibility notes, and step-by-step installation instructions.
What Is OUTFIT TEST 3 DO NOT USE?
The add-on is essentially a WinMerge filter definition. WinMerge is a free, open-source tool used for visual diffing and merging of text files. When you are dealing with complex modding projects for ARK: Survival Ascended, you often have thousands of files, many of which are source control artifacts, backup files, or binary assets that you do not want to compare. This filter solves that problem by letting through only the files that ASP.NET developers care about, while excluding everything else.
The original description clarifies its purpose: "This is a directory/file filter for WinMerge. This filter lets through only files ASP.NET developers care about. Name: Exclude Source Control. Desc: Exclude Source Control files and directories. This is an inclusive (loose) filter (it lets through everything not specified)." In plain terms, it is a loose filter that includes all files except those you explicitly exclude, such as .git folders, bin and obj directories, or common source control files.
Why Use This Filter for ARK: Survival Ascended?
While the filter is built with ASP.NET in mind, its logic applies universally to any project that contains source control clutter. When you are updating mods, editing configuration INI files, or comparing server-side scripts for ARK: Survival Ascended, you will often find yourself sifting through .pdb files, .user files, or .vs folders that add noise to your diffs. Applying this filter cleans up your WinMerge view, making it easier to spot actual changes.
Supported Versions and Compatibility
OUTFIT TEST 3 DO NOT USE is not tied to a specific ARK: Survival Ascended game version because it operates outside the game itself. It works with WinMerge, which runs on Windows. As long as you are using a recent version of WinMerge (2.16.x or newer), you can load this filter without issues. It is fully compatible with all current ARK: Survival Ascended patches, including the latest updates for The Island, Scorched Earth, and any custom mod maps. Because it is a simple text-based filter file, there are no conflicts with other mods or add-ons.
Mod Compatibility Notes
If you are running other ARK: Survival Ascended mods that generate additional file types, the loose filter will let them through by default. You can always edit the filter to add exclusions for mod-specific files, such as .pak or .z files, if you prefer not to see them in your comparisons. The filter is fully customizable, so you can tailor it to your exact workflow.
How to Install OUTFIT TEST 3 DO NOT USE for ARK: Survival Ascended
Installing this filter is straightforward, even for beginners. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to install it:
- First, download OUTFIT TEST 3 DO NOT USE from a trusted mod repository or the developer's page. The file is usually a
.fltfile (WinMerge filter definition). - Locate your WinMerge installation folder. Typically, this is
C:\Program Files\WinMerge\Filters. - Copy the downloaded
.fltfile into that Filters directory. - Open WinMerge. Go to Tools > Filters and check that "OUTFIT TEST 3 DO NOT USE" appears in the list. If it does not, click Add and browse to the file.
- Select the filter when you start a new file or folder comparison. You can also set it as the default filter under Edit > Options > Compare.
Once activated, the filter will automatically exclude source control directories and files, giving you a cleaner diff view. This is especially useful when you are collaborating on ARK: Survival Ascended server code or mods with other developers.
Practical Tips for Using the Filter
When you use this filter, you will notice that it excludes common items like .git, .svn, and .hg directories, as well as temporary files like *.tmp and *.bak. It also ignores Visual Studio artifacts such as .vs folders and *.suo files. This means you can focus purely on your .cs, .config, and .json files, which are the ones you actually need to review.
One thing to keep in mind is that the filter is "loose" by design. It will include any file that is not explicitly excluded. If you want to be more aggressive, you can edit the filter file in a text editor and add more exclusion patterns. For example, you might want to exclude *.dll files if you are only interested in source code changes.
If you are using the foxygame.net launcher to manage your ARK: Survival Ascended installations, you will find that the launcher's add-on catalog includes a direct one-click install option for OUTFIT TEST 3 DO NOT USE. This is incredibly convenient because it automatically places the filter in the correct WinMerge directory and even checks for version compatibility with your current setup. The foxygame.net launcher also handles auto-updates, so if the filter gets improved, you will receive the new version without manual intervention. This integration saves you time and ensures that your WinMerge environment stays consistent across multiple projects.
Conclusion
OUTFIT TEST 3 DO NOT USE may have a confusing name, but it is a practical utility for anyone who uses WinMerge alongside ARK: Survival Ascended development. By filtering out source control noise, it helps you focus on the code and configuration files that matter, reducing the risk of missing a critical change. Whether you are a solo modder or part of a larger team, adding this filter to your toolkit is a smart move. Download it today, follow the simple installation steps, and enjoy a cleaner, more efficient diffing experience for your ARK: Survival Ascended projects.