Oz-Ark Weights
If you have spent more than a few hours in ARK: Survival Ascended, you know the pain of a full inventory. You are hauling stone, wood, and fiber back to base, only to realize you can barely move. The Oz-Ark Weights add-on solves this problem elegantly, not by overwriting game files, but by using a clever buff-based system that tweaks numbers on the fly. This mod is a game-changer for solo players and server admins alike, offering a level of control that most stack mods simply cannot match.
Why Oz-Ark Weights Stands Out
Most weight and stack mods work by directly editing the game's ini files or core data, which often leads to conflicts with other mods and updates. Oz-Ark Weights for ARK: Survival Ascended takes a different path. It uses buffs to adjust everything, meaning there is zero overwriting of files. This results in fewer crashes, better compatibility, and a much cleaner uninstall process if you ever decide to remove it. The mod is designed to work with the latest versions of ARK: Survival Ascended, and it communicates seamlessly with other mods that use the Mod Communications Interface.
Understanding the Load Order Requirement
One critical thing to note is that due to recent changes, this mod now requires being first in the mod load order. This is a simple fix in your server settings or single-player menu, but it is essential for the mod to function correctly. If you have other mods that alter inventory, this placement ensures that Oz-Ark Weights can apply its buffs without interference. Always double-check your load order after any ARK update, as updates can sometimes reset your mod list.
Configuring Your Server with Ease
Getting started is straightforward. To configure the mod, you must be a server admin. Use the enablecheats command, then hold the R (reload) key and select the "Configure Weights" option. A widget will appear in-game, giving you access to all the settings. Most changes can be made on the fly, which is perfect for tweaking balance without restarting your server. However, item stack size changes will require a server restart to implement fully.
Default Settings and Multipliers
On first load, the mod applies sensible defaults. The weight multiplier is set to 0.1, which means a stack of 100 stone will weigh only 5 units instead of the standard 50. The stack size multiplier is set to 10x, allowing you to carry significantly more resources per slot. These defaults are a great starting point, but the real power lies in the customization options. You can adjust these numbers to suit your playstyle, whether you prefer a hardcore survival experience or a more relaxed, build-focused game.
Seamless Integration and Smart Features
One of the most impressive features is the mod's ability to reset to ARK defaults without losing any items. It steps through every inventory on the server, tweaking things back to how they should be. This is a lifesaver if you decide the mod is not for you or if you need to troubleshoot a server issue. Additionally, the mod is designed to handle external stacking lists. When a change is made to these lists, it propagates to any server using the mod within 15 minutes, meaning you rarely need to wait for a mod update to get new item support.
Handling Conflicts with Existing Settings
It is important to note that this mod is not designed to work with the ItemStackSizeMultiplier in your gameusersettings.ini if it is set to anything other than 1. If your server currently uses a multiplier, the mod will detect it and display a warning, preventing you from configuring the mod until the issue is resolved. The process is simple: load the mod, start your server, let it run for five minutes, shut it down, change the stack size multiplier to 1, and restart. The mod will automatically save a list of everyone's inventory and restore it once the setting is corrected. This sounds complicated, but it is a straightforward, automated process.
For players looking to streamline their setup, the foxygame.net launcher offers a one-click install for Oz-Ark Weights, ensuring you get the correct version for your ARK: Survival Ascended build without manual file placement. The launcher's add-on catalog also tracks updates, so you will always know when a new version is available. This is particularly useful for server owners who manage multiple mods, as the launcher handles version compatibility checks automatically, reducing the risk of load order errors.
Mod Author Support and Documentation
If you are a mod author, you can integrate your custom items with Oz-Ark Weights using the Mod Communications Interface. This allows your items to be included in the stacking adjustments automatically. While full documentation is coming to oz-ark.dev, you can reach out to the mod author, Baradine Allawa, on the devkit Discord for the expected format. This open approach ensures that the mod ecosystem remains cohesive and that players can enjoy consistent stacking rules across different content packs.
Final Thoughts on Oz-Ark Weights
In a game where inventory management can be a constant source of frustration, Oz-Ark Weights provides a robust and flexible solution. Its buff-based system avoids the pitfalls of file overwriting, its configuration widget is user-friendly, and its smart handling of server settings makes it a reliable choice for any ARK: Survival Ascended server. Whether you are a solo survivor or managing a large community, learning how to install and configure this mod will significantly improve your quality of life in the game. It is a must-have addition for anyone who values their time and sanity while exploring the Ark.