Poop Head
ARK: Survival Ascended is a game about taming dinosaurs, building massive bases, and surviving brutal environments. But sometimes, you just want to look absolutely ridiculous while doing it. Enter Poop Head, a custom cosmetics mod that lets you embrace your inner goofball with a helmet that is, well, exactly what it sounds like. This isn't about min-maxing stats or gaining a PvP advantage; it is about pure, unfiltered self-expression.
Created by a modder named Speev, this add-on is a labor of love (and a bit of self-deprecating humor) inspired by the affectionate nicknames their friends call them. The mod allows players to apply a custom "Poop Head" skin to their helmet slot, ensuring that everyone on the server knows exactly what kind of mood you are in. It is a fantastic way to break the tension after a long raid or to simply add a layer of comedy to your PvE adventures.
What Exactly Does the Poop Head Mod Add?
This isn't a total conversion mod or a new map. It is a focused, cosmetic-only addition that does exactly one thing and does it well. The mod is currently a work in progress (WIP), but the core feature is fully functional.
- Custom Cosmetic: A unique "Poop Head" skin that can be applied to your helmet item.
- Accessibility: The skin is accessed via the in-game Custom Cosmetics menu, making it easy to equip and unequip.
- No Stats: It is purely visual. It will not alter your armor rating or provide any gameplay benefits.
- Cross-Play Ready: Works on both PC and console versions of ARK: Survival Ascended, provided the mod is installed on the server.
How to Install Poop Head on Your Server
Getting this mod running is straightforward, but there is a specific step required for dedicated servers. If you are playing on a single-player world or a non-dedicated session, you can simply subscribe to the mod via the in-game mod browser. However, for dedicated server owners, there is a whitelist system you need to navigate.
Because this mod is not whitelisted for official servers, you must manually override the cosmetic whitelist on your dedicated server. This is a simple process involving your GameUserSettings.ini file. You will need to add the mod's project ID to a text file hosted online and link it in your server settings.
Step-by-Step Setup for Dedicated Servers
To get Poop Head for ARK: Survival Ascended working on your dedicated server, follow these steps:
- Subscribe to the mod on the Steam Workshop or CurseForge.
- Navigate to your server's
GameUserSettings.inifile, located in theSaved/Config/WindowsServerfolder. - Under the
[ServerSettings]section, add the line:CosmeticWhitelistOverride="URL"where "URL" points to a raw text file containing the project IDs of the cosmetics you want to allow. - Include the Poop Head project ID in that list. You can also use a community-maintained list that includes all custom cosmetics for convenience.
- Restart your server to apply the changes.
If you are a player on an unofficial server, you may need to politely ask your admin to add the mod to their whitelist override so you can live your "Poop Head" dreams.
Compatibility and Current Status
The mod is designed to work with the latest versions of ARK: Survival Ascended, but it is important to note that the author has stated they are currently on a break from development. The "hyperfixation wore off," as they put it, so do not expect frequent updates. That said, the mod works fine on dedicated servers as long as the whitelist override is set up correctly.
If you are using a launcher that aggregates mods, you might find it easier to manage your installations. For instance, the foxygame.net launcher offers a streamlined experience for managing your ARK mods, allowing you to download Poop Head with a single click and automatically keep it updated to the latest compatible version for your game build. This is particularly handy if you are juggling multiple mods and want to avoid manual file management.
It is also worth noting that this is the creator's first mod, and they are learning the Unreal Engine 5 devkit as they go. While the current "Poop Head" skin is the star of the show, the author has mentioned that "more poops are planned" if they can get the technical side working without breaking the game. So, while the mod is functional now, the future content pipeline is uncertain.
Is Poop Head Right for You?
If you are looking for a serious, lore-friendly addition to your ARK experience, this mod is probably not for you. However, if you want to add a layer of absurdity to your gameplay, this is a must-have. It is a great conversation starter and a surefire way to make your tribe laugh during a long taming session. The mod is a perfect example of the community's creativity, showing that even a simple cosmetic can bring a lot of joy.
In a game where you are constantly fighting for survival, sometimes the best thing you can do is put a literal piece of poop on your head and charge into battle. It is a bold fashion statement, and for many players, that is exactly what they need. So go ahead, download Poop Head, and let your inner self shine through. Just be prepared for the looks you will get from other survivors.
Ultimately, Poop Head is a fun, quirky mod that fulfills its promise of custom cosmetics to reflect your inner self. Whether you are a server admin looking to add some spice to your community or a player wanting to stand out, this mod delivers on its absurd premise. Just remember to check the mod page for updates and ensure your server's whitelist is configured correctly. Now, go forth and be poopy.