Radical Storage [DEPRECATED]
If you have spent any time managing resources in ARK: Survival Ascended, you know the pain of overflowing boxes and painfully slow crafting queues. The modding community has always stepped up to solve these quality-of-life issues, and one notable solution was Radical Storage [DEPRECATED] . While the name clearly indicates this mod is no longer under active development, many players still seek it out for its straightforward approach to storage customization. This guide covers everything you need to know about this legacy mod, including its features, installation process, and why it remains relevant for certain server setups.
What Was Radical Storage [DEPRECATED] for ARK: Survival Ascended?
This mod was designed to give server administrators granular control over storage structures without needing to fiddle with complex ini files for every single item. Instead of adding dozens of new engrams, it enhanced the existing structures you already know. The core philosophy was simple: make storage bigger, faster, and more configurable. For players on unofficial servers, this meant less time managing inventories and more time exploring or building.
The mod introduced a set of "Radical" versions of standard storage items. These were not just reskins; they came with significant stat boosts out of the box. By default, every Radical structure offered a 10x item capacity and a 5x faster crafting speed compared to their vanilla counterparts. This alone was a game-changer for tribes that relied on mass production of resources like gunpowder or narcotics.
Key Structures Included
The mod provided a full suite of storage options, each with a "mini" variant at 50% scale (except the vault, which scaled to 67%). This allowed for space-efficient base designs. The complete list included:
- Radical Storage Box
- Radical Large Storage Box
- Radical Bookshelf
- Radical Vault
- Radical Refrigerator
- Radical Preserving Bin
- Radical Vessel
- Radical Cryofridge
- Radical Dedicated Storage
Having a mini cryofridge or a compact preserving bin was incredibly useful for outposts and resource caches. The ability to place a high-capacity vault in a tight space without it clipping through walls was a major selling point.
Admin Customization and Configuration
The true power of Radical Storage [DEPRECATED] for ARK: Survival Ascended lay in its server-side configuration. Admins were not locked into the default 10x/5x values. Using the GameUserSettings.ini file, they could tweak almost every aspect of the structures. This flexibility made the mod suitable for a wide range of server rates, from lightly boosted to heavily modded clusters.
Here are the primary customization options that were available:
- Storage Capacity: Adjust the number of slots or weight limit for each structure.
- Structure Health: Increase the HP of storage boxes to make them more resistant to raiding.
- Preservation Multipliers: Control how long food and perishables last in the Radical Refrigerator and Preserving Bin.
- Fuel Consumption Rate: Tweak how quickly the Preserving Bin uses sparkpowder or other fuel.
- Crafting Speed: Modify the speed bonus for the Preserving Bin's crafting function.
- Preservation of Non-consumables: A unique feature that allowed items like armor or weapons to be stored without decay timers.
For those looking to get started quickly, the mod page originally provided pastebin links for pre-made GameUserSettings.ini snippets and admin give commands. These were invaluable for server owners who were not comfortable writing code from scratch.
Compatibility and Version Support
Since this mod is deprecated, it is crucial to check its compatibility with your current game build. It was primarily developed for the early access versions of ARK: Survival Ascended. If you are running a heavily updated server with the latest map packs or engine fixes, this mod may cause conflicts or simply fail to load. Always check the mod's CurseForge page for the last supported game version before adding it to your server cluster. For players using the foxygame.net launcher, you can easily verify version compatibility by checking the mod's status in the launcher's add-on catalog, which flags outdated mods like Radical Storage [DEPRECATED] to prevent crashes. This is a handy feature for server admins who manage multiple mods.
How to Install Radical Storage [DEPRECATED]
If you have decided that this mod fits your needs despite its deprecated status, the installation process is similar to other mods. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to install it correctly.
- Locate the Mod: Go to the CurseForge website or the in-game mod browser. Search for "Radical Storage" and ensure you select the version marked as [DEPRECATED].
- Subscribe or Download: Click the download button to add it to your mod list. If you are using a third-party launcher, ensure it supports CurseForge mods.
- Server Installation: For dedicated servers, you must add the mod ID to your server's
GameUserSettings.iniunder the[ModInstaller]section. Restart the server to force a download. - Client Installation: Ensure the mod is enabled in your single-player or client-side mod list before joining the server.
- Verify Load Order: Place this mod high in the load order to ensure its structures are not overridden by other mods that alter the same base items.
Remember the warning from the original mod author: always make backups of your world before updating or installing. Because the mod is deprecated, there will be no future updates to fix bugs related to new game patches. If you are using the foxygame.net launcher, its auto-update feature will not help here, as the mod is frozen in time; you must manually ensure your game version matches the mod's last supported release.
Why Use a Deprecated Mod?
You might wonder why anyone would choose a deprecated mod. The answer is often stability and simplicity. Some server clusters have found a "sweet spot" with a specific game version and do not want to update due to other incompatible mods. In these cases, Radical Storage [DEPRECATED] works perfectly. It offers a level of customization that some newer storage mods lack, particularly the ability to tweak preservation timers for non-consumables. For those running a "classic" ASA experience, this mod provides a reliable, feature-complete package.
However, for new players, it is generally recommended to look for actively maintained alternatives. The mod page itself suggests checking out "Radical Crafters" for better crafting station options, indicating that the author has moved on to newer projects. Still, if you are determined to use this mod, the community forums are a good place to find configuration examples and troubleshooting tips from other admins who have kept it alive on their servers.
Final Thoughts on Radical Storage
While the mod is no longer updated, its legacy lives on in the features that many modern storage mods now take for granted. The ability to scale structures and adjust inventory sizes server-side was ahead of its time. If you are running a legacy server or simply want a specific setup that newer mods do not offer, Radical Storage [DEPRECATED] is a viable, albeit risky, choice. Always weigh the benefits of its unique customization against the lack of ongoing support. For those willing to take the plunge, the mod remains a functional and powerful tool for managing the logistical side of ARK: Survival Ascended. Just remember to back up your save files and enjoy the extra space.