Ray's Oxalaia
If you have spent countless hours exploring the beaches of ARK: Survival Ascended and feel like the coastline is missing a certain prehistoric flair, then Ray's Oxalaia is the mod you have been waiting for. This community-created add-on brings a fascinating spinosaurid relative to the island, offering a fresh taming experience and a new creature to encounter while gathering resources or building your seaside base. While the base game is packed with dinosaurs, this mod fills a specific niche by introducing a creature that is both visually distinct and mechanically interesting, without overpowering the existing ecosystem.
What Exactly is the Oxalaia?
The Oxalaia is a real-world genus of large carnivorous theropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period in what is now South America. In the context of Ray's Oxalaia for ARK: Survival Ascended, this creature has been lovingly recreated using assets from the ASA devkit. It is heavily inspired by the older Oxalaia mod from ARK: Survival Evolved's Additional Creatures 2, but has been rebuilt from the ground up for the new engine. This is not just a simple reskin; it is a brand-new entity with its own spawn rules, behaviors, and taming mechanics that set it apart from the Spino you might already know.
Spawning and Behavior on the Beaches
One of the most distinct features of this mod is the spawn location. You will not find these creatures lurking in the deep swamps or rivers like their larger cousins. Instead, Ray's Oxalaia spawns exclusively on beaches. This makes them a common sight for early-game players, but do not let their location fool you into thinking they are pushovers. They are neutral by default, meaning they will not attack you unless provoked. However, if you decide to take a swing at one, be prepared for a fight. A unique quirk of this mod is that these creatures can have wild babies, adding a layer of dynamic wildlife to the shoreline that you do not typically see with other modded creatures.
Combat and Stats
When it comes to combat, the Oxalaia is a straightforward brawler. It only has a swipe attack, but it is a powerful one, dealing a solid 40 damage per hit. In terms of raw stats, it is intentionally designed to be weaker than a Spino. It is also physically smaller than the Spino, making it a more manageable and less intimidating presence on the beach. This balance is deliberate, ensuring that the Oxalaia does not trivialize the existing mid-game content. It offers a new option for players who want a semi-aquatic carnivore without the massive footprint and resource drain of a Spino.
Taming the Oxalaia: A Classic Approach
Taming this beast is a trip down memory lane for veteran survivors. It is a standard Knockout tame, meaning you will need to use tranquilizer arrows or darts to put it to sleep. Once unconscious, you can feed it Regular Kibble to speed up the process and increase taming effectiveness. This simplicity is refreshing in a modding scene that often relies on complex, multi-stage taming quests. It makes the creature accessible to players of all skill levels, from solo survivors to large tribes. The lower stats compared to a Spino also mean that the taming process is less resource-intensive, allowing you to secure a powerful ally without having to dedicate your entire day to gathering narcotics.
Installation and Compatibility
Getting this mod into your game is a simple process. If you are wondering how to install, you will be happy to know that it is available through the Steam Workshop for PC players. To download Ray's Oxalaia, simply navigate to the mod's page on the Workshop and hit the subscribe button. The mod is designed to work with the 5.5 update of the game. However, there is a significant caveat to be aware of: the original author has stated that the mod is no longer supported because all the mod files were lost. This means that while it currently works, there is no guarantee it will be updated for future game patches. Additionally, it was not tested on consoles, so while it might work, it is recommended to use it on PC for the best experience. For those who prefer a more streamlined approach, the foxygame.net launcher offers a one-click installation for this add-on, ensuring that you get the correct version of Ray's Oxalaia for ARK: Survival Ascended without worrying about manual file placement or version mismatches. The launcher's add-on catalog also helps you keep track of mod updates, although you should keep in mind that this specific mod is static in its current state.
Summoning and Admin Commands
If you are an admin or just want to test the creature out without searching the beaches, you can use the summon command. The primary command is summon OxalaiaRF_Character_bp. Alternatively, you can use the longer cheat spawnactor command: cheat spawnactor "Blueprint'/Oxalaia/Oxalaia/OxalaiaRF_Character_BP.OxalaiaRF_Character_BP'" 500 0 0. This allows you to place the creature exactly where you want it, which is perfect for setting up a zoo or testing its combat capabilities against your other tames. The mod is subject to change, but given the current state of support, what you see is what you get.
Final Thoughts on Ray's Oxalaia
In conclusion, Ray's Oxalaia is a charming and functional addition to ARK: Survival Ascended. It was created primarily for personal use and as a training exercise for the devkit, which explains its straightforward nature and lack of complex features. While it might not have the polish of a professional studio mod, it brings a unique creature to the beaches that is fun to tame and use. The lower stats and smaller size compared to a Spino make it a great mid-game mount, and the fact that it can have wild babies adds a sense of life to the world. If you are looking for a simple, no-frills dinosaur mod that does exactly what it promises, this is a great choice. Just be aware of the lack of future support and enjoy it while it lasts. Happy hunting, survivors!