Reborn: Onyc
The humble Onyc, or giant bat, has always been a creature of utility rather than combat in ARK. Often relegated to scouting or early-game travel, these flying mammals rarely earned a spot in a serious tribe's offensive lineup. That all changes with the Reborn: Onyc mod for ARK: Survival Ascended. This total overhaul transforms the Onyc from a passive flyer into a genuinely formidable predator, making it a desirable addition to any mid-game roster. The mod breathes new life into a creature that many survivors overlook, giving it a distinct role that rewards pack tactics and aggressive playstyles.
Why Reborn: Onyc Changes the Game
The core philosophy behind this mod is simple: make the Onyc worth taming. With the recent addition of a proper landing animation in the base game, the foundation was set for a more combat-oriented creature. Reborn: Onyc for ARK: Survival Ascended builds on that by significantly increasing both its damage output and survivability. The result is a bat that can hold its own in a fight, rather than being a liability the moment it takes a hit. This is not just a stat tweak; it's a complete reimagining of the creature's battlefield role.
Gang Bonus: Strength in Numbers
The most significant gameplay change is the introduction of a Gang Bonus mechanic. This encourages survivors to fly in a swarm, much like their wild counterparts. The bonus scales with the number of tamed Onyc in your immediate vicinity, providing a substantial boost to their combat effectiveness. This mechanic transforms a single bat into a squad leader, rewarding players who invest time in taming and raising a flock.
- Up to +3 Damage Bonus: Achieved when flying in a group of four or more Onyc.
- Pack Tactics: Encourages players to use multiple mounts simultaneously, a unique playstyle in ARK.
- Synergy: Works seamlessly with the other stat increases, making a swarm a terrifying sight.
New Onyc Armor and Survivability
To ensure your bats can survive prolonged engagements, the mod introduces a dedicated armor set. This is not a simple skin; it provides a base armor rating of 15, offering tangible protection against enemy attacks. This armor is a game-changer, allowing your Onyc to soak up damage that would previously have killed it in a few hits.
- Base Armor 15: Provides significant damage reduction.
- Unlocks at Level 65: Gives players a clear progression goal and a powerful mid-to-late-game reward.
- Drop Chance: Wild Onyc have a chance to drop this armor, offering an alternative to crafting.
This armor, credited to Bruce Wayne, is a perfect complement to the increased health and damage stats, creating a well-rounded and durable combat mount. The combination of armor and the gang bonus makes a pack of these bats a legitimate threat in PvP and a powerful asset in PvE boss fights.
Installation and Compatibility
Installing the mod is straightforward. To download Reborn: Onyc, you will find it on the Steam Workshop for ARK: Survival Ascended. The mod is designed to be compatible with the current version of the game. For players using the foxygame.net launcher, the process is even simpler; the launcher's integrated add-on catalog allows you to find and install Reborn: Onyc with a single click, ensuring you get the correct version without manual file management. The launcher also handles version compatibility checks, so you can be sure the mod will work with your game build.
Before you how to install and use it, there are two critical things to remember. First, this mod will NOT affect Onyc that are already tamed in your world. You will need to perform a dino wipe after installation to ensure that new, modded Onyc spawn in. Second, make sure to back up your save files before making any major mod changes, especially those that require a dino wipe, to avoid any potential data loss.
Admin Commands and Spawning
For server administrators and single-player survivors, the mod provides specific spawn commands. These are essential for testing the mod or for spawning in creatures for events.
- Summon Wild:
cheat summon RebornOnyc_Character_BP_C - Summon Tamed (Level 150):
cheat gmsummon "RebornOnyc_Character_BP_C" 150 - Give Armor:
cheat gfi RebornOnycArmor 1 0 0
These commands give you full control over how you introduce the new creature into your game, whether for testing purposes or for setting up a challenging encounter for your tribe. The inclusion of these commands shows a level of polish and consideration for the admin community, making it easy to integrate into existing server setups.
Final Verdict
Reborn: Onyc is a masterclass in creature modding. It takes a forgotten creature and gives it a unique, compelling identity that fits perfectly within the ARK ecosystem. The gang bonus mechanic is innovative, the armor is a great addition, and the overall stat increases make the Onyc a viable and fun mount. While the requirement for a dino wipe might be a hurdle for some, it's a small price to pay for such a transformative change. If you have ever wanted to lead a swarm of deadly bats, this is the mod for you. It is a must-have for any survivor looking to diversify their taming roster and add a new tactical layer to their gameplay.
Whether you are a solo player or run a large server, this mod offers a fresh and exciting way to experience the skies of the Ark. It's a high-quality addition that respects the source material while improving upon it in meaningful ways. Download it today and see what it's like to command the night.