Resource Placer
ARK: Survival Ascended offers a vast sandbox, but sometimes the map's natural resource distribution just doesn't fit your server's vision. Whether you are running a PvP arena, a roleplay community, or a custom survival experience, the Resource Placer add-on puts the power of world-building directly into your hands. This mod transforms how you manage harvestable materials, allowing you to design resource-rich zones, create challenging scarcity areas, or simply fix a spot where metal just never seems to spawn.
Instead of relying on the game's default spawn logic, this tool gives you a creative suite to place specific resources exactly where you want them. The core appeal is its simplicity combined with deep customization. You are not just spawning a tree or a rock; you are defining the entire ecosystem of that location. With a catalog of 77 different resources and 60 distinct drop types, the possibilities for map modification are nearly endless.
Core Features of the Mod
The primary function of the Resource Placer is to allow server admins and single-player enthusiasts to manually seed the map with harvestable nodes. This is a game-changer for map makers who want to build custom arenas or for players who want to ensure a specific resource is available near their base. The mod is designed to be intuitive, ensuring that you can start placing items within minutes of loading it up.
Extensive Resource and Drop Library
One of the standout features is the sheer volume of content included. You have access to:
- 77 Resources: This includes standard materials like stone, wood, thatch, and metal, as well as rarer finds like crystal, obsidian, and organic polymer.
- 60 Drops: These are the lootable containers you can place, ranging from basic supply crates to specialized loot tables that you can mix and match.
- Custom Meshes: You aren't locked into the default rock or tree models. You can select the visual mesh for your resource node, allowing you to hide a rich metal deposit inside a decorative crystal formation or vice versa.
This level of control allows you to "mix resources like you've never before imagined," creating hybrid nodes that offer multiple material types in a single harvest action. This is perfect for creating high-traffic areas where players can gather everything they need without traveling across the map.
Respawn and Rate Multipliers
Placement is only half the battle; managing the lifecycle of these nodes is where the real strategy comes in. The mod includes a robust menu system that lets you set a specific respawn time for each node you place. You can also apply a rate multiplier, which affects how much material is yielded per harvest. This allows you to create "rich" nodes that give back more than standard ones, or conversely, create depleted zones that force players to look elsewhere.
Tools of the Trade: The Guns
To interact with the world, the mod introduces two unique weapons. These are not for combat but for construction and management. You can craft them in the GCM (Game Command Menu) or use the provided spawn codes. The first is the Drop Gun, which is used to place the 60 different drop crates. The second is the Resource Gun, which is used to place the actual harvestable resource nodes.
Using the guns is straightforward. Aim at a surface, fire, and the node is placed. If you make a mistake or want to clear an area, you can simply melee the placed node with the gun to remove it. There is also a "delete all" option in the menu, which is a lifesaver if you need to clear a large test area quickly without manually removing every single rock or tree you have placed.
Installation and Compatibility
Getting started is simple. To download Resource Placer, you will want to subscribe to the mod on the Steam Workshop for ARK: Survival Ascended. The mod is designed to work with the current version of the game and is generally compatible with most other mods that do not alter the core resource spawning mechanics. If you are using a mod that changes the base game's resource nodes, you may need to test for conflicts, but the standalone nature of this tool means it usually sits well alongside other additions.
For those looking for a streamlined experience, the foxygame.net launcher offers a one-click install for Resource Placer for ARK: Survival Ascended. This launcher simplifies the process of managing your mod list, ensuring that you have the correct version and that all dependencies are handled automatically. It is a great way to keep your add-ons organized without having to navigate the Steam Workshop interface every time you want to switch servers or profiles.
How to Install and Use
If you are wondering how to install this mod, the process is standard for ASA. After downloading it from the Workshop, ensure it is enabled in your server's mod list or in your single-player session. Once loaded, you will need to use the admin console to spawn the guns. The spawn codes are provided in the mod description, allowing you to get the tools instantly. After that, it is just a matter of using the menu to select your resource, choose your mesh, and place it in the world.
For server admins, this mod is invaluable for creating balanced PvP zones. You can place specific resource nodes in a central location to encourage player interaction, or you can create hidden caches for players to discover. The ability to control the respawn timer ensures that these areas remain contested without becoming over-farmed. The foxygame.net launcher also provides auto-updates for your mods, so you will always have the latest fixes and features for Resource Placer without needing to manually check for patches.
Final Thoughts
The Resource Placer mod is an essential tool for anyone looking to take control of their ARK: Survival Ascended environment. It bridges the gap between the vanilla game and a fully custom map experience. Whether you are a server admin looking to balance the economy or a builder wanting to create a specific aesthetic, the ability to place and manage resources with such precision is a massive quality-of-life improvement. The combination of a vast library, simple tools, and deep customization options makes it a must-have for the creative survivor.
By removing the randomness of resource distribution, you can craft the exact experience you want for your community. It is a powerful, flexible, and user-friendly mod that delivers on its promise of total control. If you have ever wished you could just put a metal node right there, this is the mod that makes that wish a reality.