RTR+
If you have been grinding away on your ARK: Survival Ascended server and feel like the standard Tek tier just does not cut it anymore, it might be time to look at mods that push the envelope. RTR+ is a work-in-progress add-on that brings a sleek, futuristic edge to your base building and daily survival loop. This mod is primarily built for the RTR ARK Cluster, but its utility and cosmetic items are useful for any survivor looking to streamline their operations. From faster crafting to silent machinery, this add-on aims to remove the annoyances of late-game resource management while giving your base a distinct neon-green aesthetic.
What Does RTR+ Actually Add?
The core philosophy behind RTR+ is simple: improve quality of life without breaking the game's balance. Instead of adding overpowered weapons that trivialize combat, the mod focuses on structures, storage, and crafting efficiency. You get a cohesive set of items that feel like a natural evolution of the Tek tier, but with a unique visual identity.
Core Structures for Efficiency
The standout feature is the RTR Forge. This isn't just a reskin; it boasts improved collision detection, meaning you can place it in tighter spaces without clipping issues. More importantly, it processes metal at three times the speed of a standard forge and offers a massive 400-slot inventory. You will spend less time babysitting your smelting operations and more time exploring or building.
For those who hate the constant hum of industrial machinery, the RTR Silent Fabricator is a godsend. It operates with zero noise pollution and provides double the storage capacity of the standard fabricator. Similarly, the RTR Silent Air Conditioner keeps your base climate-controlled without the annoying buzzing sound, perfect for immersive base builds.
Rounding out the core set is the RTR Replicator, a silent version of the Tek Replicator with a green design that fits the mod's theme. You also get the RTR Workbench, which is required to craft all other RTR+ items and engrams, acting as the central hub for this add-on's crafting tree.
Storage and Utility Items
Storage is often a pain point in ARK, and the RTR Fridge addresses this with a pink and neon-green design. It keeps all perishables fresh and offers twice the normal storage capacity, making it ideal for long taming sessions or breeding projects. For server admins, the RTR Admin Teleporter is indestructible and requires no fuel, allowing for seamless travel between key locations without maintenance.
The RTR Goo Gun is a fun utility weapon powered by Element. It features a custom color scheme and can be used for immobilizing creatures or players, adding a tactical option for server events or PvP encounters. Finally, the mod includes simple item placeholders like the RTR Coin and RTR Coupon, which are designed to link with shop plugins, reward systems, or other server-side economies.
Cosmetics and Potions
Beyond structures, RTR+ offers a few cosmetic items to help you stand out. There are two Hoodie Skins with custom RTR designs, perfect for representing your tribe. Additionally, there is an Admin Pants Skin for server administrators to visually distinguish themselves from regular players.
The mod also introduces two temporary buff potions. The Crafting Speed Potion moves all your earned levels into Crafting Speed for 180 seconds, allowing for rapid mass production. Conversely, the Melee Damage Potion shifts all levels into Melee Damage for the same duration. The stats return to normal after the effect expires or upon death, and your learned engrams remain untouched, making these potions a risk-free way to specialize temporarily for specific tasks.
How to Install and Compatibility
Getting started is straightforward. To download RTR+, you will need to subscribe to the mod on the Steam Workshop for ARK: Survival Ascended. Once subscribed, ensure the mod is enabled in your server's active mod list. If you are running a dedicated server, you will need to add the mod ID to your mod configuration file. For single-player or non-dedicated sessions, simply activate it in the mod menu before loading your save.
When you want to know how to install it manually, the process involves placing the mod folder into your ARK: Survival Ascended mod directory. However, using the in-game mod manager is the most reliable method, as it handles version updates automatically. This add-on is designed to work with the current major versions of ARK: Survival Ascended, and the creator actively updates it to ensure compatibility with the latest game patches. While it is built for the RTR cluster, it should work on any server that allows mods, though you may need to adjust engram points if you have other total conversion mods installed.
For players looking for a hassle-free setup, the foxygame.net launcher offers a one-click install for RTR+, automatically resolving version conflicts and ensuring the mod loads in the correct order with your other add-ons. This is particularly useful if you are managing a large mod list and want to avoid manual file editing.
Admin Commands and Final Thoughts
Server administrators can spawn these items directly using console commands. For example, use cheat gfi RTRCraftingPotion 1 0 0 for the crafting buff, or cheat gfi PrimalItem_WeaponRTRGooGun 1 0 0 for the Goo Gun. The full list of commands is available in the mod's description, covering everything from the Admin Teleporter to the RTR Coin.
In conclusion, RTR+ for ARK: Survival Ascended is a polished quality-of-life mod that respects your time. The faster processing speeds, silent machinery, and doubled storage capacities reduce tedium, while the unique skins and potions add a layer of customization without unbalancing the core gameplay loop. Since it is still a work in progress, you can expect more content in the future. If you have suggestions, the mod author encourages you to leave a request on their Discord server. Whether you are an admin looking for admin tools or a builder wanting a futuristic aesthetic, this add-on is worth a spot in your mod list.
--- **Update Sep 12, 2026:** Added 8 files for version 1.0.