Sandis Creature Additions
ARK: Survival Ascended continues to evolve with a vibrant modding community, and few recent additions capture the spirit of discovery quite like Sandis Creature Additions. This ambitious mod packs a surprising variety of new creatures, tames, and gameplay mechanics into a single package. Whether you are a solo survivor looking for a loyal mount or a server admin seeking fresh endgame challenges, this mod offers something genuinely unique. From a metal-harvesting Gobi to a pocket-sized Carcha, let's dive into everything this mod brings to your island, Scorched Earth, and beyond.
What is Included in Sandis Creature Additions?
This mod is not just a single creature; it is a curated collection of new lifeforms, each with a distinct purpose. The creator has designed these additions to fill specific niches, from resource gathering to combat. Here is a breakdown of the primary creatures you will encounter after you download Sandis Creature Additions.
Gobi: The Metal and Oil Specialist
The standout feature for many players is Gobi, a knockout tame that revolutionizes resource collection. Unlike standard metal farmers, Gobi is built for efficiency. It harvests metal nodes with ease and can even corral resources for both metal and oil. Its inventory includes a built-in meat cooker and forge, allowing you to process resources on the go. Furthermore, Gobi boasts a significant metal weight reduction, meaning you can haul massive loads back to your base without needing a fleet of Argies. This creature is designed with the upcoming Scorched Earth map in mind, making it a future-proof investment for your tribe.
Hyaenodon Variants and the Dogmeat Mount
The mod introduces four new variations of the Hyaenodon, each with its own assigned saddle by name. The most intriguing is Dogmeat, a rideable version that offers superior insulation and enhanced caving capabilities. This makes it an excellent choice for exploring hazardous biomes or spelunking for artifacts. All Hyaenodons can now utilize the Dogmeat meatpack, adding a layer of logistical convenience.
Beaux: The Rex-Statted Tamer
If you are looking for raw power in a smaller package, Beaux is a tamable Hyaena that requires a knockout method. What sets Beaux apart is its incredible Rex-level stats. However, taming this beast is not a simple affair. It can only be tamed using the new DinoBites: Kibble, making it a mid-to-late-game goal. Once tamed, Beaux can harvest Honey and Sap from trees with a special claw action and deliver Prime Meat with a powerful "Piercing" bite attack.
River, Horus, and Lionheart: Specialized Flyers
For aerial enthusiasts, the mod offers three distinct flying options. River is a "hydro" version with 10x the standard stats, making it a powerhouse best suited for high-difficulty servers like Primal Chaos. Horus is a smaller but stronger Griffin, requiring special Horus Treats to tame. Finally, Lionheart is a small Griffin that can breed and is tamed via the usual knockout method, offering a more accessible entry point to Griffin ownership.
Tiny Carcha and Cazador: Endgame Threats
The mod also includes the Tiny Carcha, a smaller version of the fearsome Carcharodontosaurus. Despite its size, it retains the capability to be taken into boss fights, providing a unique option for endgame arenas. Additionally, Cazador is a new wyvern variant that is smaller and faster than its cousins. It is passively tamed with "Cazadores" treats, offering a swift and agile alternative for experienced survivors.
Compatibility and Installation Guide
One of the most common questions is how to install this mod without breaking your existing setup. The creator states that Sandis Creature Additions for ARK: Survival Ascended should be compatible with any other mods. It has been partially tested with both Keyboard and Xbox Controller setups, ensuring a smooth experience across different playstyles. While there are no GameUserSettings (GUS) yet, the roadmap indicates they are coming soon.
For those managing a server, the mod is designed to slot into your existing mod list without conflict. The creator has also moved the Tiny Carcha to its own separate mod to reduce dependencies. If you are looking for a streamlined way to manage your mods, the foxygame.net launcher offers a one-click install feature for Sandis Creature Additions, ensuring you get the correct version for your ARK: Survival Ascended build every time. The launcher also provides an add-on catalog that tracks updates, so you never miss a patch or a new creature release.
Early Access Disclaimer and Roadmap
It is important to note that this mod is in its early stage. You might encounter bugs, and the owner explicitly states that the mod is used at your own risk. The developer is not liable for any damage caused. However, the community is encouraged to report issues in the comment section. The roadmap is simple: add GUS settings and continue refining the existing creatures. Spawn commands and detailed dino info are available in the mod's Pages section for those who want to spawn them directly.
In conclusion, Sandis Creature Additions is a bold and creative mod that adds significant depth to ARK: Survival Ascended. With its mix of utility tames like Gobi, combat-focused variants like Beaux, and unique flyers, it offers a fresh experience for both new and veteran players. While it is still in early access, the potential is undeniable. If you are ready to expand your menagerie with these unique creatures, this mod is definitely worth adding to your collection.