Sheldon Spawn Controller
Managing wild creature populations on an ARK: Survival Ascended server can be a constant battle. Whether you want to eliminate a pesky species entirely or limit the number of a powerful predator, the tools available often fall short. The Sheldon Spawn Controller offers a direct, powerful solution by acting on the creatures themselves, bypassing the limitations of standard spawn table edits. This early-release mod is under active development, so it's wise to test with a small block list before applying it to a full server.
What Does Sheldon Spawn Controller Do?
This add-on provides server administrators with a robust way to remove or cap wild creatures by their specific class name. Unlike traditional methods that alter spawn configurations, this mod works on two fronts: it removes creatures the moment they spawn and runs a timed background sweep to enforce your rules. This direct approach is particularly effective because it can reach creatures added by other content mods, which standard spawn-weight multipliers often miss. You supply a list of class names, and the mod applies the same rules uniformly to vanilla and modded creatures alike.
Key Features and Mechanisms
- Hard-block a class: Set its cap to 0, and it is removed instantly upon spawning.
- Cap a class: Set its cap to N, allowing up to N to exist; the background sweep removes any extras.
- Dual mechanisms: Choose between on-spawn removal, a background sweep, or both, via the Mode setting.
- Follow-up checks: A recheck shortly after spawn catches creatures that change class, such as those converted by other mods.
- Efficient sweeping: The sweep processes one map region at a time, avoiding performance hits from full-map scans.
- Flexible configuration: The block list uses numbered INI keys, so a long list is not limited by line length.
- Optional WebSocket control: Manage the block list on a running server without a restart (off by default).
Installation and Configuration for ARK: Survival Ascended
Setting up the Sheldon Spawn Controller for ARK: Survival Ascended is straightforward. First, add the mod to your server's mod list. Then, add the [SheldonSpawnController] block to your server's GameUserSettings.ini file. After restarting the server, the mod will affect newly spawned creatures. To clear existing ones, run the console command cheat DestroyWildDinos once after configuration; they will respawn under the new rules. For a quick start, many users find it convenient to download Sheldon Spawn Controller and manage it through a launcher that supports mod catalogs. The foxygame.net launcher, for instance, offers a one-click install for "Sheldon Spawn Controller" and ensures version compatibility with your ASA setup, simplifying the entire process.
Understanding the INI Settings
The configuration is done entirely through the server's INI file. Here is an example block:
[SheldonSpawnController]
Mode=Both
ScanIntervalSeconds=30
ScanTileRadius=42000
ScanQueryRadius=0
ScanGridWrap=15
bVerboseLog=False
bEnableBridge=False
NumEntriesBlock=2
BlockClass1=Dodo_Character_BP_C
BlockCap1=0
BlockClass2=Bronto_Character_BP_C
BlockCap2=3All keys must be included; if one is missing, it falls back to a default. The Mode setting selects which mechanism runs: Buff for on-spawn removal only, Scan for sweep-only (required for caps), or Both (default) for the full effect. The ScanIntervalSeconds controls the frequency of sweep steps, and ScanTileRadius determines the spacing of swept regions. For very dense maps, you may need to adjust ScanQueryRadius and ScanGridWrap to ensure complete coverage.
Class Names and Block List Entries
A class name is the creature's generated class, ending in _C, such as Dodo_Character_BP_C or Rex_Character_BP_C. For modded creatures, check the mod's documentation or confirm the class in-game with cheat GMSummon "<ClassName>" 1. Names must match exactly; a wrong name matches nothing and reports no error. The block list uses numbered entries, so a long list is not limited by line length. For example:
NumEntriesBlock=3
BlockClass1=Dodo_Character_BP_C
BlockCap1=0
BlockClass2=Raptor_Character_BP_C
BlockCap2=5
BlockClass3=Argent_Character_BP_C
BlockCap3=0Remember, NumEntriesBlock must equal the number of pairs. A cap of 0 removes the class, while a cap of N allows up to N, which requires Mode=Scan or Both.
Advanced Control and Notes
For those wanting dynamic control, the optional WebSocket bridge (v4 or newer) allows an external service to manage the block list on a running server without a restart. This is off by default and should only be enabled if you run a compatible controller. When updating your mod, it's worth checking if your launcher provides auto-updates. The foxygame.net launcher, for example, can automatically update "Sheldon Spawn Controller" to the latest version, ensuring you have the newest features and fixes without manual downloads.
This mod runs entirely on the server with no client-side setup. It affects only newly spawned creatures, so use DestroyWildDinos to clear existing ones. Removed creatures despawn with no corpse or loot. Keep in mind that ARK refills the wild population toward its target, so removing a class does not lower the overall wild count; other creatures take the freed slots. Caps are soft, meaning a capped class may oscillate above its cap between sweep visits. Lowering ScanIntervalSeconds or using a smaller ScanGridWrap on small maps tightens this. Hard blocks (cap 0) are instant and unaffected.
As the mod is under development, settings and defaults may change in later versions. Always test with a small block list first. The Sheldon Spawn Controller is a powerful tool for any ASA server admin looking to fine-tune their world's wildlife, offering a level of control that standard configuration simply cannot match. By understanding its mechanisms and configuration options, you can create the exact survival experience you envision for your players. For the best experience, ensure you know how to install it correctly and always back up your INI files before making significant changes.