Shiba Inu Companion
Imagine a loyal, fluffy sidekick that rides on your shoulder, digs up rare resources, and even helps you stay mounted during a fight. The Shiba Inu Companion brings exactly that to ARK: Survival Ascended. This fan-favorite mod transforms the prehistoric survival sandbox into a world where your best friend is a four-legged, treat-loving companion with a serious utility belt. Whether you are a solo survivor or run a bustling tribe, this add-on adds charm and function in equal measure.
What Is the Shiba Inu Companion Mod?
This mod introduces a fully animated Shiba Inu creature to the ARK universe. It spawns naturally in the wild, sharing its habitat with the Hyaenodon, so you will not have to hunt across the entire map to find one. The creature features multiple color regions, allowing for unique breeding and aesthetic customization. More importantly, it is not just a pretty face — the Shiba Inu Companion is designed to be a practical ally with a host of gameplay mechanics.
Key Features at a Glance
- Shoulder Mount: The Shiba Inu can perch on your shoulder, freeing your hands for tools and weapons.
- Dismount Protection: While shouldered, it actively helps prevent enemy dismounts, giving you a crucial edge in PvP and PvE encounters.
- Movement Speed Buff: A unique "Companion Level" system (0-100) increases your movement speed while the dog is on your shoulder.
- Digging Mechanic: Set to wander, it has a configurable chance (default 10%) to dig up items every minute, from basic hide to rare black pearls.
- Attack Capability: It can attack from your shoulder, dealing 20 base damage — slightly lower than a Dimorphodon, but adjustable via server multipliers.
- Treat Buffs: Feeding it a Shiba Inu Treat temporarily boosts its attack damage by 15 minutes.
Taming and Caring for Your Shiba Inu
Taming a Shiba Inu Companion requires a knockout strategy, similar to many other ARK creatures. Once unconscious, you will need to feed it Shiba Inu Treats, which are craftable at level 35. Simple Kibble works as an alternative, and after taming, it will accept standard food like meat and berries. To equip your new friend, you will need a special Collar, craftable at level 10, which uses the saddle slot.
Companion Level System Explained
The Companion Level mechanic is what sets this mod apart. Your Shiba Inu gains experience levels (0-100) by killing dinos while shouldered (20 kills per level) or by consuming a treat. Each level increases your movement speed buff, with a maximum buff value of 0.3. This makes the dog an invaluable asset for quick travel across the island, especially when carrying heavy loads.
Configuration and Server Settings
One of the best aspects of the Shiba Inu Companion is its deep customization. Server administrators can tweak everything through INI settings. You can adjust the digging chance, the speed per companion level, and even the specific items the dog can unearth. The mod includes a comprehensive list of default dug items, such as Angler Gel, Electronics, Oil, and Rare Mushrooms, each with configurable minimum and maximum amounts and quality values.
However, a word of caution: setting the baby Shiba Inu's food stats too low in the INI can cause newborns to die quickly. Always test your settings to ensure your pups survive to adulthood.
Version Compatibility and Installation
The Shiba Inu Companion is actively maintained, with the PC version ready and Cross-Platform updates pushed regularly. As of the latest update (March 2024), the mod supports the current build of ARK: Survival Ascended, though console approval from Microsoft and Sony can sometimes cause slight delays. For PC players, the mod is fully compatible with the Steam version of the game. To get started, you can download Shiba Inu Companion from the Steam Workshop or use a mod manager. If you are looking for a seamless experience, the foxygame.net launcher offers a one-click install for the Shiba Inu Companion, automatically handling version compatibility and updates so you can jump straight into the action without manual file management.
For those who prefer manual installation, the process is straightforward. You can find the mod in the Steam Workshop and subscribe to it, then activate it in your server's mod list. For dedicated servers, you will need to add the mod ID to your configuration. The mod also provides handy admin commands for spawning tamed or wild Shiba Inus, as well as the collar and treats directly into your inventory.
Admin Commands and Spawn Codes
If you want to skip the taming process, use the following commands in the console:
- Tamed Shiba Inu:
cheat gmsummon "ShibaInuCompanion_Character_BP_C" 150 - Wild Shiba Inu:
cheat SpawnDino "Blueprint'/ShibaInu/Dinos/ShibaInu/ShibaInuCompanion_Character_BP.ShibaInuCompanion_Character_BP'" 10 0 0 150 - Collar:
cheat giveitem "Blueprint'/ShibaInu/Dinos/ShibaInu/Items/PrimalItemArmor_ShibaInuCompanionCollar.PrimalItemArmor_ShibaInuCompanionCollar'" 1 0 0 - Treat:
cheat giveitem "Blueprint'/ShibaInu/Dinos/ShibaInu/Items/PrimalItemConsumable_ShibaInuCompanionTreat.PrimalItemConsumable_ShibaInuCompanionTreat" 1 0 0
For advanced server customization, you can copy and paste the full INI template from the mod's official Pastebin page. This allows you to fine-tune every aspect of the companion's behavior, from digging rates to the exact quality of the items it finds. The foxygame.net launcher also includes a built-in add-on catalog where you can browse and install the Shiba Inu Companion alongside other popular mods, ensuring all your ARK: Survival Ascended content is organized and up to date.
Why Add the Shiba Inu Companion to Your Game?
The Shiba Inu Companion is more than a novelty pet. It is a versatile tool that enhances your survival experience. The digging mechanic provides a passive income of valuable resources, the dismount protection is a lifesaver in PvP, and the speed buff makes traversing the map less tedious. Plus, who would not want a cute dog on their shoulder while battling a Rex?
In conclusion, the Shiba Inu Companion for ARK: Survival Ascended is a must-have mod for players who want a blend of utility, combat support, and pure charm. Its robust configuration options make it suitable for casual single-player worlds and heavily modded public servers alike. So, if you are ready to add a loyal companion to your tribe, follow the installation steps above, and get ready to explore the island with your new best friend by your side — or rather, on your shoulder.