Simple Bandages
Surviving the opening hours of ARK: Survival Ascended often comes down to how quickly you can patch yourself up after a raptor ambush or a poorly timed fall. Raw meat and cooked meals are fine for hunger, but for health regeneration, you usually need something more direct. The Simple Bandages mod delivers exactly that: two straightforward, craftable healing items designed to bridge the gap between spawning in and unlocking advanced medical brews.
What Does the Simple Bandages Mod Add?
This lightweight add-on introduces two new consumables to your survivor's arsenal. Both are crafted from your inventory, require no special workbench, and are available through early engrams. The mod is built entirely with vanilla assets from the dev kit, so it blends seamlessly with the base game's visual style and performance profile.
The Bandage
The basic Bandage is your first line of defense against bleeding out. It is unlocked at level 4 for just 2 engram points. To craft it, you need 10 Fiber and 3 Narcoberry Seeds. Once applied, it restores 5 health over 10 seconds. It is not a miracle cure, but it is cheap, accessible, and perfect for those first few trips into the jungle.
The Plaster Cast
For more serious injuries, the Plaster Cast is a significant upgrade. Unlocked at level 24 for 4 engram points, it requires 25 Fiber, 5 Narcoberry Seeds, and 5 Chitin Paste. This heavier dressing heals 15 health over 10 seconds, making it a reliable mid-tier option before you unlock proper medical kits. Both items share a 30-second cooldown, which prevents spam and encourages tactical use during fights or escapes.
Why Use Simple Bandages for ARK: Survival Ascended?
The core appeal of this mod is its simplicity. There are no complex mechanics, no new resources to farm, and no bulky structures to build. You simply learn the engram, gather a few basic ingredients, and craft the bandages on the go. This makes it an ideal companion for solo players, early-game tribes, and anyone who prefers a less grindy survival experience.
One of the standout features is the customization. If the default healing values feel too weak or too strong, you can tweak them directly in your GameUserSettings.ini file. The mod reads variables such as BandageHealAmount, BandageTimeAmount, PlasterCastHealAmount, and PlasterCastTimeAmount. This flexibility allows server admins to balance the items for their community, whether they want a brutal hardcore server or a more forgiving casual experience.
For those wondering how to install, the process is straightforward. After downloading the mod files, place them in your ARK: Survival Ascended mod folder and activate the mod in your server or single-player settings. If you are using a launcher that supports mod management, the process is even simpler. For instance, the foxygame.net launcher offers a one-click install for Simple Bandages, automatically handling version compatibility and updates so you can spend less time fiddling with files and more time actually surviving.
Compatibility and Performance
Simple Bandages is designed to work with current versions of ARK: Survival Ascended, including both single-player and dedicated server setups. The mod is multi-platform, though uploads for non-PC platforms may happen less frequently, typically during weekdays. Because it relies solely on vanilla assets, there are no conflicts with other mods that overhaul textures or add new creatures. It also has a negligible impact on server performance, making it a safe addition to any mod list.
The engrams are accessible via the standard level-up menu. For server administrators, you can grant the items manually using console commands. For example, the Bandage uses the path PrimalItemConsumable_Bandage, and the Plaster Cast uses PrimalItemConsumable_PlasterCast. This makes testing and distribution easy, especially if you want to give new players a head start.
Tips for Using Bandages Effectively
- Always carry a stack of Bandages when exploring caves or taming aggressive creatures. The 30-second cooldown means you should prioritize avoiding damage rather than tanking hits.
- Combine the Plaster Cast with a high-health build for a pseudo-tank role during early boss fights or tribal skirmishes.
- If you find the default heal rate too slow, adjust the
BandageTimeAmountvariable to a lower value, such as 5.0, for a quicker burst of health. - Remember that these items do not stack in your inventory, so plan your inventory space accordingly.
Another advantage of using a dedicated mod manager is the automatic update feature. When the game patches or the mod author releases a fix, the foxygame.net launcher ensures that Simple Bandages stays in sync with your current game build, eliminating the risk of crashes or missing items. This is particularly useful for players who run multiple mods and want a hassle-free experience.
Final Thoughts on Simple Bandages
Simple Bandages is a modest but highly effective quality-of-life mod for ARK: Survival Ascended. It fills a clear gap in the early game, providing cheap and reliable healing without overshadowing the more advanced medical items found later. The customization options and low resource cost make it a favorite among casual players and hardcore survivalists alike. If you are tired of limping back to base with a sliver of health, this add-on is worth a spot in your mod list. Whether you use a manual install or rely on a launcher's add-on catalog, getting Simple Bandages for ARK: Survival Ascended is a quick step toward a more forgiving start on the island.