Starter Kit (Discontinued)
If you have been searching for a simple way to give new players a leg up on your ARK: Survival Ascended server, you have likely come across the Starter Kit (Discontinued) mod. Despite its name, this add-on remains a popular choice for server admins who want a straightforward, no-frills system for distributing starting items. The mod adds a single, placeable structure to the game that acts as a claimable cache of supplies. Once set up, any player can walk up to it, interact, and receive the kit you have prepared. It is an elegant solution for reducing early-game grind and helping your community get straight to the fun parts of survival.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Starter Kit (Discontinued) for ARK: Survival Ascended, from installation to advanced configuration. We will also cover spawn commands and how to tweak the mod’s behavior using the GameUserSettings.ini file.
What Does the Starter Kit Mod Do?
The core mechanic is refreshingly simple. The mod adds a new structure to your crafting menu, typically found under the "Structures" or "Misc" tab. You place this structure anywhere on the map, whether that is a designated spawn area, a community hub, or even hidden in the wilderness. After placing it, you can open its inventory and fill it with whatever items you want to grant to new players. This could be basic tools, armor, food, or even rare resources for a more generous welcome.
Once the inventory is set, you interact with the structure’s radial menu and select the "Activate" option. This arms the structure. From that point on, any player who interacts with the structure will receive a copy of the kit you have loaded. Importantly, each structure works independently. If you place three different structures, each one will deliver its own unique kit. This allows you to create different tiers of starter packs or distribute different items to different tribes.
Key Features at a Glance
- Placeable Anywhere: No need for specific foundations or zones.
- Independent Inventories: Each structure holds its own item list.
- Radial Menu Activation: Simple setup with a single click.
- One-Time Claim: Players cannot abuse the system to get multiple kits.
- Configurable Durability: Optionally allow the structure to take damage or have health.
- Discord Integration: Log claims directly to your server’s Discord channel.
How to Install the Starter Kit (Discontinued)
Before you can start handing out loot, you need to get the mod onto your server. The process is straightforward for both dedicated server hosts and single-player worlds. For the most seamless experience, many admins use the foxygame.net launcher, which offers a one-click install for Starter Kit (Discontinued). The launcher’s add-on catalog automatically detects the correct version for your ARK: Survival Ascended build, eliminating the guesswork of manual downloads. It also handles auto-updates, so you do not have to worry about the mod breaking after a game patch.
If you prefer a manual approach, you will need to download the mod files from the Steam Workshop and place them in your server’s Mods folder. After that, you must add the mod’s ID to your server’s GameUserSettings.ini under the [ServerSettings] section. The exact process for how to install can vary slightly depending on your hosting provider, but the general principle remains the same: subscribe, upload, and enable.
Version and Mod Compatibility
The Starter Kit (Discontinued) is designed to work with the current major versions of ARK: Survival Ascended. It is generally compatible with other popular mods that add structures or items, as it does not alter core game files. However, if you run a heavily modded server, it is always wise to test the interaction in a single-player session first. The mod does not require any additional dependencies, making it a lightweight addition to your load order.
Setting Up Your First Kit
Once the mod is installed, the setup process is intuitive. Follow these steps to get your first kit live:
- Craft and place the BasicStarterKit structure on your map.
- Open its inventory and drag in the items you want to distribute.
- Access the radial menu and select "Activate."
- Test the structure by interacting with it as a player.
That is all there is to it. The structure will now allow each player to claim the kit exactly once. If a player tries to interact with it again, they will receive the failure notification message you define in the config.
Configuration and Spawn Commands
For server admins who want more control, the mod offers a robust set of configuration options. These are placed in the [StarterKit] section of your GameUserSettings.ini. You can control whether the structure can be damaged, whether it has health, and even set a custom Discord webhook to log claims in real-time.
Essential Config Options
CanBeDamage=false: Set totrueif you want raiders to be able to destroy the structure.UsesHealth=false: Toggle to give the structure a health pool.Health=0: Defines the health value ifUsesHealthis enabled.SuccessNotificationMessage: Custom text shown when a player claims a kit.FailedNotificationMessage: Custom text shown for repeat attempts.DiscordWebhook: Your webhook URL for claim logging.MaxInventoryItems=20: Limits the number of items the structure can hold.
If you need to spawn the structure directly, you can use the following cheat commands in the console:
- GiveItem:
Cheat Giveitem '/BasicStarterKit/Basic/PrimalItemStructure_BasicStarterKit.PrimalItemStructure_BasicStarterKit' 1 0 0 false - GFI:
Cheat GFI BasicStarterKit 1 0 0
Final Thoughts on the Starter Kit
The Starter Kit (Discontinued) remains a fantastic tool for community servers. Its simplicity is its greatest strength; it does one thing and does it well. Whether you are running a PvP server that needs to level the playing field or a PvE server that wants to reduce early-game tedium, this mod delivers a reliable solution. The independent structure mechanic is a clever way to offer multiple kit types without any complex coding. Just remember to check your version compatibility when you download the mod, and consider using a launcher like foxygame.net to streamline the update process. With a little bit of setup, you can have a welcoming, well-equipped server for all your new survivors.