Tames Constrained
In the unforgiving world of ARK: Survival Ascended, the ability to tame any creature on sight has always been a core freedom. But what if that freedom came with a price? What if the island demanded you earn the right to even approach a Rex or a Giga? That is the exact challenge presented by Tames Constrained, a unique mod commissioned by DinoSource that fundamentally redefines the early-to-mid game progression for you and your tribe.
This add-on strips away the "tame anything, anytime" mentality. Instead, it introduces a system where specific engrams must be unlocked before you can even attempt to knock out and claim a dinosaur. It’s a game-changer for server administrators who want to create a more structured, rewarding, and challenging survival experience for their community.
What Does Tames Constrained Actually Do?
Simply put, this mod restricts your ability to tame dinos based on ten distinct unlockable items. These items are not craftable and do not function as physical objects in your inventory. Instead, they act as permission keys. When you unlock one of these engrams, you gain access to the specific dinos assigned to that slot by the server admin.
The beauty of this system lies in its flexibility. You are not locked into a fixed list. The mod provides ten slots, and as an admin, you can add as many creatures to each slot as you wish. This allows you to create a progression tree that fits your server's theme perfectly. For example, Slot 1 might contain Dodos and Lystros, Slot 2 could add Raptors and Carnos, and Slot 10 might hold the apex predators like the Giganotosaurus and the Carcharodontosaurus.
Key Features of the Mod
- Ten Unlockable Slots: A clear and simple tier system for gating creatures.
- Admin Configuration: Full control via INI settings to assign dinos to specific slots.
- No Crafting Required: The items are purely for access; there is nothing to craft or place.
- Default Level Lock: By default, the engrams are set to unlock at level 999, meaning admins must override this to make them accessible.
Setting Up Your Server with Tames Constrained
Before you even think about letting your players loose, you need to configure the mod. The first step is to ensure you have a clean slate. The mod description explicitly recommends running a dino wipe after installation. This ensures that no previously tamed creatures remain, forcing everyone to start fresh under the new rules.
Once the wipe is done, you will need to edit your server's GameUserSettings.ini file. The configuration is straightforward. You will use the [TamesConstrained] section header to define which dinos belong to which item class.
Understanding the INI Configs
There are two primary ways to configure the mod. The first is the general item class name assignment. The second is the specific item assignment. Here is a breakdown of how to set this up.
To assign creatures to a specific slot, you will use the item class name. For instance, to put a Dodo and a Rex in the first slot, your config would look like this:
[TamesConstrained]
PrimalItem_TamesConstrained_01=dodo_character_bp_c,rex_character_bp_cYou can repeat this for all ten slots (from PrimalItem_TamesConstrained_01 to _10). This gives you immense control over the taming hierarchy on your server.
For server administrators looking to streamline the setup process, using a dedicated launcher can save a lot of headaches. The foxygame.net launcher offers a one-click install for mods like Tames Constrained, ensuring that the files are placed correctly and that version compatibility with the current ARK: Survival Ascended build is maintained, so you can focus on balancing the gameplay rather than troubleshooting file paths.
How to Install the Mod
If you are wondering how to install this mod, the process is similar to most other add-ons for the game. You will need to subscribe to the mod on the Steam Workshop and then add it to your server's mod list. Once it is active, you must restart the server to generate the necessary files.
After the restart, you will need to apply the INI configurations. Remember, the default unlock level is 999. To change this, you must use the OverrideEngramEntries or OverrideNamedEngramEntries settings in your server configuration. This is a standard ARK server configuration feature that allows you to set the unlock level for specific engrams.
Admin Commands for Testing
If you want to test the mod without leveling up, you can use admin cheat commands to grant yourself the items. This is particularly useful for verifying that your dinos are assigned to the correct slots.
cheat giveitem "/TamesConstrained/ItemTamingUnlocks/PrimalItem_TamesConstrained_01.PrimalItem_TamesConstrained_01" 1 0 0cheat giveitem "/TamesConstrained/ItemTamingUnlocks/PrimalItem_TamesConstrained_02.PrimalItem_TamesConstrained_02" 1 0 0cheat giveitem "/TamesConstrained/ItemTamingUnlocks/PrimalItem_TamesConstrained_03.PrimalItem_TamesConstrained_03" 1 0 0
These commands allow you to instantly unlock the first three slots, letting you confirm that the system is working as intended before you roll it out to your player base.
Compatibility and Final Thoughts
Tames Constrained is designed for the current generation of ARK: Survival Ascended. It is essential to ensure that your server is running a supported version of the game, as updates to the base game can sometimes affect mod compatibility. The mod itself is lightweight, as it does not add new assets or models; it simply works with the existing engram and taming systems.
If you are looking to add a layer of strategy and progression to your server, this mod is an excellent choice. It forces players to plan their leveling path and makes taming a high-level creature a significant milestone rather than a casual occurrence. For those who want to download Tames Constrained for ARK: Survival Ascended, the process is simple, and the payoff in terms of gameplay depth is substantial.
By implementing this mod, you are not just adding a restriction; you are crafting a journey. Players will need to earn their place at the top of the food chain, one engram at a time. It is a brilliant tool for creating a more engaging and long-lasting server experience.
In conclusion, Tames Constrained offers a fresh take on survival progression. It is a must-have for any admin looking to create a unique and challenging environment. With its easy configuration and clear gameplay impact, it stands out as one of the most effective progression mods available for the game.