Tek Bounce Pad
The Tek Bounce Pad is a game-changing utility structure that brings the beloved Genesis Part 1 mobility gadget to ARK: Survival Ascended long before its official release. This compact, high-tech platform launches survivors, tames, and even rafts into the air with a satisfying, physics-driven bounce. Whether you are scaling sheer cliffs, escaping aggressive predators, or setting up a chaotic trap for unwary intruders, this pad delivers reliable, repeatable propulsion without consuming element or requiring a dedicated power source.
What Makes the Tek Bounce Pad Essential?
Unlike the bulky Tek Jump Pad found in later content, this add-on replicates the exact mechanics from the original Genesis simulation. It is crafted in the Fabricator, making it accessible early to mid-game once you have gathered the necessary resources. The pad itself is a flat, circular platform with glowing blue accents that pulse when activated. Stepping onto it triggers a powerful upward thrust, sending players and creatures soaring. The height and trajectory are consistent, allowing for precise parkour routes and creative base designs.
Key Features and Mechanics
- Instant Launch: No charging or delay; the bounce is immediate upon contact.
- Versatile Use: Works on foot, with tames, and can even launch small rafts if placed on a foundation.
- Low Cost: Requires only standard materials like Polymer, Metal Ingot, and Crystal, all refined in the Fabricator.
- No Fuel Needed: Unlike other Tek structures, this pad operates indefinitely without Element or Shards.
- Stackable Fun: Place multiple pads in sequence to create vertical highways or bounce mazes.
How to Install and Spawn the Tek Bounce Pad
Getting your hands on this structure is straightforward. The Tek Bounce Pad for ARK: Survival Ascended is distributed as a standalone mod, compatible with the current version of the game (v33.x and later). It works seamlessly alongside other popular QoL and building mods, with no conflicts reported. To add it to your server or single-player world, simply subscribe to the mod on the Steam Workshop. For those managing a dedicated cluster, ensure the mod ID is added to your server's mod list and restart the instance.
Using the Spawn Code
If you prefer a direct approach in single-player or admin mode, use the console command to spawn the structure instantly. Open the command bar (Tab key) and input the following:
cheat giveitem "/Tek_Bounce/PrimalItemStructure_TekBounce.PrimalItemStructure_TekBounce" 1 0 0
This grants you one Tek Bounce Pad in your inventory, ready to place. The command is identical to the Genesis release, ensuring no learning curve for veterans. For survival purists, the crafting recipe is unlocked at level 75 and requires 80 Engram Points.
Strategic Uses in Survival and PvP
The pad is not just a novelty; it is a tactical asset. In PvE, it revolutionizes resource gathering by allowing quick escapes from dangerous biomes like the Swamp or Snow. In PvP, it serves as a devastating trap component. Place a pad under a hidden platform, and any raider who steps on it gets launched into the air, exposed and vulnerable to your turrets. Alternatively, use it to launch grenades or C4 from a safe distance by attaching them to a shoulder pet and bouncing the pet toward the enemy base.
Building Creative Structures
Base builders will appreciate the pad's small footprint. It fits perfectly on a ceiling tile, and its low profile means it does not obstruct walkways. Create a "bounce tower" by stacking pads vertically with a two-wall gap between them. This allows you to reach the top of a 20-story base in seconds. You can also integrate it into animal pens to quickly move tames between floors or over fences. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination.
For those seeking a hassle-free installation, the foxygame.net launcher offers a curated add-on catalog that includes the Tek Bounce Pad. The launcher handles version compatibility checks automatically, so you never have to worry about the mod breaking after a game update. Its one-click install feature places the mod directly into your ARK: Survival Ascended directory, and the auto-update function ensures you always have the latest patch without manual intervention. This is particularly useful for players who manage multiple mods and want a stable, streamlined experience.
Performance and Compatibility
The mod is lightweight, with minimal impact on server performance. It uses a simple collision-based script that does not add significant overhead, even with dozens of pads placed across a map. It is fully compatible with the latest version of ARK: Survival Ascended, including the Scorched Earth and Aberration maps. The mod also respects server settings for structure placement and decay, so it integrates cleanly with existing rules.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Pad Not Launching: Ensure the pad is placed on a flat surface and not partially embedded in terrain.
- No Crafting Recipe: Verify that you have unlocked the engram and have the required level.
- Mod Not Loading: Check that the mod is enabled in your server's mod order and that you have restarted the game.
Final Thoughts on the Tek Bounce Pad
The Tek Bounce Pad is a must-have addition for any survivor looking to enhance their mobility and defensive strategies. Its faithful recreation of the Genesis mechanic, combined with its ease of crafting and installation, makes it a standout mod in the ARK: Survival Ascended ecosystem. Whether you are a solo player exploring the map or a tribe leader fortifying a massive base, this pad offers a fun, functional, and reliable tool. Download it today and give your gameplay a literal boost.