TGS Elementium
In the unforgiving world of ARK: Survival Ascended, the pursuit of Element is often a late-game grind, demanding boss battles, Tek Cave runs, and constant resource management. What if you could bypass the bloodshed and simply grow this precious resource in your own garden? That is exactly what the TGS Elementium mod offers, presenting a clever, slightly cheaty, and undeniably convenient alternative for survivors who value efficiency over combat. This guide explores everything you need to know about this unique add-on, from its core mechanics to installation steps.
What is TGS Elementium?
TGS Elementium is a quality-of-life mod designed for ARK: Survival Ascended that introduces a new, sustainable method for obtaining Element. Instead of farming bosses or grinding through the Tek Cave, you can now cultivate Element directly on your base. The mod adds a new craftable item, the Elementium Seed, which is created by sacrificing an Artifact of your choice. Once planted in a standard crop plot, these seeds grow into a harvestable source of Element, effectively turning your base into a Tek resource generator.
This mod is perfect for players who want to focus on building, taming, or exploring without the constant pressure to run end-game content for Element. It is also a boon for those playing on private servers or single-player worlds who want to accelerate their progression into Tek-tier technology.
How Does the Elementium Seed Work?
The core loop of TGS Elementium is surprisingly simple. To begin, you must craft an Elementium Seed. This recipe is not found in a crafting station but rather in your inventory under a dedicated folder labeled "TGS". This folder makes it easy to locate the recipe and any associated items. The crafting cost is steep in terms of rarity: you must sacrifice any one Artifact to create a single seed.
Once you have your seed, you simply plant it in a crop plot. The seed will grow over time, just like any other crop in the game. However, instead of producing berries or vegetables, it yields Element. The growth rate is balanced to feel rewarding without being completely overpowered, though the mod is admittedly "cheaty" by design. It removes the logistical hurdle of needing to transport artifacts to obelisks for tribute, making it a streamlined alternative.
Key Features and Benefits
- Artifact Recycling: Gives a new purpose to duplicate artifacts you may have collected.
- Passive Element Production: Set up a greenhouse and let your crops work while you do other things.
- Inventory Recipe: The crafting recipe is located in the "TGS" folder in your inventory, making it easy to access.
- Cost-Effective: A single artifact can be converted into a seed that provides a steady stream of Element.
Mod Compatibility and Supported Versions
When looking to download TGS Elementium, it is crucial to check the mod's compatibility with your current game version. The mod is actively updated to support the latest patches of ARK: Survival Ascended, ensuring that it works seamlessly with the game's current build. As with most mods, it is generally compatible with other QoL and building mods, but it may conflict with mods that alter the base crafting mechanics or artifact behaviors. It is always recommended to test the mod on a backup save or a single-player session before adding it to a dedicated server.
For players who use mod managers, ensuring that the mod is enabled in the correct load order is vital. Typically, TGS Elementium does not require a specific load order, but placing it after core gameplay overhauls can prevent unforeseen issues. The mod is lightweight and does not add significant server overhead, making it a safe addition to most multiplayer environments.
How to Install TGS Elementium
Installing this mod is a straightforward process, but the method depends on whether you are playing on a dedicated server or in single-player. The easiest way to get started is to use the in-game mod browser or a third-party launcher. If you are using a launcher, you can find the mod in the add-on catalog, which allows for a one-click install and automatic updates. This ensures that you always have the latest version of TGS Elementium for ARK: Survival Ascended without manually checking for patches.
For a manual installation, you would typically download the mod files and place them into your server's mod folder. However, the most common and recommended route is through the Steam Workshop or the in-game mod menu. Once subscribed, the mod will automatically download and appear in your mod list.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Here is a quick guide on how to install the mod for a single-player game or a non-dedicated session:
- Launch ARK: Survival Ascended and navigate to the main menu.
- Select "Mods" from the menu to open the mod browser.
- Search for "TGS Elementium" and subscribe to the mod.
- Once downloaded, activate the mod in your single-player settings or server configuration.
- Load your world and check your inventory for the "TGS" folder to craft the seed.
For server administrators, the process involves adding the mod ID to your server's mod list and restarting the server. After the restart, the mod will be active, and all players will have access to the new recipes.
Is TGS Elementium Right for You?
If you are tired of the grind and want to focus on the creative aspects of ARK: Survival Ascended, this mod is a fantastic choice. It effectively removes the barrier to entry for Tek-tier items, allowing you to build futuristic bases and craft advanced gear much earlier in your playthrough. While it is considered "cheaty" because it bypasses the intended boss-fight mechanics, it is a sandbox game, and the freedom to play your way is part of the appeal.
Players who enjoy a challenge or prefer the vanilla progression might find this mod too easy. However, for those who have already beaten the bosses multiple times and simply want to skip the repetitive grind on a new playthrough, TGS Elementium is a perfect solution. It is a well-designed, functional mod that delivers exactly what it promises: a passive, sustainable source of Element.
In conclusion, TGS Elementium is a clever and practical mod for ARK: Survival Ascended. It respects the player's time by offering a new, low-effort way to secure one of the game's most valuable resources. Whether you are a solo player or a server admin looking to ease progression for your community, this mod is worth adding to your collection. Just remember to keep an eye on your crop plots, because your Element garden is always growing.