The one and only Wilson!
If you have spent any time in the ARK modding community, you have probably heard of the legendary dodo from the Second Wave Survivors series. That chaotic, narco-addicted bird with an unshakeable will to live has finally made his way into ARK: Survival Ascended. The one and only Wilson! is a fan-made love letter that brings all the charm, humour, and absurdity of the original character straight into your game. This is not just another reskin; it is a full-featured companion mod that changes how you interact with one of the most humble creatures in the game.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this add-on, from what it does to how to install it, and why it has quickly become a must-have for fans of the series and dodo enthusiasts alike.
What is The one and only Wilson!?
At its core, this mod transforms your ordinary tamed dodo into the one and only Wilson. Inspired by the beloved narco addict from Second Wave Survivors, the mod gives you a steadfast companion with all the plot armour you have come to expect from the character. The mod is designed for ARK: Survival Ascended and is fully compatible with the current version of the game. It does not require any additional dependencies, making it a simple drop-in addition to your mod list.
The mod is built to work seamlessly alongside other popular mods, so you do not have to worry about conflicts. Whether you are playing solo or on a dedicated server, the add-on integrates cleanly with the base game mechanics. For the best experience, ensure your game is updated to the latest version supported by the mod, as the creator frequently patches it to maintain compatibility.
Obtaining Wilson in Your Game
Getting your very own Wilson is surprisingly straightforward. You do not need to hunt down a special spawn or complete a complex quest. Simply tame a regular or aberrant dodo using the standard taming methods. Once you have your dodo, open its multiuse wheel. You will notice a new option that allows you to convert your feathered friend into Wilson.
When you convert a dodo, a few things happen:
- The dodo's colour scheme changes to match Wilson's iconic look.
- The gender is forced to male, regardless of what it was before.
- The conversion is permanent, so choose wisely.
There is a strict limit of one Wilson per tribe. This is not just a balancing mechanic; it is a lore-friendly decision that reinforces the idea that Wilson is an individual. There can only be one true Wilson, and the mod enforces this in a delightfully fiery way (more on that below).
Key Features of the Wilson Add-On
The one and only Wilson! is packed with features that go far beyond a simple cosmetic change. Each feature is designed to make Wilson feel like a real character with his own personality and quirks.
Plot Armour: The Ultimate Defence
Wilson has the best defence around. If an attacker tries to kill him, they will suffer damage themselves. Even if Wilson's health reaches zero, he will not die. This makes him an incredibly resilient companion for any survivor. The only exception is if a member of the tribe that owns him attempts to kill him. This is a deliberate design choice that allows players to remove Wilson if they absolutely need to, without breaking the immersion of his invincibility.
No One Hurts Our Boi
If Wilson is "killed" by an enemy, some familiar faces will spawn to punish those who dare hurt the special boi. This is a nod to the Second Wave Survivors series and adds a layer of protection that makes griefing against Wilson a very bad idea. The punishment mechanic is both humorous and effective, ensuring that Wilson remains safe from hostile players and creatures.
Narco Addict: Feed to Level Up
Wilson has a unique way of gaining experience. Instead of relying solely on standard combat or crafting XP, you can feed him Narcoberries. Each Narcoberry consumed grants Wilson experience points. This makes him a fun and interactive pet to level up, and it ties directly into his lore as a narco addict. It is a simple mechanic, but it adds a layer of engagement that is often missing from standard companion tames.
Happy Birthday, Second Wave Survivors
On the 13th of September, Wilson will sport a fashionable party hat to celebrate his and the Second Wave Survivors' birthday. This is a charming, time-limited cosmetic feature that adds a festive touch to your base. For those who want to control this behaviour, the mod includes INI settings that allow you to change when Wilson wears his hat.
The INI settings are straightforward:
[SWS_Wilson]BirthdayEveryday=FalseBirthdayMonth=9BirthdayDay=13
You can adjust these values to make every day a birthday for Wilson, or set a different date entirely.
There Can Only Be One
As mentioned earlier, the mod enforces a one-Wilson-per-tribe rule. If an imposter or duplicate is created, it will be set on fire for its crimes. This is a hilarious and effective way to prevent players from mass-producing invincible dodos. If you are curious, you can safely store duplicates in cryopods, but the mod does not recommend this for any practical reason.
How to Install The one and only Wilson!
Installing the mod is a breeze. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to install it for ARK: Survival Ascended:
- Navigate to the Steam Workshop page for the mod.
- Click the "Subscribe" button to add it to your mod collection.
- Launch ARK: Survival Ascended and open the mod manager.
- Ensure The one and only Wilson! is enabled in your active mod list.
- Load your single-player save or start a server with the mod enabled.
If you are running a dedicated server, you will need to add the mod ID to your server's mod list and restart the server. The process is the same as with any other Steam Workshop mod, and the mod's page includes all necessary details for server administrators.
For those who prefer a more streamlined experience, the foxygame.net launcher offers a one-click install for The one and only Wilson! for ARK: Survival Ascended. The launcher automatically handles version compatibility checks, ensuring that the mod runs smoothly with your current game build. It is a handy tool for players who want to skip the manual subscription process.
Compatibility and Community Feedback
The creator has done extensive testing to iron out any issues or bugs encountered during development. The mod is compatible with the latest versions of ARK: Survival Ascended, and the developer is active in the community, taking feedback and suggestions. If you notice anything odd, the mod page encourages you to leave a comment or join the official Discord for faster support.
Players have praised the mod for its faithful adaptation of the character and the clever implementation of the plot armour mechanic. The party hat feature is a particular favourite, adding a touch of whimsy to the game. The mod's performance impact is negligible, making it suitable for large servers with many active mods.
Final Thoughts
The one and only Wilson! is a delightful, well-crafted add-on that brings a beloved character to life in ARK: Survival Ascended. Whether you are a fan of the Second Wave Survivors series or just want an unkillable dodo companion, this mod delivers on all fronts. The attention to detail, from the forced male gender to the birthday hat, shows a deep understanding of what makes Wilson special.
If you are ready to add some plot armour to your tribe, do not hesitate to download The one and only Wilson! It is a unique, entertaining, and functional mod that stands out in the ever-growing ARK modding scene. Give Wilson a home, and he will reward you with unwavering loyalty—and a healthy appetite for Narcoberries.