Valskar - Holdstone Protection
In the unforgiving world of ARK: Survival Ascended, securing your tribe's hard work is often a full-time job. Raids, offline threats, and the constant pressure of resource management can turn base building into a stressful experience. For server administrators on the Elderemere Cluster, a new commissioned mod has arrived to change that dynamic entirely. Valskar - Holdstone Protection (previously known as Eldermere Settlement Protection) introduces a sophisticated, admin-controlled base protection system that uses deployable flags to create safe zones, manage structure integrity, and automate cleanup processes.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about this powerful add-on, from its core mechanics and configuration options to installation steps and compatibility notes for ARK: Survival Ascended.
What is Valskar - Holdstone Protection?
At its core, Valskar - Holdstone Protection for ARK: Survival Ascended is a server-side mod designed to give administrators granular control over base safety. Instead of relying on global server settings that apply to everyone equally, this mod introduces a flag-based system. Each flag type represents a different tier of protection, ranging from small outposts to massive high-holdstone territories. The flags are admin spawn only, meaning regular players cannot place them; they must be earned, granted, or placed by the server team to designate specific areas as protected.
How the Flag System Works
The system is built around a simple but strict limitation: max 1 flag per tribe per flag type and a hard cap of 1 flag TOTAL per tribe. This ensures that no single tribe can monopolize the server's protected zones. Whether you are setting up a small hamlet or a grand high-holdstone fortress, the tribe must choose its single location wisely. The flags themselves are physical structures that project a protective bubble, and their size is fully configurable by the admin.
Key Features and Configurable Options
The strength of this mod lies in its deep configuration file, [EldermereSettlementProtection]. Server owners can tweak nearly every aspect of the protection system to fit their community's needs. Here are the most critical settings:
- Flag Sizes: Define the radius of each flag type. Defaults range from 1500 for outposts to 10000 for high holdstones, with an admin max of 30000.
- Purge System: Set a timer (
TimeOutsideFlagsBeforeDestroySeconds) that automatically destroys structures left outside a flag's protective bubble. The default is 604800 seconds (7 days), giving players a full week to move their belongings into a safe zone. - Damage Immunity: Toggle invulnerability for structures within the bubble. Options exist for outpost, holdstone, great holdstone, and admin flags, allowing you to create truly unraidable zones or just safe havens.
- Safe Base Mechanics: Enable
SafeBaseoptions to prevent players from building or placing enemy structures inside the bubble. This prevents "foundation wiping" and griefing tactics. - Discord Integration: Configure a webhook URL to receive real-time notifications when the purge timer is about to destroy structures, keeping admins informed without needing to check logs.
- Global Kill Switch: The
DisableFlagsoption acts as a master switch. When set to true, no purge occurs, effectively disabling the destruction system while keeping the protective bubbles active.
Admin Commands and Item IDs
To spawn the flags, admins use standard cheat giveitem commands. The mod provides specific paths for each tier, including the Admin flag, Village, Town, Hamlet, and Outpost structures. These items are hidden from the player engram list, ensuring only the server team can distribute them. For example, to spawn the largest protection zone, you would use the command for the PrimalItemStructure_ESP_Admin item.
Installation and Compatibility
Getting this mod running on your server is straightforward. To download Valskar - Holdstone Protection, you will need to add it to your server's mod list. It is designed to work with the current generation of ARK: Survival Ascended, specifically supporting the latest game version builds. As with any mod, ensure your server client and the mod are updated to the same version to avoid conflicts. The mod is primarily a server-side addition, meaning players do not need to download it separately to join, though having it active on the client can prevent visual glitches.
For server owners looking for a streamlined way to manage their mods, using a launcher that integrates with the Steam Workshop can save time. The foxygame.net launcher offers a dedicated add-on catalog where you can quickly find and deploy mods like Valskar - Holdstone Protection without manual file editing. Its one-click install feature handles the tedious parts, and the launcher's auto-update function ensures that your server always runs the latest patch of the mod, preventing version mismatch errors that can lock players out.
Understanding the "Purge" Timer
The purge system is the mod's most unique feature. It acts as a server-wide cleanup tool. If a player builds a base outside of a flag's protection radius, the timer starts. Once the configured time expires, the structures are marked for destruction. This encourages players to consolidate their bases into designated safe zones, reducing server lag from scattered structures and promoting community hubs. The ItemsIgnoreDestruction list allows admins to exempt specific item types from this purge, preventing the loss of critical resources like storage boxes or crafting stations that might be placed temporarily.
Configuration Best Practices
When setting up the mod, start with the DisableFlags=true setting to test the protective bubbles without the risk of destroying player structures. Once you are confident in the flag sizes and safe base settings, enable the purge timer with a longer duration, such as 14 days, to give your community ample warning. Use the Discord webhook to monitor the system's activity. Finally, remember the strict tribe limit: with MaxTotalFlagsPerTribe=1, communication with your player base is essential to ensure they know which location is officially protected.
In conclusion, Valskar - Holdstone Protection is an essential tool for any ARK: Survival Ascended server admin looking to foster a balanced and secure environment. By shifting the responsibility of base safety from reactive defense to proactive planning, it encourages strategic settlement and reduces the toxicity of constant raiding. Whether you are running a small private cluster or a large public community, this mod's flexibility and robust feature set make it a worthy addition to your server's modlist. If you are ready to take control of your server's landscape, look into Valskar - Holdstone Protection for ARK: Survival Ascended today and see how a simple flag can change the entire dynamic of your world.
For those wondering how to install it, simply add the mod ID to your server's mod configuration file or use a launcher that supports direct workshop integration. Once loaded, spawn the flags via admin commands and configure the INI settings to match your server's rules. The result is a cleaner, safer, and more organized ARK experience for everyone involved.