Vex's COOL and AWESOME mod
ARK: Survival Ascended players are always on the lookout for add-ons that cut down on grind and open up new mobility options. Vex's COOL and AWESOME mod does exactly that by packing a handful of high-demand utility items into a single, lightweight package. Whether you are crossing the map on a glider or kitting out your Rex with a plate saddle, this mod delivers practical upgrades without overhauling the core survival loop. It is a straightforward quality-of-life addition that fits neatly into both solo playthroughs and dedicated community servers.
What Does the Mod Add to Your Gameplay?
The mod focuses on three main pillars: traversal tools, saddle upgrades, and recipe rebalancing. Each item is designed to save time and reduce frustration, letting you spend more hours on actual base building and taming rather than tedious crafting runs.
Climbing Pick with 10x Durability
The signature item is the Climbing Pick, which comes with a 10x durability boost compared to standard tools. This means you can scale cliffs and rock faces for significantly longer stretches before the tool breaks. The author notes that the pick is slightly buggy, and they openly state there is nothing they can do about it. In practice, most players find the occasional glitch acceptable given the massive durability advantage. Use it for reaching high metal nodes or escaping predators with a quick vertical retreat.
Glider for Rapid Descending
Pair the climbing pick with the included Glider, and you have a complete vertical traversal kit. Jump off a cliff, deploy the glider, and cover huge distances without burning stamina on a flying mount. This is especially useful early game when you have not yet tamed a Pteranodon or Argentavis. The glider also opens up creative base designs, as you can safely drop from elevated platforms and glide back to ground level.
Plat Saddle Set for Key Creatures
Four new Plat Saddles are included in the mod: Phiomia, Rex, Spino, and Pteranodon. These saddles provide a significant armor boost over their standard counterparts, making your key combat and transport tames far more resilient in fights. The Rex and Spino plat saddles are particularly valuable for boss arenas and alpha predator encounters. The Pteranodon saddle improves your early-game scouting and travel safety, while the Phiomia saddle is a fun addition for those who want a tanky pack mule.
All-Map Recipe Changes for Aberration Items
One of the most practical changes in Vex's COOL and AWESOME mod is the recipe rework for Aberration (AB) items. Normally, many AB-specific crafting recipes are locked to the Aberration map, which is a hassle for players on other maps. This mod changes those recipes to work on all maps, so you can craft those items regardless of your current server or single-player world. The commands for these saddles are also included, making it easy to spawn them in for testing or admin purposes.
Compatibility and Supported Versions
The mod is built for ARK: Survival Ascended and supports the current stable versions of the game. As with any add-on, it is important to check the mod page for the latest update notes, as the author occasionally patches for new game releases. The mod does not require any other dependencies, and it works alongside most other popular QoL mods without conflict. For players who want a hassle-free setup, the foxygame.net launcher provides one-click install for Vex's COOL and AWESOME mod, automatically handling version compatibility checks so you do not have to worry about mismatched updates breaking your server.
How to Install the Mod
Installing Vex's COOL and AWESOME mod for ARK: Survival Ascended is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide to get you up and running quickly.
- Open the ARK: Survival Ascended mod manager from the main menu.
- Search for "Vex's COOL and AWESOME mod" in the mod browser.
- Click subscribe or install, depending on your platform.
- Wait for the download to complete and the mod to activate.
- Restart the game if prompted, then load your single-player world or server.
If you are running a dedicated server, you will need to add the mod ID to your server configuration file and restart the server. For those using the foxygame.net launcher, the process is even simpler: the launcher's add-on catalog lists Vex's COOL and AWESOME mod, and it handles the entire installation and update process automatically, including rolling back to a compatible version if a new game patch breaks things.
Why Players Choose This Mod
The appeal of Vex's COOL and AWESOME mod lies in its focus on convenience. There is no bloat, no overpowered weapons that trivialize combat, and no game-breaking mechanics. Instead, you get a set of tools that respect your time. The 10x durability climbing pick alone is worth the download, as it removes the constant need to craft replacement picks. The all-map recipe change is another huge quality-of-life win, especially for players who bounce between different maps in a cluster.
If you are ready to enhance your survival experience, you can download Vex's COOL and AWESOME mod from the official ARK mod repository or through your preferred launcher. The mod is lightweight, regularly maintained, and adds a noticeable layer of convenience to your daily ARK routine. Give it a try on your next playthrough, and you will wonder how you ever managed without that climbing pick.
Final Thoughts
Vex's COOL and AWESOME mod for ARK: Survival Ascended is a small but mighty addition to the modding scene. It does not try to reinvent the game; it simply makes existing systems more enjoyable. From the durable climbing pick to the map-agnostic crafting recipes, every addition serves a clear purpose. Whether you are a solo survivor or a server admin looking to give your community a boost, this mod deserves a spot in your load order.
Remember to check for updates regularly, as the author is responsive to feedback and continues to refine the mod. And if you are new to modding, do not hesitate to use a launcher that simplifies the process. The foxygame.net launcher is a great option for players who want to download Vex's COOL and AWESOME mod with a single click, ensuring you always have the latest version without manual file management. Happy surviving.