Does Ark: Survival Evolved Have Mods? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, Ark: Survival Evolved boasts extensive mod support, and it’s a major reason behind the game’s enduring popularity and longevity. The modding community has significantly enhanced the game, adding a wealth of content, tweaking mechanics, and overall enriching the gameplay experience. This article will delve into the world of Ark mods, exploring how they work, where to find them, and answering some of the most common questions surrounding this fascinating aspect of the game.
Why Are Mods So Important for Ark?
The modding scene in Ark: Survival Evolved is nothing short of transformative. It allows players to completely customize their gameplay, adding new creatures, crafting recipes, structures, maps, and even overhauling the core mechanics of the game. This level of customization caters to a diverse range of players, from those seeking a more challenging survival experience to those who simply want to add more whimsical or imaginative elements to their world.
The official developers at Studio Wildcard have actively supported the modding community through dedicated tools, such as the ARK Dev Kit. This toolset empowers creators to develop high-quality mods, further expanding the possibilities within the game. As a result, the game evolves constantly through community-driven content. This symbiotic relationship between the developers and the modding community ensures that Ark remains fresh and engaging for veterans and newcomers alike.
How to Start Using Mods in Ark
Accessing the Steam Workshop
For PC players, the process of accessing and installing mods is relatively straightforward:
- Launch the Steam client and navigate to your game library.
- Select ARK: Survival Evolved. This will take you to the game’s page.
- Click the “Workshop” button located near the top of the page.
- Browse through the available mods or use the search function to find specific ones.
- Once you find a mod you like, click “Subscribe”.
- Steam will automatically download and install the selected mods.
Activating Mods in-game
After downloading, you’ll need to activate them within the game:
- Launch ARK: Survival Evolved.
- If playing in single-player, you’ll see a list of your installed mods on the left side of the setup screen.
- Click on the desired mod and then the right arrow button to add it to your active mods.
- If you’re playing on a multiplayer server, ensure that you and the server’s owner have subscribed to the required mods.
Are Ark Mods Free?
Generally, yes, the vast majority of Ark mods are free. The Steam Workshop operates on a system of free content created by the community. Most mod creators use the free ARK Dev Kit to develop their creations. However, there are rare instances of ‘premium’ mods or paid DLC-like content, although this is not the norm. So, you can enjoy the wealth of creative community content without incurring extra costs beyond the base game.
Important Considerations for Mod Usage
Server Compatibility
If you’re playing on a multiplayer server, it is crucial to ensure both you and the server are using the same mods. If there’s a mismatch, it can cause connection issues. Therefore, always make sure to check the server’s mod list and subscribe to all of them before trying to join. Some servers may also require the use of plugins, which typically run on the server-side and don’t require the client (players) to download them, unlike mods. You cannot force players to receive mods from the server.
Mod Overlap and Potential Conflicts
Using multiple mods is a great way to tailor the game to your preferences, but conflicts may occur. Certain mods might alter the same game elements or mechanics, leading to unexpected behavior or crashes. Carefully read the mod descriptions and try to understand if there is the potential for conflict before activating multiple mods together. It’s a good practice to install and test mods one at a time. If you encounter issues, disabling them one by one can help identify the culprit.
Platform Limitations
It is crucial to understand that mods for Ark: Survival Evolved are primarily available on PC. Console versions, such as those on PlayStation and Xbox, generally do not support mods, however, this is changing with the release of Ark 2.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ark Mods
1. Where do I get Ark mods?
You can access Ark mods through the Steam Workshop page for the game. This is the official platform for mod distribution and allows for easy browsing, subscribing, and downloading of mods.
2. Do I need to purchase Windows to have mods on PC?
While you do need to have Windows on PC to play Ark, the mods themselves are free, and the free ARK Dev Kit is used to make most of the mods.
3. Does everyone need the same mods to join an Ark server?
Yes, if a server is using mods, all players who want to join must also have those mods installed and enabled. Otherwise, they will not be able to connect. Plugins, on the other hand, are installed on the server and do not require the players to also install them.
4. What is the most popular Ark mod?
One of the most popular is Structures Plus (S+), which overhauls the building system and adds many new features. Other popular mods include those that add new creatures, items, or gameplay mechanics.
5. What is a mod that adds all dinos?
Ark Supreme is an overhaul mod that adds a plethora of dinos in multiple tiers as well as several new bosses, drastically expanding the roster of creatures in the game.
6. What are some of the best Ark maps?
The community generally praises Lost Island, Ragnarok, Fjordur, and The Island as some of the best maps. Each map offers unique environments, challenges, and resources.
7. Can you have mods on consoles like PS4?
No, console versions of Ark: Survival Evolved do not support mods, with the exception of when Ark 2 is released, as this version will have cross-platform mod support.
8. What is the ARK Mod Kit?
The ARK Dev Kit is a free version of the Unreal Engine 4 Editor, specifically tailored for creating and sharing Ark mods. It includes tools and resources that make modding more accessible for creators.
9. Do Ark mods require DLC?
Most mods work without DLC content, but some may use assets or features that are exclusive to a DLC, meaning that you will also require the corresponding DLC to use them. It depends on the specific mod.
10. Can you install mods on Xbox?
Currently, Xbox consoles do not support mods for Ark: Survival Evolved.
11. Can you use mods in ARK single-player mode?
Yes, you can absolutely use mods in Ark single-player. When setting up your single-player game, simply add the desired mods from your downloaded list.
12. Do I need to install mods to play on a modded server?
Yes, you **must subscribe to the required mods** to be able to join a server that utilizes them. Steam will handle the download of the mod content, but only after you have subscribed to them.
13. Will Ark 2 have mods?
Yes, **Ark 2 will feature cross-platform mod support** powered by mod.io, enabling mods to work across PC and Xbox platforms.
14. Are Ark mods cross-platform?
With **Ark 2**, mods will become cross-platform, however, the original **Ark: Survival Evolved** does not feature cross-platform mods.
15. What are some challenging mods for Ark?
DinoOverhaul X (DOX) and The Hunted are some notoriously difficult mods that increase the difficulty of gameplay. Many mods, with certain settings, can make the game incredibly difficult or challenging, so you can tailor them to your desired experience.
Conclusion
The modding community is a fundamental part of Ark: Survival Evolved’s success. With a wide array of community-created content, from simple tweaks to complete overhauls, the mods ensure that the game remains fresh and caters to the needs of every player. Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned veteran, exploring the world of Ark mods can greatly enhance your gaming experience.