Top ARK: Survival Evolved PC Mods You Need To Try
ARK: Survival Evolved is an awesome game, guys, but let's be real, sometimes the base game just doesn't cut it, right? That's where mods come in, especially for the PC version. Mods can totally transform your gameplay experience, adding new creatures, structures, mechanics, and more. So, if you're looking to spice up your ARK adventures, you've come to the right place. This guide will walk you through some of the best ARK: Survival Evolved PC mods that you absolutely need to try. Trust me; they're game-changers!
Why Use Mods in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Before we dive into the specifics, let's quickly chat about why mods are so essential for ARK. Firstly, they offer endless customization. Want to build a medieval castle? There's a mod for that. Fancy taming a dragon straight out of Game of Thrones? Yep, there's a mod for that too. Mods allow you to tailor the game to your exact preferences, making each playthrough unique and exciting.
Another great reason to use mods is that they often fix some of the base game's shortcomings. Whether it's improving the building mechanics, adding quality-of-life features, or rebalancing certain aspects of the game, mods can address many of the issues that players have with the vanilla version. Plus, the modding community is incredibly creative and dedicated, constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible in ARK. This means there's always something new and exciting to discover. Mods are like the secret sauce that keeps ARK fresh and engaging even after hundreds of hours of gameplay. So, without further ado, let's explore some of the must-have mods that will take your ARK experience to the next level.
Must-Have ARK: Survival Evolved PC Mods
Okay, let's get into the good stuff. Here are some of the top ARK: Survival Evolved PC mods that I highly recommend checking out. These mods cover a range of categories, from building enhancements to creature additions, so there's something for everyone. Remember to check the compatibility of each mod with the current version of ARK and with any other mods you might be using.
Structures Plus (S+)
First up is Structures Plus, or S+ as it's commonly known. This mod is an absolute game-changer for builders. If you've ever struggled with the clunky building mechanics in vanilla ARK, S+ is here to save the day. It overhauls the entire building system, adding a ton of new structures, features, and quality-of-life improvements. With S+, you can easily pick up and move structures, snap them together with precision, and even access a creative mode for effortless building.
One of the best features of S+ is its integrated crafting system. It allows you to craft items directly from nearby inventories, eliminating the need to constantly run back and forth between your storage and crafting stations. The mod also introduces new building pieces, such as triangle foundations, glass structures, and elevators, giving you more creative freedom than ever before. S+ truly streamlines the building process and makes it more enjoyable. For anyone who loves to build in ARK, this mod is an absolute must-have. Trust me; once you've used S+, you'll never want to go back to the vanilla building system. It's that good!
Awesome Spyglass
The Awesome Spyglass mod is another essential addition to your ARK toolkit. This mod enhances the functionality of the spyglass, providing you with a wealth of information about creatures and structures. With the Awesome Spyglass, you can see a creature's stats, torpor, and even its inventory, all with a simple click. This is incredibly useful for taming creatures, as it allows you to monitor their progress and adjust your strategy accordingly. The spyglass also displays information about wild creatures, such as their level and potential stat distribution, helping you decide whether they're worth taming. But the Awesome Spyglass isn't just for taming; it's also a valuable tool for scouting and exploration. You can use it to identify potential threats, locate resources, and even find hidden bases. The mod also adds a rangefinder and compass to the spyglass, making navigation much easier. Overall, the Awesome Spyglass is a fantastic quality-of-life mod that will save you time and effort in your ARK adventures. It's like having a super-powered detective tool at your fingertips.
Dino Storage v2
Dino Storage v2 is a mod that every ARK player should have. Managing your dinosaurs can be a real pain, especially when you have a large collection of tamed creatures. This mod simplifies the process by introducing a new storage system that allows you to store your dinos in a compact and organized way. With Dino Storage v2, you can capture your dinos in special balls and easily release them whenever you need them. The mod also includes a terminal that allows you to view and manage all of your stored dinos from a central location.
One of the best features of Dino Storage v2 is its breeding management system. It allows you to automatically collect eggs, incubate them, and even release baby dinos into a designated area. This takes a lot of the tedium out of breeding and makes it much more efficient. The mod also includes a cryofridge that allows you to store dinos for extended periods without worrying about them starving. Dino Storage v2 is a must-have for anyone who wants to streamline their dino management and make their ARK life a little easier. It's like having a personal dino assistant who takes care of all the boring stuff so you can focus on the fun parts of the game.
Extinction Core
If you're looking for a real challenge, Extinction Core is the mod for you. This mod overhauls the entire game, adding new creatures, items, and mechanics that make ARK even more dangerous and unpredictable. Extinction Core introduces a wide range of new creatures, including powerful bosses and mutated dinos that will test your skills to the limit. The mod also rebalances the game's difficulty, making it much harder to survive and thrive. Resources are scarcer, creatures are stronger, and the environment is more hostile.
But don't let the difficulty scare you away. Extinction Core also adds a ton of new content that makes the challenge worthwhile. There are new weapons, armor, and structures to craft, as well as new resources to gather. The mod also introduces a new progression system that rewards you for overcoming challenges and exploring the world. Extinction Core is not for the faint of heart, but if you're looking for a truly epic and rewarding ARK experience, this mod is definitely worth checking out. It's like turning ARK up to eleven and unleashing a whole new level of mayhem.
Ark Eternal
Ark Eternal is another popular overhaul mod that adds a massive amount of new content to the game. This mod introduces hundreds of new creatures, items, and structures, as well as new mechanics and features. Ark Eternal is similar to Extinction Core in that it makes the game more challenging, but it also adds a lot of new ways to overcome those challenges. One of the key features of Ark Eternal is its class system. It allows you to specialize your character in different roles, such as hunter, builder, or crafter, and gain unique abilities and bonuses.
The mod also introduces a new resource system that requires you to gather and process resources in new ways. This adds a layer of complexity to the game and encourages you to explore the world more thoroughly. Ark Eternal also includes a wide range of new bosses and events that will test your skills and reward you with valuable loot. If you're looking for a mod that will completely transform your ARK experience and keep you entertained for hours, Ark Eternal is a great choice. It's like getting a whole new game within a game, with endless possibilities and challenges to discover.
Tips for Installing and Managing Mods
Before you start installing mods, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, always check the compatibility of each mod with the current version of ARK and with any other mods you might be using. Incompatible mods can cause crashes and other issues, so it's important to do your research beforehand. You can usually find compatibility information on the mod's Steam Workshop page.
Another important tip is to use a mod manager to help you organize and manage your mods. A mod manager allows you to easily enable and disable mods, as well as update them to the latest version. This can save you a lot of time and hassle, especially if you're using a large number of mods. Some popular mod managers for ARK include the ARK Mod Manager and the Steam Workshop.
Finally, it's always a good idea to back up your game files before installing any mods. This way, if something goes wrong, you can easily restore your game to its original state. You can back up your game files by copying them to a separate folder on your computer.
Conclusion
So there you have it – some of the best ARK: Survival Evolved PC mods that you need to try. These mods can completely transform your gameplay experience, adding new creatures, structures, mechanics, and more. Whether you're looking to improve the building system, streamline your dino management, or add a new level of challenge to the game, there's a mod out there for you. Just remember to check the compatibility of each mod and use a mod manager to keep things organized. With the right mods, you can create a truly unique and unforgettable ARK adventure. Happy modding!
