
Pushing the Boundaries of Modding: A Journey into Ark: Survival Ascended
In this interview, Aurora Punks’ talented designers Elias, Level and Game Designer, and David, Level and Narrative Designer, share their journey into the world of modding for Ark: Survival Ascended. Their project, Necrotic Dominion, is an exciting mod that combines survival with dark magic in a world filled with decay and danger. It features six unique regions, randomly generated dungeons, magic-based combat, and a powerful new boss - the Necrotic King - offering players a fresh and thrilling survival adventure.
Elias and David reflect on their creative process, the challenges they’ve faced, and the inspiration they’ve drawn from the vibrant modding community. They discuss how Necrotic Dominion feels like an entirely new game while staying true to Ark’s foundation and share their passion for redefining what’s possible in modding.
How It All Started: From Player to Creator
Modding for Ark: Survival Ascended began as a natural progression for Elias, a long-time player of the game.
“What started with Ark was that I had played quite a bit before within a large community where mods are very common,” Elias explains. “You have a finished game to build upon, and you can create extra content to share with an established player base. It’s a lot of fun because you know people will engage with what you create.”
For David, however, modding was an entirely new experience:
“I was completely new to both modding and Ark, so having Elias guide me into this new world was invaluable. While I haven’t played Ark myself, I quickly understood its gameplay loop and why it’s so popular. What inspired me the most was what Elias mentioned - the ability to modify and build on an existing game. The supportive modding community for Ark was also a huge help, making it easier to learn the ropes and tackle challenges.”
The Collaborative Modding Process
When asked about their work process, Elias and David emphasize the importance of collaboration and a clear vision.
“We started by brainstorming new elements we wanted to introduce,” David explains. “What would be cool in a survival game? What hasn’t been done in Ark before? Our focus wasn’t on making a small mod, like adding a new weapon, but on fundamentally changing the game while still delivering what players want - and surprising them with something they didn’t expect.”
Elias adds, “For us, the goal was to create something that feels like a completely new game while using Ark’s core mechanics. It’s not just a map or a few additions - it’s a cohesive experience that builds on everything Ark already offers.”
What Makes Their Mod Stand Out
Elias and David’s approach sets their mod apart from others in the Ark modding community.
Elias shares, “It’s not just another Ark mod. While technically a mod, what we’re creating feels like a separate game. We haven’t removed anything from the base game - everything players could do before, they can still do now. We’ve only added to it. The goal is to make something so unique that players want to experience our version instead of returning to standard gameplay.”
David agrees and highlights their holistic approach:
“We’ve thought carefully about how to shift Ark’s core pillars without starting from scratch. For example, we’re introducing a new combat loop with magic systems and mechanics that feel fresh and exciting. It’s about expanding what Ark can be without losing what makes it great.”
Maintaining High Quality and Player Engagement
Creating high-quality mods that remain fun and engaging for players is a priority for both
designers.
“For me, it’s all about attention to detail,” David says. “To immerse players in the world we’re creating, everything needs to feel consistent - whether it’s the maps, levels, or the overarching fantasy theme. I often look at what others have done to understand current standards and trends, then aim to meet or exceed them.”
Elias adds, “It’s also about balance. As someone who’s spent hundreds of hours in Ark, I know what players want. But working with David, who hasn’t played the game as much, brings a fresh perspective. Together, we find the sweet spot between meeting player expectations and introducing something new.”
Listening to the Community While Staying True to the Vision
Balancing community feedback with their own vision has been key to their process.
“For us, it’s been more about sticking to our idea,” Elias explains. “We believe in the concept we’re building, and it’s fun to work on. We prioritize what’s essential to our idea and let go of what doesn’t add value.”
David adds to this thought:
“It’s about focusing on what truly matters. Some details might seem exciting, but if they don’t impact the player experience, they aren’t worth the time. You have to find a balance between delivering high-quality content and knowing when to let certain things go.”
Hopes for the Mod: A Fresh Experience
When asked about what they hope players will feel when playing their mod, both designers are clear: they want it to feel fresh and exciting.
“It’s about giving players something new,” Elias says. “We’re not just adding more of the same - we’re offering a fresh take on the game.”
David expands on this:
“Our hope is that players will feel the creativity and imagination in what we’ve built. We want them to be drawn to the new combat systems and the unique mechanics we’ve introduced. Whether it’s casting magic or figuring out how to use it strategically, we’re aiming to give players an entirely new experience within the world of Ark.”
The Joy of Modding
For both Elias and David, modding is deeply rewarding.
Elias reflects, “What I like about modding for Ark is that the game is already complete. You don’t have to remove or change anything; you just add to what’s already there. It’s a great way to expand on a game you like while staying true to its core.”
David adds, “It’s exciting to offer something unique for players who’ve already spent countless hours in Ark. By introducing new mechanics like magic, we’re giving them a reason to dive back in and experience something entirely different. That’s the best part - creating something players genuinely enjoy.”
Through collaboration, creativity, and a strong understanding of the Ark community, Elias and David are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in modding. Their project goes beyond a typical mod, introducing fresh and innovative gameplay that offers a new take on Ark. With their attention to detail, focus on quality, and connection to the community, they’re crafting an experience that stands out and adds something truly unique to the game.
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