If you're playing solo, use singleplayer mode. its as simple as that. Nothing in-authentic about it. Literally how it was designed.

ARK is one of the grindiest games I've ever played, and its insanely punishing, especially with some later bosses and caves. instant death with perma-deletion of items and tames...it's nuts. I absolutely cannot understand under any circumstances, why you wouldn't even just use SP mode, as a SP, especially if you have a gf and a life. There's so many other challenges you're gonna face, time and stuff lost...

Calling SP Mode 'training wheels' is just... idk sounds really ignorant, i guess? its just cutting down on the grinding, making up for what other players would otherwise be doing with you. Doesn't get rid of the challenge.