What are the best locations to build a base on The Island map in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Building a base on The Island map in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning and consideration of several factors, including location, resource availability, defense, and progression. The Island offers a variety of biomes, each with its own advantages and challenges. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you choose the best locations and build a secure and functional base.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of base building. In ARK, you can construct structures using materials like thatch, wood, stone, and metal. Each material offers increasing levels of durability and protection. Thatch is the weakest and easiest to destroy, while metal is the strongest but requires more resources to craft. YouÔÇÖll need to gather resources such as wood, stone, fiber, and metal by chopping trees, mining rocks, and harvesting plants. Efficient resource management is key to building and upgrading your base.

When choosing a location, consider proximity to resources, safety from predators, and accessibility. Some of the best locations on The Island include the Hidden Lake, Herbivore Island, and the Redwood Forest. The Hidden Lake, located in the northeast, is a secluded area surrounded by cliffs, making it easy to defend. It has access to water, metal nodes, and plenty of trees for wood. Herbivore Island, in the southeast, is a safe zone with no hostile creatures, making it ideal for beginners. It also has abundant metal and crystal resources. The Redwood Forest offers a central location with access to a variety of resources, but itÔÇÖs more dangerous due to predators like raptors and thylacoleos.

To start building, gather the necessary resources. Begin with a thatch or wood foundation, then add walls, ceilings, and a door. As you progress, upgrade to stone or metal for better protection. Always build a perimeter wall or fence to keep out hostile creatures. Use gates to allow access for your tamed dinosaurs. Consider adding turrets or plant species X for additional defense. Power systems like generators or wind turbines can be used to power advanced structures like refrigerators and crafting stations.

Resource management is crucial. Store your resources in storage boxes, preserving bins, or vaults to keep them safe and organized. Use preserving bins to extend the shelf life of perishable items like meat and berries. Crafting stations like the smithy, fabricator, and chemistry bench will help you create advanced items and structures. Always keep an eye on your resource levels and plan ahead to avoid running out of materials.

Defense strategies are essential to protect your base from hostile creatures and other players. Build walls, gates, and turrets to deter intruders. Place traps around the perimeter to catch or slow down attackers. Tame defensive creatures like rexes, spinos, or therizinos to guard your base. Use plant species X to create a natural defense system. Always have a backup plan in case your primary defenses are breached.

Common mistakes to avoid include building too close to dangerous areas, neglecting defense, and poor resource management. Always scout the area before building to ensure itÔÇÖs safe and resource-rich. DonÔÇÖt underestimate the importance of defense, especially in PvP servers. Plan your resource gathering and storage to avoid shortages.

Advanced techniques include using behemoth gates for larger dinosaurs, creating layered defenses with multiple walls and turrets, and using elevators for vertical base designs. Consider building a water pen for aquatic tames if youÔÇÖre near a water source. Use air conditioners or dimetrodons to regulate temperature for egg incubation.

Resource requirements vary depending on the size and material of your base. For a small wooden base, youÔÇÖll need around 500 wood, 200 thatch, and 100 fiber. For a larger metal base, youÔÇÖll need thousands of metal ingots, cementing paste, and polymer. Always gather extra resources for repairs and upgrades.

Tribe considerations include dividing tasks among members, such as resource gathering, building, and defense. Solo players should focus on smaller, more manageable bases and prioritize defense and resource efficiency.

In conclusion, building a base on The Island requires careful planning, resource management, and defense strategies. Choose a safe and resource-rich location, gather the necessary materials, and build a secure and functional base. Avoid common mistakes, use advanced techniques, and always be prepared for potential threats. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, a well-built base is essential for survival and progression in ARK: Survival Evolved.