How do I build a hidden base to avoid detection in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Building a hidden base in ARK: Survival Evolved is a critical strategy for both solo players and tribes looking to avoid detection by hostile players or creatures. The key to success lies in understanding the gameÔÇÖs mechanics, choosing the right location, and using materials and designs that blend into the environment. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you create a hidden base effectively.
First, you need to understand the mechanics of base detection. Players and tribes often use flyers like Argentavis or Pteranodons to scout for bases, so your goal is to make your base as inconspicuous as possible. This means avoiding open areas, minimizing the use of bright or unnatural colors, and using terrain features like cliffs, trees, and rocks to your advantage. Additionally, consider the render distance of structures. Large bases or tall structures are more likely to be spotted from a distance, so keeping your base compact and low-profile is essential.
Step-by-step, start by scouting for a location. Look for areas that are naturally obscured, such as dense forests, underwater caves, or cliffside overhangs. The Redwood Forest is a popular choice due to its thick canopy, which can hide structures from aerial view. Underwater caves are also excellent for hidden bases, as they are harder to access and less likely to be stumbled upon. Once youÔÇÖve chosen a location, clear the area of any debris or rocks that might make your base stand out.
Next, gather the necessary resources. For a hidden base, stone or metal structures are ideal because they are more durable and less likely to be destroyed by predators or raiders. However, if youÔÇÖre in the early game, wood can be a temporary solution. YouÔÇÖll need a lot of thatch, wood, stone, fiber, and metal, depending on the size and complexity of your base. Use tools like the pickaxe, hatchet, and sickle to gather these materials efficiently. Tamed dinosaurs like the Ankylosaurus for metal and the Doedicurus for stone can speed up resource gathering significantly.
When building, start with a small foundation and expand as needed. Use pillars and ceilings to create multi-level structures that blend into the terrain. For example, you can build a base inside a cliffside by placing foundations on the edge and extending ceilings outward. This creates a hidden space that is difficult to spot from above or below. Use ramps or ladders for access, and avoid placing doors or gates in obvious locations. Instead, hide entrances behind rocks or trees.
Important tips include using natural camouflage. Paint your structures to match the surrounding environment, such as green for forests or gray for rocky areas. Avoid using torches or other light sources that can give away your location at night. Instead, use dim light sources like standing torches placed inside structures. Additionally, avoid placing tamed dinosaurs near your base, as they can be seen from a distance. If you must have dinosaurs, keep them inside or hidden behind walls.
Common mistakes to avoid include building too close to popular resource areas or spawn points, as these locations are frequently visited by other players. Also, avoid using large, flat roofs that are easily spotted from the air. Instead, use sloped roofs or build under natural cover. Another mistake is neglecting defense. Even a hidden base should have some form of protection, such as hidden spike walls or plant species X turrets placed discreetly around the perimeter.
Advanced techniques involve using the terrain to your advantage. For example, you can build a base inside a waterfall, as the water obscures the structure from view. Another technique is to build underwater using scuba gear or a tamed Basilosaurus for oxygen. Underwater bases are harder to raid and can be hidden in deep ocean areas. Additionally, consider using vaults or hidden storage compartments to store valuable items, as these are harder to detect and raid.
Resource requirements vary depending on the size and materials of your base. For a small hidden base, youÔÇÖll need at least 500 stone, 200 wood, and 100 metal, along with fiber and thatch for crafting. Larger bases will require significantly more resources, so plan accordingly. Preparation is key, so gather resources in advance and store them in a temporary, secure location before starting construction.
Tribe considerations include coordinating with your tribe members to ensure everyone knows the baseÔÇÖs location and access points. Solo players should focus on keeping their base small and easy to maintain, as managing a large hidden base alone can be challenging. Communication and planning are essential for tribes to avoid accidental exposure of the baseÔÇÖs location.
Specific examples include building a tree platform in the Redwood Forest, which is naturally hidden by the dense canopy. Another example is creating a cliffside base on the side of a mountain, using natural rock formations to conceal the structure. Underwater bases in the ocean biome are also highly effective, especially when built in deep, less-traveled areas.
In conclusion, building a hidden base in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and creativity. By choosing the right location, using natural camouflage, and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a base that is both secure and difficult to detect. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or with a tribe, these strategies will help you survive and thrive in the dangerous world of ARK.
First, you need to understand the mechanics of base detection. Players and tribes often use flyers like Argentavis or Pteranodons to scout for bases, so your goal is to make your base as inconspicuous as possible. This means avoiding open areas, minimizing the use of bright or unnatural colors, and using terrain features like cliffs, trees, and rocks to your advantage. Additionally, consider the render distance of structures. Large bases or tall structures are more likely to be spotted from a distance, so keeping your base compact and low-profile is essential.
Step-by-step, start by scouting for a location. Look for areas that are naturally obscured, such as dense forests, underwater caves, or cliffside overhangs. The Redwood Forest is a popular choice due to its thick canopy, which can hide structures from aerial view. Underwater caves are also excellent for hidden bases, as they are harder to access and less likely to be stumbled upon. Once youÔÇÖve chosen a location, clear the area of any debris or rocks that might make your base stand out.
Next, gather the necessary resources. For a hidden base, stone or metal structures are ideal because they are more durable and less likely to be destroyed by predators or raiders. However, if youÔÇÖre in the early game, wood can be a temporary solution. YouÔÇÖll need a lot of thatch, wood, stone, fiber, and metal, depending on the size and complexity of your base. Use tools like the pickaxe, hatchet, and sickle to gather these materials efficiently. Tamed dinosaurs like the Ankylosaurus for metal and the Doedicurus for stone can speed up resource gathering significantly.
When building, start with a small foundation and expand as needed. Use pillars and ceilings to create multi-level structures that blend into the terrain. For example, you can build a base inside a cliffside by placing foundations on the edge and extending ceilings outward. This creates a hidden space that is difficult to spot from above or below. Use ramps or ladders for access, and avoid placing doors or gates in obvious locations. Instead, hide entrances behind rocks or trees.
Important tips include using natural camouflage. Paint your structures to match the surrounding environment, such as green for forests or gray for rocky areas. Avoid using torches or other light sources that can give away your location at night. Instead, use dim light sources like standing torches placed inside structures. Additionally, avoid placing tamed dinosaurs near your base, as they can be seen from a distance. If you must have dinosaurs, keep them inside or hidden behind walls.
Common mistakes to avoid include building too close to popular resource areas or spawn points, as these locations are frequently visited by other players. Also, avoid using large, flat roofs that are easily spotted from the air. Instead, use sloped roofs or build under natural cover. Another mistake is neglecting defense. Even a hidden base should have some form of protection, such as hidden spike walls or plant species X turrets placed discreetly around the perimeter.
Advanced techniques involve using the terrain to your advantage. For example, you can build a base inside a waterfall, as the water obscures the structure from view. Another technique is to build underwater using scuba gear or a tamed Basilosaurus for oxygen. Underwater bases are harder to raid and can be hidden in deep ocean areas. Additionally, consider using vaults or hidden storage compartments to store valuable items, as these are harder to detect and raid.
Resource requirements vary depending on the size and materials of your base. For a small hidden base, youÔÇÖll need at least 500 stone, 200 wood, and 100 metal, along with fiber and thatch for crafting. Larger bases will require significantly more resources, so plan accordingly. Preparation is key, so gather resources in advance and store them in a temporary, secure location before starting construction.
Tribe considerations include coordinating with your tribe members to ensure everyone knows the baseÔÇÖs location and access points. Solo players should focus on keeping their base small and easy to maintain, as managing a large hidden base alone can be challenging. Communication and planning are essential for tribes to avoid accidental exposure of the baseÔÇÖs location.
Specific examples include building a tree platform in the Redwood Forest, which is naturally hidden by the dense canopy. Another example is creating a cliffside base on the side of a mountain, using natural rock formations to conceal the structure. Underwater bases in the ocean biome are also highly effective, especially when built in deep, less-traveled areas.
In conclusion, building a hidden base in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and creativity. By choosing the right location, using natural camouflage, and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a base that is both secure and difficult to detect. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or with a tribe, these strategies will help you survive and thrive in the dangerous world of ARK.