What is the best way to light up my base at night in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Lighting up your base at night in ARK: Survival Evolved is essential for visibility, safety, and functionality. Proper lighting helps you navigate your base, craft items, and defend against threats. There are several ways to illuminate your base, each with its own mechanics, resource requirements, and strategies. Below is a detailed guide on how to achieve effective lighting, covering everything from basic torches to advanced electrical systems.

To start, the simplest way to light up your base is by using torches. Torches are easy to craft and require basic resources like wood, thatch, and flint. You can place torches on walls, ceilings, or the ground, and they provide a decent amount of light for small bases. However, torches have limited durability and will eventually burn out, requiring you to replace them. They are best suited for early-game bases or temporary setups. To craft a torch, gather 1 wood, 1 thatch, and 1 flint, then use your inventory crafting menu. Place the torch in a hotbar slot and deploy it in your desired location.

For more permanent lighting, you can upgrade to standing torches or campfires. Standing torches provide brighter light and last longer than handheld torches. They require more resources, including wood, thatch, fiber, and flint. Campfires also emit light and can be used for cooking, making them a dual-purpose option. However, campfires are less efficient for lighting large areas compared to standing torches. To craft a standing torch, gather 12 wood, 12 thatch, 6 fiber, and 6 flint. Place it in a strategic location to maximize light coverage.

As you progress in the game, you can unlock and use electrical lighting systems. Electrical lights are the most efficient and advanced way to illuminate your base. To use electrical lights, you need to set up a power system. This involves crafting a generator, electrical cables, and light fixtures. Generators require gasoline to operate, which is made by refining oil and hide in a refining forge or industrial forge. Electrical cables connect the generator to your lights, and you can place multiple lights along the same cable network. Electrical lights provide bright, consistent light and do not require frequent maintenance like torches. To craft a generator, gather 80 metal ingots, 30 cementing paste, 20 electronics, and 10 crystal. For a ceiling light, gather 10 metal ingots, 2 crystal, and 2 electronics.

When planning your lighting setup, consider the layout of your base. Place lights in high-traffic areas like crafting stations, storage rooms, and entrances. Avoid placing lights too close to walls or ceilings, as this can create shadows and reduce visibility. For large bases, use a combination of standing torches and electrical lights to ensure even coverage. If you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to distribute the workload of gathering resources and setting up the lighting system. Solo players should prioritize resource-efficient options like standing torches until they can afford to build a generator and electrical lights.

One common mistake is overloading your generator with too many electrical devices. Generators have a limited power output, and exceeding it will cause the system to shut down. To avoid this, calculate the power consumption of your lights and other electrical devices before connecting them to the generator. Another mistake is placing lights in exposed areas where they can be easily destroyed by hostile creatures or players. Protect your lights by placing them inside your base or behind defensive structures like walls and turrets.

Advanced techniques include using renewable energy sources like wind turbines or solar panels to power your lights. These options are more sustainable and do not require gasoline, making them ideal for long-term bases. However, they are only available on certain maps and require rare resources to craft. Another optimization is using dimetrodons or otters to regulate the temperature around your base, as some lighting systems can generate heat and affect your comfort level.

In summary, lighting up your base at night in ARK: Survival Evolved involves choosing the right method based on your progression level and resource availability. Start with torches and campfires, then upgrade to standing torches and electrical lights as you gather more resources. Plan your lighting layout carefully, avoid common mistakes, and consider advanced techniques for optimal results. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, proper lighting will enhance your base's functionality and safety.