What are the best ways to build a base in the floating islands in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Building a base in the floating islands of ARK: Survival Evolved, specifically on the Crystal Isles map, requires careful planning and execution due to the unique terrain and environmental challenges. The floating islands offer stunning views and strategic advantages, but they also present difficulties such as limited space, exposure to aerial threats, and the need for advanced materials. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you establish a secure and functional base in this area.
First, you need to understand the mechanics of building in the floating islands. The islands are elevated, which means youÔÇÖll need flying creatures like Argentavis, Pteranodon, or Wyverns to access them. Building on these islands requires platforms or foundations that can be placed on uneven terrain. Platforms are especially useful because they allow you to build structures on surfaces that would otherwise be unsuitable for standard foundations. You can also use pillars and ceilings to extend your base over gaps or create multi-level structures.
To start, gather the necessary resources. YouÔÇÖll need a significant amount of wood, stone, and thatch for basic structures, but metal and crystal will be essential for more advanced builds. Metal can be mined from rocks in the mountains or underwater, while crystal is abundant in caves or on the floating islands themselves. Fiber can be collected from plants, and hide can be obtained from hunting animals. Make sure to bring a pickaxe, hatchet, and sickle to maximize resource gathering efficiency.
Once you have the resources, scout the floating islands for a suitable location. Look for a flat area or a spot where you can easily place foundations or platforms. Avoid areas with aggressive creatures like Wyverns or high concentrations of predators. Once youÔÇÖve chosen a location, start by placing a foundation or platform. If the terrain is uneven, use pillars to support ceilings and create a stable base. Build walls and a roof to protect your base from the elements and hostile creatures.
Defense is crucial in the floating islands due to the presence of aerial threats. Build walls around your base to deter flying creatures and other players. Turrets can be placed on walls or ceilings to provide additional protection. If youÔÇÖre playing on a PvP server, consider using plant species X turrets, which are effective against both creatures and players. Tame and station defensive creatures like Argentavis or Wyverns near your base to help fend off attackers.
Power systems are essential for advanced base functionality. Use generators or renewable energy sources like wind turbines to power your base. Wind turbines are particularly useful in the floating islands due to the constant wind. Connect your power source to essential structures like refrigerators, crafting stations, and turrets. Make sure to place your power system in a secure location to prevent it from being destroyed.
Storage solutions are important for organizing your resources. Use storage boxes, preserving bins, and vaults to keep your supplies safe and accessible. Preserving bins are especially useful for storing perishable items like meat and berries. Vaults provide additional security for valuable items and resources.
When building in the floating islands, there are several common mistakes to avoid. One mistake is building too close to the edge of an island, which can make your base vulnerable to attacks from below. Another mistake is neglecting to build a roof, leaving your base exposed to aerial threats. Additionally, failing to secure your power system can result in a loss of functionality for your base.
Advanced techniques can optimize your base design. Use ramps or elevators to create multiple levels and maximize space. Elevators are particularly useful for moving resources and creatures between levels. You can also use water reservoirs and irrigation systems to grow crops in your base. This is especially useful for sustaining a large tribe or long-term survival.
Resource requirements and preparation are key to a successful build. Make sure to gather enough materials before starting construction. Bring extra resources in case of mistakes or unexpected challenges. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, consider taming a pack mule like a Paracer or Mammoth to carry large amounts of resources. For tribes, assign roles to members to streamline resource gathering and construction.
Tribe and solo considerations differ in terms of scale and complexity. Solo players may need to focus on smaller, more efficient bases, while tribes can build larger, more elaborate structures. Tribes can also assign members to specific tasks, such as gathering resources, taming creatures, or defending the base. Communication and coordination are essential for tribe-based builds.
Specific examples and scenarios can help illustrate the process. For example, a solo player might build a small, fortified base on a flat section of a floating island, using a combination of stone walls and metal turrets for defense. A tribe, on the other hand, might construct a multi-level base with separate areas for crafting, storage, and creature housing, using elevators and ramps for easy access.
In conclusion, building a base in the floating islands of ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and defense strategies. By understanding the mechanics, gathering the necessary resources, and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a secure and functional base in this unique and challenging environment. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or with a tribe, the floating islands offer a rewarding and strategic location for your ARK adventures.
First, you need to understand the mechanics of building in the floating islands. The islands are elevated, which means youÔÇÖll need flying creatures like Argentavis, Pteranodon, or Wyverns to access them. Building on these islands requires platforms or foundations that can be placed on uneven terrain. Platforms are especially useful because they allow you to build structures on surfaces that would otherwise be unsuitable for standard foundations. You can also use pillars and ceilings to extend your base over gaps or create multi-level structures.
To start, gather the necessary resources. YouÔÇÖll need a significant amount of wood, stone, and thatch for basic structures, but metal and crystal will be essential for more advanced builds. Metal can be mined from rocks in the mountains or underwater, while crystal is abundant in caves or on the floating islands themselves. Fiber can be collected from plants, and hide can be obtained from hunting animals. Make sure to bring a pickaxe, hatchet, and sickle to maximize resource gathering efficiency.
Once you have the resources, scout the floating islands for a suitable location. Look for a flat area or a spot where you can easily place foundations or platforms. Avoid areas with aggressive creatures like Wyverns or high concentrations of predators. Once youÔÇÖve chosen a location, start by placing a foundation or platform. If the terrain is uneven, use pillars to support ceilings and create a stable base. Build walls and a roof to protect your base from the elements and hostile creatures.
Defense is crucial in the floating islands due to the presence of aerial threats. Build walls around your base to deter flying creatures and other players. Turrets can be placed on walls or ceilings to provide additional protection. If youÔÇÖre playing on a PvP server, consider using plant species X turrets, which are effective against both creatures and players. Tame and station defensive creatures like Argentavis or Wyverns near your base to help fend off attackers.
Power systems are essential for advanced base functionality. Use generators or renewable energy sources like wind turbines to power your base. Wind turbines are particularly useful in the floating islands due to the constant wind. Connect your power source to essential structures like refrigerators, crafting stations, and turrets. Make sure to place your power system in a secure location to prevent it from being destroyed.
Storage solutions are important for organizing your resources. Use storage boxes, preserving bins, and vaults to keep your supplies safe and accessible. Preserving bins are especially useful for storing perishable items like meat and berries. Vaults provide additional security for valuable items and resources.
When building in the floating islands, there are several common mistakes to avoid. One mistake is building too close to the edge of an island, which can make your base vulnerable to attacks from below. Another mistake is neglecting to build a roof, leaving your base exposed to aerial threats. Additionally, failing to secure your power system can result in a loss of functionality for your base.
Advanced techniques can optimize your base design. Use ramps or elevators to create multiple levels and maximize space. Elevators are particularly useful for moving resources and creatures between levels. You can also use water reservoirs and irrigation systems to grow crops in your base. This is especially useful for sustaining a large tribe or long-term survival.
Resource requirements and preparation are key to a successful build. Make sure to gather enough materials before starting construction. Bring extra resources in case of mistakes or unexpected challenges. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, consider taming a pack mule like a Paracer or Mammoth to carry large amounts of resources. For tribes, assign roles to members to streamline resource gathering and construction.
Tribe and solo considerations differ in terms of scale and complexity. Solo players may need to focus on smaller, more efficient bases, while tribes can build larger, more elaborate structures. Tribes can also assign members to specific tasks, such as gathering resources, taming creatures, or defending the base. Communication and coordination are essential for tribe-based builds.
Specific examples and scenarios can help illustrate the process. For example, a solo player might build a small, fortified base on a flat section of a floating island, using a combination of stone walls and metal turrets for defense. A tribe, on the other hand, might construct a multi-level base with separate areas for crafting, storage, and creature housing, using elevators and ramps for easy access.
In conclusion, building a base in the floating islands of ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and defense strategies. By understanding the mechanics, gathering the necessary resources, and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a secure and functional base in this unique and challenging environment. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or with a tribe, the floating islands offer a rewarding and strategic location for your ARK adventures.