How do I build a secure perimeter wall in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Building a secure perimeter wall in ARK: Survival Evolved is essential for protecting your base from hostile creatures, other players, and environmental threats. A well-constructed wall can deter intruders, provide a safe zone for your tamed dinosaurs, and give you peace of mind while you focus on other survival tasks. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to build a secure perimeter wall, covering mechanics, strategies, tips, and considerations.

First, you need to understand the mechanics of building walls in ARK. Walls are part of the building system, and they come in different materials: thatch, wood, stone, and metal. Each material offers increasing levels of durability and resistance to damage. Thatch is the weakest and can be destroyed easily, while metal is the strongest and can withstand most attacks. To build a wall, you need to craft the appropriate structure piece in your inventory or at a crafting station, then place it in the world. Walls can be snapped together to form a continuous barrier, and you can stack them vertically to increase height.

To start building your perimeter wall, you need to gather resources. For a basic wooden wall, you will need wood, thatch, and fiber. For stone walls, you need stone, wood, and thatch. Metal walls require metal ingots, cementing paste, and polymer. The amount of resources depends on the size of your perimeter. For example, a small base might require 20-30 wall segments, while a larger base could need hundreds. Always gather extra resources to account for mistakes or future upgrades.

Next, plan the layout of your wall. Choose a location that provides natural defenses, such as cliffs or water, to reduce the number of walls you need to build. Use the terrain to your advantage. For example, building near a cliff means you only need to wall off the open side. Use a foundation or fence foundation to create a stable base for your walls. Foundations prevent walls from being destroyed by creatures that can damage structures from below, like the Titanoboa or Arthropluera.

Once your layout is planned, start placing the walls. Begin at one corner and work your way around the perimeter. Use the snap feature to align walls perfectly, ensuring there are no gaps. If youÔÇÖre building on uneven terrain, you may need to use pillars or ramps to adjust the height of the walls. For added security, consider double-layering your walls. This means placing two walls side by side, which makes it harder for attackers to break through.

After the walls are in place, add gates for entry and exit. Gates come in the same materials as walls, so choose one that matches your wallÔÇÖs durability. Place the gate in a strategic location, such as near your main base entrance. You can also add a secondary gate for emergencies. To further secure your perimeter, consider adding defensive structures like turrets, plant species X, or spike walls. Turrets require electricity, so plan for a generator or other power source. Plant species X can be grown in large crop plots and act as natural turrets, shooting at intruders.

Resource management is crucial when building a perimeter wall. Always prioritize gathering materials for the strongest walls you can afford. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, focus on stone walls as a balance between durability and resource cost. If youÔÇÖre in a tribe, coordinate with your members to gather materials more efficiently. Assign roles, such as one person gathering wood while another mines stone. Use tamed dinosaurs like the Ankylosaurus for metal and the Doedicurus for stone to speed up resource collection.

Common mistakes to avoid include building walls too close to your base, which can limit expansion, and leaving gaps in the wall. Always double-check your perimeter for holes or weak spots. Another mistake is underestimating the height of the wall. Some creatures, like the Giganotosaurus, can reach over low walls, so make sure your walls are at least two or three segments high.

Advanced techniques include using behemoth gates for larger perimeters, which allow bigger dinosaurs to pass through. You can also create airlocks by building multiple gates in a row, adding an extra layer of security. For PvP, consider using hidden turrets or traps inside the perimeter to catch raiders off guard.

In summary, building a secure perimeter wall in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and attention to detail. Start by gathering materials, plan your layout, and build walls with no gaps. Add gates and defensive structures for extra security. Avoid common mistakes like leaving gaps or building walls too low. Use advanced techniques like behemoth gates and airlocks for larger or more secure bases. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, a well-built perimeter wall is key to surviving and thriving in the dangerous world of ARK.