How do I build a base that is easy to expand in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Building a base that is easy to expand in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and an understanding of the game's building mechanics. The key is to create a foundation that allows for flexibility and growth while maintaining security and functionality. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you achieve this.
First, choose a location that offers ample space and resources. Flat areas near water sources, metal nodes, and forests are ideal. Avoid building too close to dangerous creatures or high-traffic PvP zones if youÔÇÖre on a multiplayer server. Once youÔÇÖve selected a spot, start by laying down a large foundation. Foundations are the base of your structure, and using a grid-like pattern will make it easier to expand later. Stone or metal foundations are recommended for durability, but wood can work in the early game if resources are limited.
Next, build walls and a roof to enclose your base. Leave some open spaces or use doorways to plan for future expansion. For example, instead of building a solid wall, you can place doorframes that can later be converted into hallways or additional rooms. This approach ensures that your base can grow without requiring a complete rebuild. Use pillars and ceilings to create multi-level structures, as vertical expansion is often more efficient than spreading out horizontally.
Resource management is critical. Gather materials like wood, stone, fiber, and metal in bulk. Use tools like the metal pickaxe and chainsaw to speed up resource collection. Tame dinosaurs like the Ankylosaurus for metal and stone, the Doedicurus for stone, and the Castoroides for wood. These creatures can significantly reduce the time and effort required to gather materials. Store your resources in organized storage boxes or vaults near your crafting stations to streamline the building process.
When designing your base, consider its defense. Even if youÔÇÖre focusing on expansion, security is essential. Build outer walls or fences to keep hostile creatures out. Place turrets, spike walls, or tamed dinosaurs like Rexes or Carnotaurus around the perimeter for added protection. If youÔÇÖre playing on a PvP server, consider using hidden compartments or decoy structures to confuse raiders.
Power systems are another important aspect. As your base grows, youÔÇÖll need electricity for advanced crafting stations, refrigerators, and turrets. Use generators or renewable energy sources like wind turbines and solar panels. Plan your wiring carefully to avoid clutter and ensure that all areas of your base have access to power.
One common mistake is building too small or too rigidly. Players often create cramped bases that are difficult to expand, forcing them to start over. To avoid this, always plan for future growth. Another mistake is neglecting defense in favor of expansion. A well-defended base is crucial, especially in PvP or high-difficulty PvE environments.
Advanced techniques include using S+ or Super Structures mods if youÔÇÖre on PC. These mods offer additional building options like snap points, auto-pulling resources, and more flexible placement. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, consider using admin commands to speed up resource gathering or building. In a tribe, assign roles to members, such as gatherers, builders, and defenders, to optimize efficiency.
For example, imagine youÔÇÖre building a base in the Redwood Forest. Start with a large stone foundation and a central crafting area. Use pillars to create a second floor for storage and sleeping quarters. Leave open spaces on the ground floor for future expansions like a greenhouse or a dino pen. Tame a few Argentavis to help transport resources and a Therizinosaurus for gathering fiber and thatch. As your tribe grows, add more rooms and defensive structures like turrets and spike walls.
In summary, building an expandable base in ARK requires careful planning, efficient resource management, and a focus on flexibility. Choose a good location, use a grid-like foundation, and plan for future growth. Prioritize defense and power systems, and avoid common mistakes like building too small or neglecting security. With these strategies, youÔÇÖll create a base that can grow with your needs and withstand the challenges of the ARK world.
First, choose a location that offers ample space and resources. Flat areas near water sources, metal nodes, and forests are ideal. Avoid building too close to dangerous creatures or high-traffic PvP zones if youÔÇÖre on a multiplayer server. Once youÔÇÖve selected a spot, start by laying down a large foundation. Foundations are the base of your structure, and using a grid-like pattern will make it easier to expand later. Stone or metal foundations are recommended for durability, but wood can work in the early game if resources are limited.
Next, build walls and a roof to enclose your base. Leave some open spaces or use doorways to plan for future expansion. For example, instead of building a solid wall, you can place doorframes that can later be converted into hallways or additional rooms. This approach ensures that your base can grow without requiring a complete rebuild. Use pillars and ceilings to create multi-level structures, as vertical expansion is often more efficient than spreading out horizontally.
Resource management is critical. Gather materials like wood, stone, fiber, and metal in bulk. Use tools like the metal pickaxe and chainsaw to speed up resource collection. Tame dinosaurs like the Ankylosaurus for metal and stone, the Doedicurus for stone, and the Castoroides for wood. These creatures can significantly reduce the time and effort required to gather materials. Store your resources in organized storage boxes or vaults near your crafting stations to streamline the building process.
When designing your base, consider its defense. Even if youÔÇÖre focusing on expansion, security is essential. Build outer walls or fences to keep hostile creatures out. Place turrets, spike walls, or tamed dinosaurs like Rexes or Carnotaurus around the perimeter for added protection. If youÔÇÖre playing on a PvP server, consider using hidden compartments or decoy structures to confuse raiders.
Power systems are another important aspect. As your base grows, youÔÇÖll need electricity for advanced crafting stations, refrigerators, and turrets. Use generators or renewable energy sources like wind turbines and solar panels. Plan your wiring carefully to avoid clutter and ensure that all areas of your base have access to power.
One common mistake is building too small or too rigidly. Players often create cramped bases that are difficult to expand, forcing them to start over. To avoid this, always plan for future growth. Another mistake is neglecting defense in favor of expansion. A well-defended base is crucial, especially in PvP or high-difficulty PvE environments.
Advanced techniques include using S+ or Super Structures mods if youÔÇÖre on PC. These mods offer additional building options like snap points, auto-pulling resources, and more flexible placement. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, consider using admin commands to speed up resource gathering or building. In a tribe, assign roles to members, such as gatherers, builders, and defenders, to optimize efficiency.
For example, imagine youÔÇÖre building a base in the Redwood Forest. Start with a large stone foundation and a central crafting area. Use pillars to create a second floor for storage and sleeping quarters. Leave open spaces on the ground floor for future expansions like a greenhouse or a dino pen. Tame a few Argentavis to help transport resources and a Therizinosaurus for gathering fiber and thatch. As your tribe grows, add more rooms and defensive structures like turrets and spike walls.
In summary, building an expandable base in ARK requires careful planning, efficient resource management, and a focus on flexibility. Choose a good location, use a grid-like foundation, and plan for future growth. Prioritize defense and power systems, and avoid common mistakes like building too small or neglecting security. With these strategies, youÔÇÖll create a base that can grow with your needs and withstand the challenges of the ARK world.