What is the best way to build a base in a cave in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Building a base in a cave in ARK: Survival Evolved can be a highly effective strategy for both PvE and PvP scenarios, as caves often provide natural defenses and strategic advantages. However, cave bases come with unique challenges and require careful planning. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you build a successful cave base.
First, understand the mechanics of cave building. Caves are often restricted in terms of where you can place structures. Some caves have building restrictions, meaning you cannot place certain structures or foundations in specific areas. Before committing to a cave, scout it thoroughly to identify buildable zones. Use a foundation or pillar to test placement areas. Additionally, caves are often home to hostile creatures, so youÔÇÖll need to clear them out before building. Tamed dinosaurs like Rexes or Carnos can help with this, but be cautious of tight spaces where larger dinos might get stuck.
Start by gathering the necessary resources. Building in a cave typically requires a lot of stone, wood, and metal, depending on the tier of structures you plan to use. Stone structures are a good starting point for durability, but metal is ideal for long-term defense, especially in PvP. Bring enough materials to build walls, ceilings, and doors, as well as storage containers, crafting stations, and defensive structures like turrets or plant species X. DonÔÇÖt forget to bring a bed or sleeping bag for respawn points.
When building, prioritize securing the entrance first. Use gates or walls to block off the cave entrance, ensuring that only you or your tribe can enter. For larger caves, consider creating multiple layers of defense, such as outer walls and inner chambers. Use doorways and airlocks to create choke points, making it harder for intruders to breach your base. Inside the cave, build vertically if space allows. Use ladders or ramps to create multiple levels, maximizing the use of limited space.
Defense is critical in cave bases. Place turrets strategically to cover entry points and high-traffic areas. Plant species X can also be effective in caves, as they donÔÇÖt require power and can slow down attackers. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, assign roles for base defense, such as someone to manage turrets or repair structures during raids. For solo players, focus on automated defenses and traps to compensate for the lack of manpower.
Resource management is another key consideration. Caves often lack easy access to resources like wood and water, so plan accordingly. Bring water containers or irrigation systems if the cave is far from a water source. For wood and other materials, consider setting up a secondary base or outpost near the cave for resource gathering. Use tamed dinosaurs like Ankylosaurs for metal and Doedicurus for stone to streamline resource collection.
Common mistakes to avoid include overextending your base and neglecting ventilation. Caves can feel cramped, so avoid building too many structures in one area, as this can make navigation difficult. Additionally, some caves have environmental hazards like gas or extreme temperatures, so bring appropriate gear or build climate-controlled areas. Another mistake is underestimating the importance of lighting. Caves are dark, so use torches, electric lights, or glow pets to illuminate your base.
Advanced techniques include using hidden compartments or decoy structures to confuse raiders. For example, build a fake storage room filled with low-value items to distract intruders while keeping your valuable resources in a hidden vault. You can also use tamed creatures like Megalosaurus or Baryonyx, which are effective in cave environments, to patrol your base and deter attackers.
Tribe considerations are important for cave bases. In a tribe, assign specific roles for base maintenance, defense, and resource gathering. Communication is key, especially during raids. For solo players, focus on simplicity and efficiency. Build only what you need and prioritize defenses that donÔÇÖt require constant upkeep.
A specific example is building in the Central Cave on The Island. This cave has multiple entrances, so youÔÇÖll need to secure each one. Use metal gates and turrets to block off the main entrance, and place plant species X near the smaller entrances. Inside, build a multi-level base with storage and crafting areas on the lower levels and living quarters above. Use a combination of turrets and tamed creatures like Sabertooths for defense.
In conclusion, building a cave base in ARK requires careful planning, resource management, and strategic defense. By understanding the mechanics, avoiding common mistakes, and using advanced techniques, you can create a secure and functional base that leverages the natural advantages of caves. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, a well-built cave base can be a formidable stronghold in the world of ARK.
First, understand the mechanics of cave building. Caves are often restricted in terms of where you can place structures. Some caves have building restrictions, meaning you cannot place certain structures or foundations in specific areas. Before committing to a cave, scout it thoroughly to identify buildable zones. Use a foundation or pillar to test placement areas. Additionally, caves are often home to hostile creatures, so youÔÇÖll need to clear them out before building. Tamed dinosaurs like Rexes or Carnos can help with this, but be cautious of tight spaces where larger dinos might get stuck.
Start by gathering the necessary resources. Building in a cave typically requires a lot of stone, wood, and metal, depending on the tier of structures you plan to use. Stone structures are a good starting point for durability, but metal is ideal for long-term defense, especially in PvP. Bring enough materials to build walls, ceilings, and doors, as well as storage containers, crafting stations, and defensive structures like turrets or plant species X. DonÔÇÖt forget to bring a bed or sleeping bag for respawn points.
When building, prioritize securing the entrance first. Use gates or walls to block off the cave entrance, ensuring that only you or your tribe can enter. For larger caves, consider creating multiple layers of defense, such as outer walls and inner chambers. Use doorways and airlocks to create choke points, making it harder for intruders to breach your base. Inside the cave, build vertically if space allows. Use ladders or ramps to create multiple levels, maximizing the use of limited space.
Defense is critical in cave bases. Place turrets strategically to cover entry points and high-traffic areas. Plant species X can also be effective in caves, as they donÔÇÖt require power and can slow down attackers. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, assign roles for base defense, such as someone to manage turrets or repair structures during raids. For solo players, focus on automated defenses and traps to compensate for the lack of manpower.
Resource management is another key consideration. Caves often lack easy access to resources like wood and water, so plan accordingly. Bring water containers or irrigation systems if the cave is far from a water source. For wood and other materials, consider setting up a secondary base or outpost near the cave for resource gathering. Use tamed dinosaurs like Ankylosaurs for metal and Doedicurus for stone to streamline resource collection.
Common mistakes to avoid include overextending your base and neglecting ventilation. Caves can feel cramped, so avoid building too many structures in one area, as this can make navigation difficult. Additionally, some caves have environmental hazards like gas or extreme temperatures, so bring appropriate gear or build climate-controlled areas. Another mistake is underestimating the importance of lighting. Caves are dark, so use torches, electric lights, or glow pets to illuminate your base.
Advanced techniques include using hidden compartments or decoy structures to confuse raiders. For example, build a fake storage room filled with low-value items to distract intruders while keeping your valuable resources in a hidden vault. You can also use tamed creatures like Megalosaurus or Baryonyx, which are effective in cave environments, to patrol your base and deter attackers.
Tribe considerations are important for cave bases. In a tribe, assign specific roles for base maintenance, defense, and resource gathering. Communication is key, especially during raids. For solo players, focus on simplicity and efficiency. Build only what you need and prioritize defenses that donÔÇÖt require constant upkeep.
A specific example is building in the Central Cave on The Island. This cave has multiple entrances, so youÔÇÖll need to secure each one. Use metal gates and turrets to block off the main entrance, and place plant species X near the smaller entrances. Inside, build a multi-level base with storage and crafting areas on the lower levels and living quarters above. Use a combination of turrets and tamed creatures like Sabertooths for defense.
In conclusion, building a cave base in ARK requires careful planning, resource management, and strategic defense. By understanding the mechanics, avoiding common mistakes, and using advanced techniques, you can create a secure and functional base that leverages the natural advantages of caves. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, a well-built cave base can be a formidable stronghold in the world of ARK.