How do I create a water-based base in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Creating a water-based base in ARK: Survival Evolved is a unique and challenging endeavor that requires careful planning, resource management, and an understanding of the game's building mechanics. Water bases are ideal for players who want to take advantage of the ocean's resources, such as underwater caves, oil nodes, and pearl deposits, while also providing a secure location that is harder for land-based threats to reach. Below is a detailed guide on how to create a water-based base, covering mechanics, strategies, tips, and considerations.
To start, you need to understand the mechanics of building on water. Unlike land bases, water bases require foundations that can float or be placed underwater. The primary structures for water bases are the Wooden Raft, Motorboat, and Platform Saddles for certain aquatic creatures like the Mosasaur or Megalodon. The Wooden Raft is the simplest option for beginners, as it allows you to build a small mobile base on the water. However, for a more permanent and expansive water base, you will need to use the Motorboat or Platform Saddles. These structures allow you to place foundations, walls, ceilings, and other building pieces directly on the water or underwater.
The first step in creating a water base is to gather the necessary resources. For a Wooden Raft, you will need 200 Wood, 75 Fiber, and 20 Hide. For a Motorboat, the requirements are more advanced, including 250 Metal Ingots, 400 Wood, 150 Fiber, and 100 Hide. If you plan to use a Platform Saddle, you will need to tame a large aquatic creature like a Mosasaur or Megalodon, which requires Tranquilizer Arrows or Darts, Narcotics, and a significant amount of time and effort. Once you have your base structure ready, you can start building. Begin by placing foundations on the raft, boat, or platform saddle. These foundations will serve as the base for your walls, ceilings, and other structures.
When building on water, it is important to consider the stability and durability of your base. Water bases are vulnerable to attacks from aquatic creatures like Megalodons, Leedsichthys, and even other players. To protect your base, you should build walls and ceilings around the perimeter. Stone or metal structures are recommended for their durability, as they can withstand more damage than wood or thatch. Additionally, you can place Turrets or Plant Species X around your base to deter hostile creatures and players. If you are using a Platform Saddle, you can also tame and station defensive creatures like Tusoteuthis or Basilosaurus to guard your base.
Resource management is crucial for maintaining a water base. Since water bases are often located far from land, you will need to plan for resource gathering and storage. Build storage boxes, preserving bins, and refrigerators to store food, water, and other essential items. You can also place Water Reservoirs to collect rainwater, which is especially useful in ocean biomes where freshwater is scarce. For power, consider using a Generator or Wind Turbine, depending on the map and available resources. Solar Panels are less effective on water due to their reliance on sunlight, so Wind Turbines are often the better option.
One common mistake to avoid is building too close to the shore or in shallow water. This makes your base more accessible to land-based threats and limits your ability to expand. Instead, choose a location in deeper water, preferably near underwater caves or resource-rich areas. Another mistake is neglecting to secure your base against Leedsichthys, a large fish that can destroy rafts and boats. To avoid this, build your base on a Platform Saddle or use Metal Foundations, as Leedsichthys cannot damage metal structures.
Advanced techniques for water bases include using underwater foundations and pillars to create multi-level structures. This allows you to build above and below the waterline, providing more space for crafting stations, storage, and defenses. You can also use Tek Structures for a high-tech water base, though these require advanced resources and engrams. Additionally, consider taming aquatic creatures like the Anglerfish for underwater resource gathering or the Dunkleosteus for oil and stone collection. These creatures can significantly enhance your resource management and base efficiency.
Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, communication and coordination are key to building and maintaining a water base. In a tribe, assign roles such as resource gatherer, builder, and defender to ensure that all tasks are covered. Solo players should focus on efficiency and prioritize essential structures like storage, defenses, and crafting stations. Regardless of your playstyle, always be prepared for raids and attacks, as water bases are often targeted by other players due to their valuable resources.
In conclusion, creating a water-based base in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and a solid understanding of the game's building mechanics. By following the steps and strategies outlined above, you can build a secure and functional base on the water, taking full advantage of the ocean's resources and unique challenges. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, a water base offers a rewarding and exciting way to experience the game.
To start, you need to understand the mechanics of building on water. Unlike land bases, water bases require foundations that can float or be placed underwater. The primary structures for water bases are the Wooden Raft, Motorboat, and Platform Saddles for certain aquatic creatures like the Mosasaur or Megalodon. The Wooden Raft is the simplest option for beginners, as it allows you to build a small mobile base on the water. However, for a more permanent and expansive water base, you will need to use the Motorboat or Platform Saddles. These structures allow you to place foundations, walls, ceilings, and other building pieces directly on the water or underwater.
The first step in creating a water base is to gather the necessary resources. For a Wooden Raft, you will need 200 Wood, 75 Fiber, and 20 Hide. For a Motorboat, the requirements are more advanced, including 250 Metal Ingots, 400 Wood, 150 Fiber, and 100 Hide. If you plan to use a Platform Saddle, you will need to tame a large aquatic creature like a Mosasaur or Megalodon, which requires Tranquilizer Arrows or Darts, Narcotics, and a significant amount of time and effort. Once you have your base structure ready, you can start building. Begin by placing foundations on the raft, boat, or platform saddle. These foundations will serve as the base for your walls, ceilings, and other structures.
When building on water, it is important to consider the stability and durability of your base. Water bases are vulnerable to attacks from aquatic creatures like Megalodons, Leedsichthys, and even other players. To protect your base, you should build walls and ceilings around the perimeter. Stone or metal structures are recommended for their durability, as they can withstand more damage than wood or thatch. Additionally, you can place Turrets or Plant Species X around your base to deter hostile creatures and players. If you are using a Platform Saddle, you can also tame and station defensive creatures like Tusoteuthis or Basilosaurus to guard your base.
Resource management is crucial for maintaining a water base. Since water bases are often located far from land, you will need to plan for resource gathering and storage. Build storage boxes, preserving bins, and refrigerators to store food, water, and other essential items. You can also place Water Reservoirs to collect rainwater, which is especially useful in ocean biomes where freshwater is scarce. For power, consider using a Generator or Wind Turbine, depending on the map and available resources. Solar Panels are less effective on water due to their reliance on sunlight, so Wind Turbines are often the better option.
One common mistake to avoid is building too close to the shore or in shallow water. This makes your base more accessible to land-based threats and limits your ability to expand. Instead, choose a location in deeper water, preferably near underwater caves or resource-rich areas. Another mistake is neglecting to secure your base against Leedsichthys, a large fish that can destroy rafts and boats. To avoid this, build your base on a Platform Saddle or use Metal Foundations, as Leedsichthys cannot damage metal structures.
Advanced techniques for water bases include using underwater foundations and pillars to create multi-level structures. This allows you to build above and below the waterline, providing more space for crafting stations, storage, and defenses. You can also use Tek Structures for a high-tech water base, though these require advanced resources and engrams. Additionally, consider taming aquatic creatures like the Anglerfish for underwater resource gathering or the Dunkleosteus for oil and stone collection. These creatures can significantly enhance your resource management and base efficiency.
Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, communication and coordination are key to building and maintaining a water base. In a tribe, assign roles such as resource gatherer, builder, and defender to ensure that all tasks are covered. Solo players should focus on efficiency and prioritize essential structures like storage, defenses, and crafting stations. Regardless of your playstyle, always be prepared for raids and attacks, as water bases are often targeted by other players due to their valuable resources.
In conclusion, creating a water-based base in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and a solid understanding of the game's building mechanics. By following the steps and strategies outlined above, you can build a secure and functional base on the water, taking full advantage of the ocean's resources and unique challenges. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, a water base offers a rewarding and exciting way to experience the game.