How do I build a base that is safe from Thylacoleo attacks in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Building a base that is safe from Thylacoleo attacks in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, strategic placement, and the use of advanced building techniques. Thylacoleos are aggressive creatures that often ambush players from trees, making them a significant threat, especially in forested areas. To protect your base from these predators, you need to focus on location selection, defensive structures, and creature management.

First, choose a location that minimizes the risk of Thylacoleo encounters. Thylacoleos are commonly found in redwood forests, so avoid building your base directly in or near these areas. Instead, opt for open plains, beaches, or elevated plateaus where trees are sparse. If you must build near a forest, clear out nearby trees to reduce the chances of a Thylacoleo ambush. This not only removes their hiding spots but also provides you with wood for construction.

Next, focus on building strong defensive structures. Start with a solid foundation using stone or metal, as these materials are more durable than thatch or wood. Thylacoleos can deal significant damage to weaker structures, so upgrading to stone or metal early is crucial. Build walls at least two layers high to prevent Thylacoleos from jumping over them. Adding a roof or ceiling is also important, as Thylacoleos can climb and attack from above if given the opportunity.

To further secure your base, consider adding defensive turrets or plant species X around the perimeter. These can automatically target and deter Thylacoleos before they reach your walls. Plant species X is particularly useful because it can be grown in large quantities and requires minimal maintenance once established. Additionally, place spike walls or bear traps around the base to slow down or injure any Thylacoleos that get too close.

Resource management is key to building a safe base. Gather large amounts of stone, wood, and metal early on to ensure you have enough materials for upgrades. Use a pickaxe or hatchet to harvest resources efficiently, and consider taming a dinosaur like a Doedicurus or Ankylosaurus to help with gathering. These creatures can significantly speed up the process and reduce the time you spend exposed to danger.

When building your base, avoid common mistakes such as leaving gaps in your walls or using weak materials. Even a small opening can allow a Thylacoleo to slip through, so double-check your structures for any vulnerabilities. Also, avoid building too close to the ground, as Thylacoleos can climb low walls or structures. Elevating your base slightly can provide an extra layer of protection.

For advanced techniques, consider using behemoth gates or dino gates to create a secure perimeter. These large gates can accommodate tamed dinosaurs while keeping out hostile creatures. You can also use pillars and ceilings to create elevated platforms or watchtowers, giving you a better vantage point to spot and defend against Thylacoleos. Additionally, taming and placing aggressive dinosaurs like Rexes or Carnotaurus around your base can act as a deterrent, as they will attack any Thylacoleos that come too close.

If you are playing solo, prioritize building a smaller, more manageable base that you can defend on your own. Focus on essential structures like a crafting area, storage, and a secure sleeping area. For tribes, coordinate with your members to gather resources and build larger, more complex bases. Assign roles such as gatherers, builders, and defenders to ensure efficiency and safety.

In specific scenarios, such as building in a forested area, you may need to take extra precautions. For example, if you are building near the redwoods, consider creating a tree platform base. These elevated structures can keep you out of reach of ground-dwelling predators like Thylacoleos. However, be aware that Thylacoleos can still climb trees, so ensure your platform is high enough and well-defended.

In conclusion, building a base safe from Thylacoleo attacks requires careful planning, strong materials, and strategic defenses. Choose a safe location, use durable building materials, and implement defensive measures like turrets, plant species X, and tamed dinosaurs. Avoid common mistakes, manage your resources efficiently, and consider advanced techniques like elevated platforms or behemoth gates. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, these strategies will help you create a secure and functional base in ARK: Survival Evolved.