What is the best material to use for early-game base building in ARK: Survival Evolved?
In ARK: Survival Evolved, early-game base building is critical for survival, as it provides shelter from the elements, hostile creatures, and other players in PvP scenarios. The best material to use for early-game base building is wood, as it strikes a balance between durability, resource availability, and ease of construction. Wood structures are stronger than thatch and can withstand attacks from smaller creatures, making them a reliable choice for beginners. However, wood is still vulnerable to stronger predators and players with advanced tools, so upgrading to stone or metal later is essential for long-term security.
To start building a wooden base, you will need to gather resources. Wood is obtained by chopping down trees using tools like a stone hatchet or a metal hatchet, which is more efficient. You will also need thatch, which is a byproduct of chopping trees, and fiber, which is gathered by harvesting bushes with your hands or a sickle. Once you have enough resources, open your inventory and craft a foundation, walls, a doorframe, and a door. Place the foundation on flat ground to ensure stability, then attach walls and the doorframe. Finally, place the door in the doorframe to secure your base.
When building your base, consider its location carefully. Choose a spot near essential resources like water, trees, and rocks, but avoid areas with high concentrations of dangerous creatures. Building near a water source is particularly important for hydration and irrigation if you plan to farm crops later. Additionally, try to place your base in a defensible position, such as on a hill or near natural barriers like cliffs, to make it harder for predators or raiders to attack.
One common mistake early players make is building too large or too complex a base right away. A smaller, well-defended base is more manageable and easier to protect than a sprawling structure. Focus on creating a compact shelter with enough space for storage, crafting stations, and a bed for respawning. As you progress, you can expand your base or build additional structures nearby.
Resource management is crucial in the early game. Always gather more materials than you think you need, as building and repairing structures can quickly deplete your supplies. Use storage boxes to organize your resources and keep them safe from theft or destruction. If you are playing solo, prioritize crafting a bed early on, as it allows you to respawn at your base if you die. For tribes, assign roles to members to streamline resource gathering and base construction. For example, one player can focus on gathering wood and thatch, while another collects stone and fiber.
Advanced techniques for early-game base building include using pillars and ceilings to create multi-level structures or elevated platforms. This can provide additional storage space or a vantage point for spotting threats. You can also use fences or spike walls around your base to deter smaller creatures from getting too close. If you have tamed dinosaurs, consider placing them near your base for added protection. Herbivores like Trikes or Stegos can defend against smaller predators, while carnivores like Raptors can handle larger threats.
Upgrading to stone structures should be a priority once you have a stable wooden base. Stone is much more durable and resistant to attacks from most creatures and players with primitive weapons. To gather stone, use a pickaxe on rocks or boulders. You will also need thatch and wood to craft stone structures, so continue gathering these resources as you progress.
In summary, wood is the best material for early-game base building due to its balance of durability and accessibility. Focus on gathering resources efficiently, choosing a strategic location, and building a compact, defensible structure. Avoid common mistakes like overbuilding or neglecting resource management, and consider advanced techniques like multi-level structures or defensive dinosaurs. As you progress, prioritize upgrading to stone for better protection and longevity. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, careful planning and resource management will ensure your base serves as a secure and functional hub for survival and progression in ARK: Survival Evolved.
To start building a wooden base, you will need to gather resources. Wood is obtained by chopping down trees using tools like a stone hatchet or a metal hatchet, which is more efficient. You will also need thatch, which is a byproduct of chopping trees, and fiber, which is gathered by harvesting bushes with your hands or a sickle. Once you have enough resources, open your inventory and craft a foundation, walls, a doorframe, and a door. Place the foundation on flat ground to ensure stability, then attach walls and the doorframe. Finally, place the door in the doorframe to secure your base.
When building your base, consider its location carefully. Choose a spot near essential resources like water, trees, and rocks, but avoid areas with high concentrations of dangerous creatures. Building near a water source is particularly important for hydration and irrigation if you plan to farm crops later. Additionally, try to place your base in a defensible position, such as on a hill or near natural barriers like cliffs, to make it harder for predators or raiders to attack.
One common mistake early players make is building too large or too complex a base right away. A smaller, well-defended base is more manageable and easier to protect than a sprawling structure. Focus on creating a compact shelter with enough space for storage, crafting stations, and a bed for respawning. As you progress, you can expand your base or build additional structures nearby.
Resource management is crucial in the early game. Always gather more materials than you think you need, as building and repairing structures can quickly deplete your supplies. Use storage boxes to organize your resources and keep them safe from theft or destruction. If you are playing solo, prioritize crafting a bed early on, as it allows you to respawn at your base if you die. For tribes, assign roles to members to streamline resource gathering and base construction. For example, one player can focus on gathering wood and thatch, while another collects stone and fiber.
Advanced techniques for early-game base building include using pillars and ceilings to create multi-level structures or elevated platforms. This can provide additional storage space or a vantage point for spotting threats. You can also use fences or spike walls around your base to deter smaller creatures from getting too close. If you have tamed dinosaurs, consider placing them near your base for added protection. Herbivores like Trikes or Stegos can defend against smaller predators, while carnivores like Raptors can handle larger threats.
Upgrading to stone structures should be a priority once you have a stable wooden base. Stone is much more durable and resistant to attacks from most creatures and players with primitive weapons. To gather stone, use a pickaxe on rocks or boulders. You will also need thatch and wood to craft stone structures, so continue gathering these resources as you progress.
In summary, wood is the best material for early-game base building due to its balance of durability and accessibility. Focus on gathering resources efficiently, choosing a strategic location, and building a compact, defensible structure. Avoid common mistakes like overbuilding or neglecting resource management, and consider advanced techniques like multi-level structures or defensive dinosaurs. As you progress, prioritize upgrading to stone for better protection and longevity. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, careful planning and resource management will ensure your base serves as a secure and functional hub for survival and progression in ARK: Survival Evolved.