What is the best way to build a base in the underwater caves in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Building a base in the underwater caves of ARK: Survival Evolved is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. These caves offer unique advantages, such as natural defenses and access to rare resources, but they also come with significant risks, including hostile creatures, limited oxygen, and the constant threat of flooding. To successfully build an underwater cave base, you need to carefully plan and execute your strategy, taking into account the specific mechanics and challenges of underwater environments.
First, you need to understand the mechanics of building underwater. Unlike land-based structures, underwater bases require special considerations for oxygen and pressure. You will need a reliable source of oxygen, such as a scuba tank or a tamed aquatic creature like an Ichthyosaurus or a Basilosaurus, which can provide oxygen while you work. Additionally, building underwater can be slower and more resource-intensive, as you will need to gather materials while managing your oxygen levels. It is also important to note that some underwater caves have restricted building zones, so you should scout the area beforehand to ensure you can place structures where you need them.
To begin, gather the necessary resources. You will need a substantial amount of stone, metal, and cementing paste to build a durable base. Stone structures are a good starting point, but metal is recommended for long-term durability, especially in PvP scenarios. Cementing paste can be obtained by harvesting chitin or keratin from creatures like Trilobites, Araneos, or Beavers, or by crafting it using stone and chitin in a Mortar and Pestle or Chemistry Bench. You will also need a good supply of wood and thatch for temporary structures and scaffolding.
Once you have gathered your resources, scout the underwater cave to find a suitable location. Look for a spot that is relatively flat and has enough space for your base. Avoid areas with strong currents or frequent spawns of hostile creatures like Megalodons or Eels. Once you have chosen a location, start by placing foundations. Underwater foundations can be tricky to place, so you may need to use pillars or ceilings to create a stable base. Make sure to build walls and ceilings to enclose your base and protect it from flooding and hostile creatures.
Next, focus on oxygen management. You can place air tanks or oxygen tanks inside your base to provide a steady supply of oxygen. Alternatively, you can use a tamed Basilosaurus, which provides a bubble of oxygen around it, allowing you to breathe while inside the bubble. You can also place a bed or sleeping bag inside your base to serve as a respawn point, ensuring you can quickly return if you die while building or exploring.
Defense is crucial for an underwater cave base. Hostile creatures can easily destroy your structures if they are not properly defended. Place turrets or plant species X around your base to deter attackers. You can also tame and station aquatic creatures like Megalodons or Tusoteuthis near your base to provide additional protection. Make sure to build multiple layers of walls and gates to create a secure perimeter.
Resource management is another important consideration. Underwater caves often contain valuable resources like oil, silica pearls, and black pearls, but gathering these resources can be dangerous. Use tamed creatures like Ankylosaurs or Dunkleosteus to gather resources more efficiently and safely. You can also place storage boxes or vaults inside your base to store your resources and keep them organized.
When building an underwater cave base, there are several common mistakes to avoid. One of the most common mistakes is underestimating the amount of resources needed. Underwater bases require a lot of materials, so make sure you have a steady supply before you start building. Another mistake is not properly defending your base. Hostile creatures and other players can easily destroy an undefended base, so make sure to invest in strong defenses. Finally, avoid building in areas with restricted building zones, as this can prevent you from placing structures where you need them.
Advanced techniques for optimizing your underwater cave base include using tek structures, which are more durable and provide additional functionality. Tek generators can power your base without the need for fuel, and tek forcefields can provide an additional layer of defense. You can also use tek teleporters to quickly travel between your underwater base and other locations on the map.
If you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your tribe members to gather resources and defend your base. Assign specific roles, such as resource gatherers, builders, and defenders, to ensure everyone contributes to the success of the base. If you are playing solo, focus on building a smaller, more manageable base and prioritize defense and resource management.
In conclusion, building a base in the underwater caves of ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and defense strategies. By understanding the mechanics of underwater building, gathering the necessary resources, and defending your base from hostile creatures and players, you can create a secure and functional underwater base. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, following these steps and avoiding common mistakes will help you succeed in this challenging but rewarding endeavor.
First, you need to understand the mechanics of building underwater. Unlike land-based structures, underwater bases require special considerations for oxygen and pressure. You will need a reliable source of oxygen, such as a scuba tank or a tamed aquatic creature like an Ichthyosaurus or a Basilosaurus, which can provide oxygen while you work. Additionally, building underwater can be slower and more resource-intensive, as you will need to gather materials while managing your oxygen levels. It is also important to note that some underwater caves have restricted building zones, so you should scout the area beforehand to ensure you can place structures where you need them.
To begin, gather the necessary resources. You will need a substantial amount of stone, metal, and cementing paste to build a durable base. Stone structures are a good starting point, but metal is recommended for long-term durability, especially in PvP scenarios. Cementing paste can be obtained by harvesting chitin or keratin from creatures like Trilobites, Araneos, or Beavers, or by crafting it using stone and chitin in a Mortar and Pestle or Chemistry Bench. You will also need a good supply of wood and thatch for temporary structures and scaffolding.
Once you have gathered your resources, scout the underwater cave to find a suitable location. Look for a spot that is relatively flat and has enough space for your base. Avoid areas with strong currents or frequent spawns of hostile creatures like Megalodons or Eels. Once you have chosen a location, start by placing foundations. Underwater foundations can be tricky to place, so you may need to use pillars or ceilings to create a stable base. Make sure to build walls and ceilings to enclose your base and protect it from flooding and hostile creatures.
Next, focus on oxygen management. You can place air tanks or oxygen tanks inside your base to provide a steady supply of oxygen. Alternatively, you can use a tamed Basilosaurus, which provides a bubble of oxygen around it, allowing you to breathe while inside the bubble. You can also place a bed or sleeping bag inside your base to serve as a respawn point, ensuring you can quickly return if you die while building or exploring.
Defense is crucial for an underwater cave base. Hostile creatures can easily destroy your structures if they are not properly defended. Place turrets or plant species X around your base to deter attackers. You can also tame and station aquatic creatures like Megalodons or Tusoteuthis near your base to provide additional protection. Make sure to build multiple layers of walls and gates to create a secure perimeter.
Resource management is another important consideration. Underwater caves often contain valuable resources like oil, silica pearls, and black pearls, but gathering these resources can be dangerous. Use tamed creatures like Ankylosaurs or Dunkleosteus to gather resources more efficiently and safely. You can also place storage boxes or vaults inside your base to store your resources and keep them organized.
When building an underwater cave base, there are several common mistakes to avoid. One of the most common mistakes is underestimating the amount of resources needed. Underwater bases require a lot of materials, so make sure you have a steady supply before you start building. Another mistake is not properly defending your base. Hostile creatures and other players can easily destroy an undefended base, so make sure to invest in strong defenses. Finally, avoid building in areas with restricted building zones, as this can prevent you from placing structures where you need them.
Advanced techniques for optimizing your underwater cave base include using tek structures, which are more durable and provide additional functionality. Tek generators can power your base without the need for fuel, and tek forcefields can provide an additional layer of defense. You can also use tek teleporters to quickly travel between your underwater base and other locations on the map.
If you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your tribe members to gather resources and defend your base. Assign specific roles, such as resource gatherers, builders, and defenders, to ensure everyone contributes to the success of the base. If you are playing solo, focus on building a smaller, more manageable base and prioritize defense and resource management.
In conclusion, building a base in the underwater caves of ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and defense strategies. By understanding the mechanics of underwater building, gathering the necessary resources, and defending your base from hostile creatures and players, you can create a secure and functional underwater base. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, following these steps and avoiding common mistakes will help you succeed in this challenging but rewarding endeavor.