What are the best ways to cool down a base in hot biomes in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Cooling down a base in hot biomes in ARK: Survival Evolved is essential for survival, especially in areas like the desert or volcanic regions where temperatures can cause heatstroke, dehydration, and even death. The game's temperature mechanics are influenced by the biome, time of day, and weather conditions. To counteract the heat, players must use a combination of structures, items, and strategies to maintain a comfortable environment. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

First, understanding the mechanics of temperature is crucial. In ARK, your character has a temperature stat that fluctuates based on the environment. If the temperature is too high, your character will overheat, leading to rapid water loss and health damage. To mitigate this, you can use structures and items that provide insulation or cooling effects. The key is to balance your baseÔÇÖs insulation to counteract the heat.

One of the simplest ways to cool down a base is by using air conditioners. Air conditioners are electrical devices that provide a cooling effect in a radius around them. To use air conditioners, youÔÇÖll need to unlock the engram, which requires level 61 and 21 engram points. Crafting an air conditioner requires 25 metal ingots, 15 electronics, 10 polymer, and 5 crystal. Once placed, connect it to a power source like a generator or wind turbine. Air conditioners are highly effective, especially when placed in groups, as their cooling effects stack. For larger bases, you may need multiple air conditioners strategically placed to cover the entire area.

Another effective method is using adobe structures. Adobe is a building material that provides excellent insulation against heat. To craft adobe structures, youÔÇÖll need to unlock the adobe engrams, which are available at level 24. Adobe structures require clay, stone, and fiber to craft. Building your base with adobe walls, ceilings, and floors can significantly reduce the internal temperature, making it more comfortable to live in. Adobe is particularly useful in hot biomes because it naturally resists heat, unlike wood or metal, which can trap heat inside.

Water sources can also help cool down your base. Placing water reservoirs or water tanks near your base can create a cooling effect. Additionally, you can use water pipes to create a network that circulates water around your base, further reducing the temperature. Water is a renewable resource, so this method is sustainable in the long term. However, it requires careful planning and resource management to set up an efficient water system.

Fans are another option for cooling. Fans are electrical devices that provide a cooling effect similar to air conditioners but are less powerful. They are cheaper to craft, requiring only 10 metal ingots, 5 electronics, and 2 polymer. Fans are a good alternative if youÔÇÖre short on resources or donÔÇÖt have access to air conditioners yet. Place fans in key areas of your base to maximize their cooling effect.

When building in hot biomes, itÔÇÖs important to consider the layout of your base. Avoid building large, enclosed spaces without proper ventilation, as this can trap heat. Instead, design your base with open areas, windows, and ventilation shafts to allow air to circulate. This will help reduce the overall temperature inside your base. Additionally, placing your base in shaded areas, such as under cliffs or near large rocks, can provide natural cooling by blocking direct sunlight.

Resource management is critical when preparing to cool down your base. Gather materials like metal, electronics, and polymer in advance to craft air conditioners, fans, and other cooling devices. In hot biomes, resources like metal and crystal can be scarce, so plan your resource-gathering trips carefully. Tame dinosaurs like the Ankylosaurus for metal and the Doedicurus for stone to make resource gathering more efficient.

For tribes, coordinating resource gathering and base construction is essential. Assign roles to tribe members to ensure that everyone contributes to the cooling efforts. For solo players, focus on smaller, more manageable bases that require fewer resources to cool. Prioritize essential areas like crafting stations and storage rooms for cooling, rather than trying to cool the entire base at once.

Common mistakes to avoid include over-reliance on a single cooling method. For example, using only air conditioners without proper insulation can lead to inefficiency. Always combine multiple methods, such as adobe structures and air conditioners, for the best results. Another mistake is neglecting power management. Ensure that your cooling devices are connected to a reliable power source, and have backup generators or wind turbines in case of power outages.

Advanced techniques include using Tek structures, which provide superior insulation and cooling effects. Tek air conditioners, for example, are more efficient and have a larger cooling radius than regular air conditioners. However, Tek structures require advanced resources and are only available in the late game. Another advanced technique is using cryopods to store dinosaurs and reduce the heat generated by large numbers of creatures in your base.

In specific scenarios, such as the Scorched Earth map, cooling becomes even more critical due to the extreme heat. On this map, prioritize building with adobe and use multiple air conditioners to keep your base cool. Additionally, consider taming creatures like the Jerboa, which can provide weather alerts and help you prepare for heatwaves.

In conclusion, cooling down a base in hot biomes requires a combination of structures, items, and strategic planning. Use air conditioners, adobe structures, and water systems to create a comfortable environment. Manage your resources efficiently, and avoid common mistakes like over-reliance on a single cooling method. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, these strategies will help you survive and thrive in the hottest biomes of ARK: Survival Evolved.