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 durable materials. 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, structure design, and defensive measures.

First, choose a location that minimizes the risk of Thylacoleo encounters. Thylacoleos are commonly found in redwood forests, so avoid building your base in or near these areas if possible. Instead, opt for open areas like beaches, plains, or mountains where Thylacoleos are less likely to spawn. If you must build near a redwood forest, ensure your base is at least a safe distance away from the trees where Thylacoleos can hide.

Next, focus on the materials you use for your base. Thatch and wood structures are easily destroyed by Thylacoleos, so prioritize stone or metal for your walls, ceilings, and foundations. Stone is a good early-game option, but metal is the most durable and resistant to attacks. Gather resources like stone, metal, and cementing paste to craft these structures. Cementing paste can be obtained by harvesting beaver dams or by combining chitin/keratin with stone in a mortar and pestle or chemistry bench.

When designing your base, ensure it has multiple layers of defense. Start with a strong perimeter wall made of stone or metal. The wall should be at least two walls high to prevent Thylacoleos from jumping over it. Add a roof or ceiling to your base to prevent Thylacoleos from climbing or pouncing from above. If you are building in a forested area, consider clearing the trees around your base to eliminate potential ambush points.

Incorporate defensive structures like spike walls or plant species X around your base. Spike walls can deter Thylacoleos from approaching, while plant species X can shoot projectiles at incoming threats. Plant species X requires fertilizer and water, so set up an irrigation system or place water reservoirs nearby. Additionally, tamed dinosaurs like Rexes, Allosaurus, or Carnotaurus can serve as guards around your base. Place them on neutral or aggressive settings to attack any Thylacoleos that come too close.

Power systems and turrets can also enhance your base's defense. Once you have access to electricity, set up auto-turrets or heavy turrets around your base. These turrets will automatically target and shoot at hostile creatures, including Thylacoleos. Ensure you have a reliable power source, such as a generator, and enough ammunition to keep the turrets operational.

Resource management is crucial for maintaining a secure base. Stockpile materials like metal, cementing paste, and electronics to repair and upgrade your structures as needed. Use storage boxes or vaults to organize your resources and keep them safe from raids or theft. If you are playing solo, prioritize gathering and crafting efficiency by using tools like the metal pickaxe, chainsaw, or an Argentavis for transporting heavy materials.

Common mistakes to avoid include building too close to redwood forests, using weak materials like thatch or wood, and neglecting perimeter defenses. Thylacoleos are persistent and can quickly destroy poorly constructed bases. Always prioritize durability and multiple layers of defense to keep them at bay.

Advanced techniques include using behemoth gates for larger bases, creating kill zones with traps, and setting up a network of turrets for maximum coverage. Behemoth gates are ideal for enclosing large areas and can be paired with smaller gates for added security. Kill zones can be created by funneling enemies through narrow pathways lined with spike walls or plant species X. For tribes, coordinate with your members to assign roles such as resource gathering, base construction, and defense management. Solo players should focus on efficiency and prioritize essential structures first.

In summary, building a base safe from Thylacoleo attacks requires careful planning, durable materials, and multiple layers of defense. Choose a safe location, use stone or metal structures, and incorporate defensive measures like spike walls, plant species X, and turrets. Manage your resources effectively and avoid common mistakes to ensure your base remains secure. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, these strategies will help you create a stronghold that can withstand the dangers of ARK: Survival Evolved.