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

Building a base that is safe from Dinopithecus raids in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, strategic placement, and the use of advanced defensive structures. Dinopithecus are highly aggressive creatures that can climb and jump over obstacles, making them particularly challenging to defend against. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you create a secure base.

First, you need to understand the mechanics of Dinopithecus behavior. These creatures are fast, agile, and can scale walls, so traditional defenses like simple walls or spikes may not be enough. They are also capable of throwing feces, which can dismount you from your tamed creatures or cause torpor, making it harder to fight back. To counter this, your base must be designed to limit their mobility and provide multiple layers of defense.

Start by choosing a location that is naturally defensible. High ground or areas surrounded by cliffs can make it harder for Dinopithecus to approach. Avoid building near dense forests or areas where they spawn frequently. Once youÔÇÖve selected a location, begin constructing your base with strong materials. Stone is the minimum requirement, but metal is highly recommended for walls, ceilings, and foundations. Metal structures are much harder for Dinopithecus to break through compared to wood or thatch.

Next, focus on creating multiple layers of defense. Build an outer wall that is at least two walls high to prevent Dinopithecus from jumping over. Use metal gates or behemoth gates for entrances, as they are more durable. Inside the outer wall, create a second layer of defense with another set of walls or structures. This inner layer should house your most valuable items and crafting stations. The idea is to slow down or stop Dinopithecus before they reach your core base.

To further enhance your defenses, consider using turrets. Auto-turrets or heavy turrets can be placed on walls or ceilings to target Dinopithecus as they approach. Make sure to power these turrets with a reliable source of electricity, such as a generator or wind turbine. Place the turrets in overlapping fields of fire to ensure no blind spots. Additionally, you can use plant species X, which can slow down and damage attackers. These plants require fertilizer and water, so set up an irrigation system or place water reservoirs nearby.

Another important aspect is the use of tamed creatures for defense. Large, aggressive dinosaurs like Rexes, Spinos, or Allosaurus can be stationed around your base to deter or fight off Dinopithecus. Smaller creatures like Velonasaurs can also be useful, as they can shoot projectiles at attackers. Make sure to set these creatures to aggressive or turret mode so they automatically engage threats.

Resource management is crucial when building a secure base. Gather large amounts of metal, cementing paste, and polymer to craft metal structures and turrets. Use an Ankylosaurus for efficient metal gathering and a Doedicurus for stone. Cementing paste can be obtained from beaver dams or by crafting it using chitin and stone in a mortar and pestle or chemistry bench. Polymer can be harvested from organic sources like Kairuku or crafted using obsidian and cementing paste.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the mobility of Dinopithecus and relying solely on single-layer defenses. Always assume they can climb or jump over obstacles, so plan accordingly. Another mistake is neglecting to secure your power supply. If your turrets or defenses lose power, your base becomes vulnerable. Always have backup generators or alternative power sources like solar panels.

For advanced techniques, consider using traps. Bear traps or large bear traps can immobilize Dinopithecus temporarily, giving you time to deal with them. You can also create kill zones by funneling attackers into narrow pathways lined with turrets and traps. Another advanced strategy is to build your base on a platform saddle of a Brontosaurus or Quetzal, making it mobile and harder for Dinopithecus to raid.

If you are playing solo, focus on building a compact, well-defended base. Prioritize essential structures and defenses to conserve resources. In a tribe, coordinate with members to gather materials and build more extensive defenses. Assign roles, such as one person gathering metal while another focuses on crafting turrets.

In specific scenarios, such as building in a cave, take advantage of natural chokepoints. Caves often have narrow entrances that can be fortified with walls and turrets. However, be aware that some caves have environmental hazards like lava or radiation, so plan accordingly.

In conclusion, building a base safe from Dinopithecus raids requires a combination of strong materials, layered defenses, turrets, tamed creatures, and strategic placement. By understanding their behavior and preparing thoroughly, you can create a secure base that withstands their attacks. Always be prepared to adapt and upgrade your defenses as you progress in the game.