What are the best ways to build a base in the Ragnarok map in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Building a base in the Ragnarok map of ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and strategic placement to ensure survival against both environmental threats and other players. Ragnarok is a large and diverse map with varied biomes, including deserts, jungles, highlands, and snowy mountains, so choosing the right location is critical. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you build a secure and functional base.

First, you need to select a location. Ragnarok offers many ideal spots, but some of the best include the Highlands, Viking Bay, and the Jungle. The Highlands provide flat terrain, abundant resources, and access to water, making it a great starting area. Viking Bay is another excellent choice due to its proximity to the ocean, which allows for easy access to aquatic resources. The Jungle biome is rich in resources but is more dangerous due to predators like raptors and carnos. Once youÔÇÖve chosen a location, scout the area for nearby threats and resource availability.

Next, gather the necessary resources. Early on, youÔÇÖll need wood, thatch, stone, and fiber. Use a pickaxe to gather stone and flint, an axe for wood and thatch, and your hands or a sickle for fiber. As you progress, youÔÇÖll need metal, which can be found in rocky areas or mountains. Smelting metal requires a forge, so prioritize building one early. Cementing paste, a crucial resource for advanced structures, can be obtained by combining chitin or keratin with stone in a mortar and pestle or by harvesting beaver dams.

Start with a simple thatch or wood structure to protect yourself from the elements and hostile creatures. A 2x2 or 3x3 foundation with walls, a roof, and a door is a good starting point. As you gather more resources, upgrade to stone structures for better durability. Stone is resistant to most early-game threats, including small predators and environmental hazards. Avoid building entirely out of wood, as it is vulnerable to fire and can be easily destroyed by stronger creatures.

Defense is a key consideration. Build walls around your base to keep out predators and hostile players. Add a gate for easy access and consider placing spike walls or plant species X turrets for additional protection. Tamed dinosaurs like trikes or raptors can also serve as guards. If youÔÇÖre playing on a PvP server, invest in metal structures and turrets as soon as possible to defend against raiders.

Power systems are essential for advanced base functionality. Generators are the most common power source, but they require gasoline, which is made from oil and hide in a refining forge. Wind turbines are a renewable option on Ragnarok, as the map has consistent wind in certain areas. Use electrical cables to connect power sources to devices like refrigerators, fabricators, and turrets.

Storage and organization are crucial for efficient resource management. Use storage boxes, preserving bins, and vaults to keep your items safe and organized. Label your storage containers to make finding resources easier. Preserving bins are especially important for storing perishable items like meat and berries.

Common mistakes to avoid include building too close to resource-rich areas, which can attract unwanted attention, and neglecting to upgrade your structures. Always prioritize upgrading to stronger materials like stone and metal as soon as possible. Another mistake is overextending your base too early, which can make it difficult to defend. Start small and expand gradually as you gather more resources and tame stronger dinosaurs.

Advanced techniques include using cliff platforms or tree platforms to build in hard-to-reach areas, which can provide additional security. You can also use water pipes and irrigation systems to grow crops for a sustainable food source. For PvP, consider building hidden or underwater bases to avoid detection.

Resource requirements vary depending on the size and complexity of your base. A small stone base might require 500 stone, 200 wood, and 100 thatch, while a large metal base could require thousands of metal ingots, cementing paste, and polymer. Always gather more resources than you think youÔÇÖll need to account for unexpected challenges.

Tribe considerations include dividing tasks among members to speed up resource gathering and base construction. Solo players should focus on efficiency and prioritize taming dinosaurs that can help with gathering and defense. For example, an ankylosaurus is excellent for mining metal, while a doedicurus is ideal for gathering stone.

In summary, building a base in Ragnarok requires careful planning, resource management, and strategic placement. Choose a safe location, gather resources efficiently, and prioritize defense and upgrades. Avoid common mistakes like building too close to dangerous areas or neglecting to upgrade your structures. Use advanced techniques like cliff platforms or hidden bases for added security, and consider tribe dynamics if playing with others. With these strategies, you can create a secure and functional base to thrive in the dangerous world of ARK: Survival Evolved.