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

Building a base that is safe from Ice Wyverns in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and strategic placement. Ice Wyverns are aggressive, flying creatures that can deal significant damage to structures and tames, especially in the colder regions of the map. To protect your base from these threats, you need to focus on location, materials, defenses, and overall design.

First, choose a location that minimizes the risk of Ice Wyvern encounters. Ice Wyverns are typically found in snowy or icy biomes, such as the Snow Dome or the Frozen Tooth on The Island map. Avoid building too close to their spawn points. Instead, consider setting up your base in a nearby but safer area, such as a forest or mountain edge, where you can still access resources but are less likely to attract their attention. If you must build in a snowy biome, ensure your base is well-insulated with structures like the Tek Generator or campfires to prevent freezing.

Next, focus on the materials you use for your base. Ice Wyverns can damage thatch, wood, and even stone structures, so prioritize metal or Tek-tier materials for your walls, ceilings, and foundations. Metal structures are highly resistant to most creature attacks, including Ice Wyverns, and provide a strong defense. If you are early in the game and cannot access metal, use stone as a temporary solution, but upgrade to metal as soon as possible.

Defensive structures are critical for protecting your base. Place turrets, both auto and heavy, around the perimeter of your base to deter Ice Wyverns. Turrets should be set to target flying creatures and have a clear line of sight to the sky. Additionally, consider using Plant Species X, which can slow down and damage incoming threats. Combine these defenses with high walls or a roof to prevent Ice Wyverns from landing inside your base. If you have tames, keep them in a secure pen with high walls and a roof to protect them from aerial attacks.

Resource management is key to building a safe base. Gather large amounts of metal, polymer, and cementing paste to craft metal structures and turrets. Use an Ankylosaurus for efficient metal gathering, a Doedicurus for stone, and a Beaver or Therizinosaurus for wood and thatch. Stockpile resources in vaults or storage boxes to ensure you have enough materials for repairs and upgrades.

When designing your base, consider its layout. A compact, multi-layered base with overlapping defenses is harder for Ice Wyverns to breach. Use multiple layers of walls and ceilings to create redundancy in case one layer is damaged. Place crafting stations, storage, and tames in the center of your base, surrounded by defensive structures. This design minimizes the risk of losing critical resources or tames during an attack.

Common mistakes to avoid include building too close to Ice Wyvern spawns, using weak materials like thatch or wood, and neglecting turret placement. Another mistake is underestimating the range and aggression of Ice Wyverns. Always scout the area before building and ensure your defenses are active and well-maintained.

Advanced techniques include using Tek structures for added durability and functionality. Tek forcefields can provide an additional layer of protection, while Tek turrets offer superior firepower. If you are in a tribe, coordinate with your members to gather resources and build defenses efficiently. Solo players should focus on smaller, more manageable bases with concentrated defenses.

In summary, building a base safe from Ice Wyverns requires careful planning, strong materials, and robust defenses. Choose a safe location, use metal or Tek structures, and place turrets and Plant Species X around your base. Manage your resources effectively, design your base with redundancy in mind, and avoid common mistakes. With these strategies, you can create a secure base that withstands the threat of Ice Wyverns and other dangers in ARK: Survival Evolved.