What is the best material to use for early-game base building in ARK: Survival Evolved?

In ARK: Survival Evolved, early-game base building is critical for survival, as it provides shelter from the elements, hostile creatures, and other players in PvP scenarios. The best material to use for early-game base building is wood, as it strikes a balance between durability, resource availability, and ease of construction. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to build an effective early-game base using wood, along with tips and strategies to optimize your efforts.

To start building a wooden base, youÔÇÖll need to gather resources. Wood is the primary material, which you can obtain by chopping down trees using a Stone Hatchet or a Metal Hatchet if youÔÇÖve progressed far enough. YouÔÇÖll also need Thatch, which is gathered alongside wood when chopping trees, and Fiber, which can be collected from bushes using your hands or a tool like the Sickle. Additionally, youÔÇÖll need Stone, which is gathered by hitting rocks with a Pickaxe. These resources are essential for crafting the basic building structures like foundations, walls, ceilings, and doors.

The first step is to craft a Wooden Foundation, which serves as the base for your structure. Place the foundation on flat ground to ensure stability and avoid uneven structures. Once the foundation is down, you can add walls, ceilings, and a doorframe with a door to enclose the space. A simple 2x2 or 3x3 structure is ideal for early-game, as it provides enough room for storage, crafting stations, and sleeping bags or beds. Make sure to include a roof to protect against flying creatures and weather effects like rain.

When building, always prioritize durability and accessibility. Wood structures are more durable than Thatch but can still be destroyed by stronger creatures or players. To mitigate this, consider placing your base in a less exposed location, such as near cliffs or dense forests, to reduce the chances of being spotted by hostile players or predators. Additionally, avoid building too close to resource-rich areas like metal nodes or water sources, as these are high-traffic zones that may attract unwanted attention.

Resource management is key in early-game base building. Always gather more materials than you think youÔÇÖll need, as you may need to expand or repair your base later. Keep a storage box inside your base to store excess resources and tools. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, focus on building a compact and efficient base to minimize resource consumption. If youÔÇÖre in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to gather resources faster and build a larger, more secure base.

One common mistake early-game players make is neglecting base defense. While wood structures are relatively sturdy, they can still be broken by aggressive dinosaurs or raiders. To improve your baseÔÇÖs security, consider taming a few defensive creatures like Dilophosaurs or Raptors and placing them near your base. You can also build a Wooden Spike Wall around the perimeter to deter smaller creatures. Additionally, avoid leaving your base unattended for long periods, as this increases the risk of being raided.

As you progress, youÔÇÖll want to upgrade your base to stone or metal for better durability. However, wood remains a viable option for early-game due to its accessibility and ease of use. To optimize your wood base, consider adding a second floor or a watchtower for better visibility of your surroundings. You can also use Wooden Pillars to create multi-level structures or support larger buildings.

In summary, wood is the best material for early-game base building in ARK: Survival Evolved due to its balance of durability and resource availability. Focus on gathering wood, thatch, fiber, and stone to craft a simple yet functional base. Prioritize location, resource management, and basic defenses to ensure your survival. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, these strategies will help you establish a strong foundation for your adventures in the world of ARK.