How do I build a base on a cliffside in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Building a base on a cliffside in ARK: Survival Evolved can be a challenging but rewarding endeavor. Cliffside bases offer natural defenses, stunning views, and strategic advantages, but they also come with unique challenges such as limited space, difficult terrain, and potential fall risks. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you successfully build a cliffside base.
First, you need to understand the mechanics of building in ARK. Structures like foundations, walls, ceilings, and pillars are essential for creating a stable base. Foundations provide the base layer for your structures, but on uneven terrain like cliffs, you may need to use pillars or ceilings to create a level surface. Pillars can be snapped to foundations or ceilings to extend downward, allowing you to build on slopes or overhangs. Ceilings can be used to create platforms that extend outward from the cliff face, giving you more space to work with.
To start, scout a suitable cliffside location. Look for a spot with enough flat or semi-flat areas to place foundations or ceilings. Avoid areas with frequent spawns of aggressive creatures or too much foliage, as these can interfere with building. Once youÔÇÖve chosen a location, gather the necessary resources. For a basic cliffside base, youÔÇÖll need wood, thatch, stone, fiber, and possibly metal, depending on the tier of structures you plan to build. Early on, wood and thatch structures are easier to craft, but they are less durable. Stone structures offer better protection and are resistant to most wild creatures, while metal structures are the most durable and secure.
Begin by placing a foundation or ceiling at the edge of the cliff. If the terrain is too uneven, use pillars to create a stable platform. Extend the platform outward using ceilings, ensuring they are supported by pillars or snap points. Once you have a stable platform, build walls, ceilings, and other structures to enclose your base. Be mindful of the cliffÔÇÖs edge to avoid accidental falls. You can use railings or fences to create barriers around the perimeter for safety.
Resource management is crucial when building on a cliffside. Since cliffs are often remote, you may need to transport materials over long distances. Tamed dinosaurs like the Argentavis or Quetzal can help carry large amounts of resources, making the process more efficient. Additionally, consider setting up a small outpost near resource-rich areas to gather materials before transporting them to your cliffside base.
Defense is another important consideration. Cliffside bases are naturally harder to raid due to their elevation, but you should still take precautions. Build walls and gates to block access points, and consider placing turrets or plant species X around the perimeter. Tamed dinosaurs like Carnotaurus or Rexes can also serve as guards. If youÔÇÖre playing on a PvP server, camouflage your base by using natural terrain features like rocks or trees to hide structures.
Common mistakes to avoid include building too close to the edge, which can lead to accidental falls or structural instability. Also, avoid overextending your platform without proper support, as this can cause parts of your base to collapse. Always test the stability of your structures before committing to a full build.
Advanced techniques include using ramps or elevators to create multiple levels within your cliffside base. This maximizes space and allows for better organization. You can also use water pipes and cables creatively to bring water and electricity to your base, even in remote locations. For example, you can run pipes along the cliff face to connect to a nearby water source or use wind turbines for power if youÔÇÖre on a map with consistent wind.
If youÔÇÖre playing solo, focus on building a compact and efficient base to minimize resource usage. In a tribe, you can divide tasks like resource gathering, building, and defense among members to speed up the process. Communication is key to ensure everyone is on the same page.
A specific example of a cliffside base could be on The Island map, near the Hidden Lake. This location offers a flat area surrounded by cliffs, providing natural defenses and easy access to resources. You can build a platform extending over the cliff edge, with a main structure for crafting and storage, and a lower level for taming pens or gardens.
In conclusion, building a cliffside base in ARK requires careful planning, resource management, and creativity. By understanding the mechanics, using the right strategies, and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a secure and functional base that takes full advantage of the cliffside terrain. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, a well-built cliffside base can be a formidable stronghold in the world of ARK.
First, you need to understand the mechanics of building in ARK. Structures like foundations, walls, ceilings, and pillars are essential for creating a stable base. Foundations provide the base layer for your structures, but on uneven terrain like cliffs, you may need to use pillars or ceilings to create a level surface. Pillars can be snapped to foundations or ceilings to extend downward, allowing you to build on slopes or overhangs. Ceilings can be used to create platforms that extend outward from the cliff face, giving you more space to work with.
To start, scout a suitable cliffside location. Look for a spot with enough flat or semi-flat areas to place foundations or ceilings. Avoid areas with frequent spawns of aggressive creatures or too much foliage, as these can interfere with building. Once youÔÇÖve chosen a location, gather the necessary resources. For a basic cliffside base, youÔÇÖll need wood, thatch, stone, fiber, and possibly metal, depending on the tier of structures you plan to build. Early on, wood and thatch structures are easier to craft, but they are less durable. Stone structures offer better protection and are resistant to most wild creatures, while metal structures are the most durable and secure.
Begin by placing a foundation or ceiling at the edge of the cliff. If the terrain is too uneven, use pillars to create a stable platform. Extend the platform outward using ceilings, ensuring they are supported by pillars or snap points. Once you have a stable platform, build walls, ceilings, and other structures to enclose your base. Be mindful of the cliffÔÇÖs edge to avoid accidental falls. You can use railings or fences to create barriers around the perimeter for safety.
Resource management is crucial when building on a cliffside. Since cliffs are often remote, you may need to transport materials over long distances. Tamed dinosaurs like the Argentavis or Quetzal can help carry large amounts of resources, making the process more efficient. Additionally, consider setting up a small outpost near resource-rich areas to gather materials before transporting them to your cliffside base.
Defense is another important consideration. Cliffside bases are naturally harder to raid due to their elevation, but you should still take precautions. Build walls and gates to block access points, and consider placing turrets or plant species X around the perimeter. Tamed dinosaurs like Carnotaurus or Rexes can also serve as guards. If youÔÇÖre playing on a PvP server, camouflage your base by using natural terrain features like rocks or trees to hide structures.
Common mistakes to avoid include building too close to the edge, which can lead to accidental falls or structural instability. Also, avoid overextending your platform without proper support, as this can cause parts of your base to collapse. Always test the stability of your structures before committing to a full build.
Advanced techniques include using ramps or elevators to create multiple levels within your cliffside base. This maximizes space and allows for better organization. You can also use water pipes and cables creatively to bring water and electricity to your base, even in remote locations. For example, you can run pipes along the cliff face to connect to a nearby water source or use wind turbines for power if youÔÇÖre on a map with consistent wind.
If youÔÇÖre playing solo, focus on building a compact and efficient base to minimize resource usage. In a tribe, you can divide tasks like resource gathering, building, and defense among members to speed up the process. Communication is key to ensure everyone is on the same page.
A specific example of a cliffside base could be on The Island map, near the Hidden Lake. This location offers a flat area surrounded by cliffs, providing natural defenses and easy access to resources. You can build a platform extending over the cliff edge, with a main structure for crafting and storage, and a lower level for taming pens or gardens.
In conclusion, building a cliffside base in ARK requires careful planning, resource management, and creativity. By understanding the mechanics, using the right strategies, and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a secure and functional base that takes full advantage of the cliffside terrain. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, a well-built cliffside base can be a formidable stronghold in the world of ARK.