What are the best ways to light up a base at night in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Lighting up a base at night in ARK: Survival Evolved is essential for visibility, safety, and functionality. Proper lighting helps you navigate your base, spot threats, and work efficiently during nighttime. There are several ways to illuminate your base, each with its own mechanics, resource requirements, and strategies. Below is a detailed guide on how to achieve effective lighting in your base.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of lighting in ARK. Lighting structures require a power source to function. The most common power source is the Electrical Generator, which runs on Gasoline. Gasoline is crafted in a Refining Forge or Industrial Forge using Oil and Hide. Once you have a generator, you can connect it to lighting structures like Electric Lights, Lampposts, or even Tek Lights if you have access to advanced technology. To connect power, you use Electrical Cables, which must be placed between the generator and the light source. The generator has a limited range, so you may need multiple generators for larger bases.
To start lighting your base, youÔÇÖll need to gather resources. For basic lighting, youÔÇÖll need Metal Ingots, Cementing Paste, and Electronics to craft Electric Lights or Lampposts. Cementing Paste can be made from Chitin/Keratin and Stone or harvested from BeaversÔÇÖ Dams. Electronics are crafted in a Fabricator using Metal Ingots, Silica Pearls, and Oil. For the generator, youÔÇÖll need Metal Ingots, Cementing Paste, and Electronics as well. Gasoline is crafted from Oil and Hide, so youÔÇÖll need to gather these resources too. Oil can be obtained from underwater nodes, Oil Rocks, or by taming an Oil-producing creature like a Dunkleosteus.
Once you have the necessary resources, follow these steps. First, place your Electrical Generator in a secure location inside your base. Generators are vulnerable to damage, so protect them with walls or place them in a hidden area. Next, connect the generator to your lighting structures using Electrical Cables. Ensure the cables are placed correctly, as they can be tricky to align. Finally, place your Electric Lights or Lampposts in strategic locations around your base. Electric Lights are ideal for indoor lighting, while Lampposts work well for outdoor areas.
Here are some important tips and considerations. Always keep your generator fueled with Gasoline. Running out of fuel will shut off your lights, leaving your base in darkness. Consider using multiple generators for redundancy, especially in larger bases. If one generator runs out of fuel, the others will keep your lights on. For outdoor lighting, place Lampposts near entrances, pathways, and defensive structures to deter intruders and improve visibility. For indoor lighting, place Electric Lights near crafting stations, storage areas, and sleeping quarters for convenience.
Common mistakes to avoid include placing generators in exposed areas where they can be easily destroyed. Always protect your generators with walls or place them in a hidden room. Another mistake is overloading your generator. Each generator can only power a limited number of structures, so plan your power usage carefully. Avoid placing too many lights in one area, as this can drain your generator quickly. Instead, spread out your lighting to cover more ground efficiently.
Advanced techniques include using renewable power sources like Wind Turbines or Solar Panels if youÔÇÖre playing on a map that supports them. These power sources donÔÇÖt require Gasoline, making them more sustainable in the long run. Another advanced technique is using Tek Lights, which are unlocked through boss fights and provide bright, futuristic lighting. Tek Lights require Element to power, so theyÔÇÖre more suited for late-game bases. Additionally, you can use Dino Lanterns or Glow Pets like Bulbdogs or Featherlights to provide mobile lighting. These creatures emit light naturally and can be carried or follow you around your base.
Resource requirements and preparation are crucial for effective lighting. Early-game players may struggle to gather the necessary materials for Electric Lights and generators, so consider using Campfires or Standing Torches as temporary lighting solutions. These donÔÇÖt require power but provide limited light. As you progress, focus on gathering Metal, Oil, and Silica Pearls to craft more advanced lighting structures. For tribes, assign roles to members to streamline resource gathering and base construction. One player can focus on mining Metal, while another gathers Oil and Hide for Gasoline.
In solo play, prioritize gathering resources efficiently. Use tamed creatures like Ankylosaurus for Metal, Doedicurus for Stone, and Beavers for Cementing Paste. For Oil, consider taming a Dunkleosteus or building an underwater base near Oil nodes. Solo players should also focus on protecting their generators, as losing power can be devastating without backup.
Specific examples and scenarios include lighting a small thatch or wood base. In this case, Standing Torches or Campfires are sufficient. For a medium-sized stone or metal base, use Electric Lights connected to a single generator. Place lights near crafting stations and storage areas for convenience. For a large tribe base, consider using multiple generators and Lampposts for outdoor lighting. Advanced players can incorporate Tek Lights and renewable power sources for a high-tech, well-lit base.
In conclusion, lighting your base in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and strategic placement of structures. Whether youÔÇÖre a solo player or part of a tribe, understanding the mechanics of power and lighting will help you create a safe and functional base. Avoid common mistakes, use advanced techniques when possible, and always protect your power sources to ensure your base remains well-lit and secure.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of lighting in ARK. Lighting structures require a power source to function. The most common power source is the Electrical Generator, which runs on Gasoline. Gasoline is crafted in a Refining Forge or Industrial Forge using Oil and Hide. Once you have a generator, you can connect it to lighting structures like Electric Lights, Lampposts, or even Tek Lights if you have access to advanced technology. To connect power, you use Electrical Cables, which must be placed between the generator and the light source. The generator has a limited range, so you may need multiple generators for larger bases.
To start lighting your base, youÔÇÖll need to gather resources. For basic lighting, youÔÇÖll need Metal Ingots, Cementing Paste, and Electronics to craft Electric Lights or Lampposts. Cementing Paste can be made from Chitin/Keratin and Stone or harvested from BeaversÔÇÖ Dams. Electronics are crafted in a Fabricator using Metal Ingots, Silica Pearls, and Oil. For the generator, youÔÇÖll need Metal Ingots, Cementing Paste, and Electronics as well. Gasoline is crafted from Oil and Hide, so youÔÇÖll need to gather these resources too. Oil can be obtained from underwater nodes, Oil Rocks, or by taming an Oil-producing creature like a Dunkleosteus.
Once you have the necessary resources, follow these steps. First, place your Electrical Generator in a secure location inside your base. Generators are vulnerable to damage, so protect them with walls or place them in a hidden area. Next, connect the generator to your lighting structures using Electrical Cables. Ensure the cables are placed correctly, as they can be tricky to align. Finally, place your Electric Lights or Lampposts in strategic locations around your base. Electric Lights are ideal for indoor lighting, while Lampposts work well for outdoor areas.
Here are some important tips and considerations. Always keep your generator fueled with Gasoline. Running out of fuel will shut off your lights, leaving your base in darkness. Consider using multiple generators for redundancy, especially in larger bases. If one generator runs out of fuel, the others will keep your lights on. For outdoor lighting, place Lampposts near entrances, pathways, and defensive structures to deter intruders and improve visibility. For indoor lighting, place Electric Lights near crafting stations, storage areas, and sleeping quarters for convenience.
Common mistakes to avoid include placing generators in exposed areas where they can be easily destroyed. Always protect your generators with walls or place them in a hidden room. Another mistake is overloading your generator. Each generator can only power a limited number of structures, so plan your power usage carefully. Avoid placing too many lights in one area, as this can drain your generator quickly. Instead, spread out your lighting to cover more ground efficiently.
Advanced techniques include using renewable power sources like Wind Turbines or Solar Panels if youÔÇÖre playing on a map that supports them. These power sources donÔÇÖt require Gasoline, making them more sustainable in the long run. Another advanced technique is using Tek Lights, which are unlocked through boss fights and provide bright, futuristic lighting. Tek Lights require Element to power, so theyÔÇÖre more suited for late-game bases. Additionally, you can use Dino Lanterns or Glow Pets like Bulbdogs or Featherlights to provide mobile lighting. These creatures emit light naturally and can be carried or follow you around your base.
Resource requirements and preparation are crucial for effective lighting. Early-game players may struggle to gather the necessary materials for Electric Lights and generators, so consider using Campfires or Standing Torches as temporary lighting solutions. These donÔÇÖt require power but provide limited light. As you progress, focus on gathering Metal, Oil, and Silica Pearls to craft more advanced lighting structures. For tribes, assign roles to members to streamline resource gathering and base construction. One player can focus on mining Metal, while another gathers Oil and Hide for Gasoline.
In solo play, prioritize gathering resources efficiently. Use tamed creatures like Ankylosaurus for Metal, Doedicurus for Stone, and Beavers for Cementing Paste. For Oil, consider taming a Dunkleosteus or building an underwater base near Oil nodes. Solo players should also focus on protecting their generators, as losing power can be devastating without backup.
Specific examples and scenarios include lighting a small thatch or wood base. In this case, Standing Torches or Campfires are sufficient. For a medium-sized stone or metal base, use Electric Lights connected to a single generator. Place lights near crafting stations and storage areas for convenience. For a large tribe base, consider using multiple generators and Lampposts for outdoor lighting. Advanced players can incorporate Tek Lights and renewable power sources for a high-tech, well-lit base.
In conclusion, lighting your base in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and strategic placement of structures. Whether youÔÇÖre a solo player or part of a tribe, understanding the mechanics of power and lighting will help you create a safe and functional base. Avoid common mistakes, use advanced techniques when possible, and always protect your power sources to ensure your base remains well-lit and secure.