How do I build a secure perimeter wall in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Building a secure perimeter wall in ARK: Survival Evolved is essential for protecting your base from hostile creatures, wild dinosaurs, and other players in PvP scenarios. A well-constructed wall can deter intruders, provide a safe zone for your tamed dinosaurs, and give you peace of mind while crafting or storing valuable resources. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to build a secure perimeter wall, covering mechanics, strategies, and considerations.

To start, you need to gather the necessary resources. The type of wall you build will depend on your progression level and available materials. Early-game players typically use thatch or wood walls, but these are not very durable and can be easily destroyed by stronger creatures or players. Stone walls are a significant upgrade, offering better protection against most threats. Metal walls are the most secure but require advanced resources like metal ingots and cementing paste, which can be challenging to obtain early on. For a secure perimeter, aim for stone or metal walls as soon as possible.

The first step is to plan the layout of your perimeter. Choose a flat area or clear the terrain to make building easier. Use the foundation and fence foundation structures to create a stable base for your walls. Foundations ensure that your walls are aligned and prevent gaps that could allow smaller creatures to slip through. Place the foundations in a square or rectangular shape, depending on the size of your base. Once the foundations are laid, start placing walls on top of them. Walls snap into place, so you can build them quickly by holding the build button and moving along the perimeter.

When building the walls, make sure they are at least two walls high. This prevents most creatures from jumping over them. For added security, consider building a third layer or adding spikes on top of the walls. Spikes can damage creatures or players that try to climb over, giving you extra time to respond to threats. Gates are essential for entering and exiting your base. Use large gates for dinosaurs and smaller doors for players. Reinforce gates with additional layers or place turrets nearby to deter intruders.

Resource management is critical during this process. Gather materials in bulk before starting construction to avoid running out mid-build. Use dinosaurs like the Ankylosaurus for metal and stone, the Doedicurus for stone, and the Castoroides for wood to speed up resource gathering. Cementing paste, required for stone and metal structures, can be obtained by harvesting beaver dams or crafting it using chitin/keratin and stone in a mortar and pestle or chemistry bench.

One common mistake is building walls too close to your main structures. This can limit expansion and make it difficult to add new buildings or defenses later. Leave enough space inside the perimeter for future upgrades, storage, and dinosaur pens. Another mistake is neglecting the corners of your perimeter. Ensure that walls are properly connected at the corners to prevent gaps. Use pillars or additional walls to reinforce these areas if needed.

For advanced players, consider adding defensive structures like turrets, plant species X, or even tamed dinosaurs around the perimeter. Turrets require electricity, so set up a generator and wiring system to power them. Plant species X can be grown in large crop plots and act as natural defenses, slowing down and damaging intruders. Tamed dinosaurs like Rexes or Carnotaurus can patrol the perimeter, providing an additional layer of security.

In PvP scenarios, stealth and deception can be effective. Avoid making your base too obvious by blending walls with the environment or building in hidden locations. Use multiple layers of walls or maze-like designs to confuse raiders. For solo players, focus on smaller, more manageable perimeters to conserve resources. Tribe players can divide tasks, with some members gathering resources while others build and defend.

In summary, building a secure perimeter wall in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and strategic placement of structures. Start with stone or metal walls, ensure they are at least two layers high, and reinforce gates and corners. Use dinosaurs to gather resources efficiently and consider adding defensive measures like turrets or tamed creatures. Avoid common mistakes like building too close to your main structures or leaving gaps in the walls. With these strategies, you can create a strong and secure perimeter to protect your base and thrive in the dangerous world of ARK.