What are the best locations for building a base in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Choosing the best locations for building a base in ARK: Survival Evolved is a critical decision that can significantly impact your survival and progression in the game. The ideal base location depends on several factors, including accessibility to resources, safety from hostile creatures and players, and proximity to key points of interest like caves, obelisks, and spawn points. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you make the best choice.
First, consider the biome you want to settle in. Each biome in ARK offers different advantages and challenges. For beginners, the southern beaches are often the safest starting point. These areas have relatively low-level creatures, abundant resources like wood, stone, and fiber, and easy access to water. However, these locations are also popular, so you may face competition from other players. If youÔÇÖre playing on a PvP server, building in a less obvious spot, such as hidden valleys or dense forests, can help you avoid early raids.
For mid to late-game players, more advanced biomes like the Redwood Forest, Snow Biome, or Swamp offer unique resources and strategic advantages. The Redwood Forest, for example, is rich in wood and has large trees that can support tree platforms, making it an excellent location for elevated bases. The Snow Biome provides access to rare resources like oil and organic polymer but requires advanced gear to survive the cold. The Swamp is rich in rare mushrooms and leech blood but is home to dangerous creatures like Titanoboas and Kaprosuchus.
When selecting a specific spot within a biome, look for flat terrain to simplify base construction. Building on uneven ground can make it difficult to place structures and may leave gaps in your defenses. Proximity to water is also important, as it provides a source of hydration and allows you to tame aquatic creatures. However, avoid building too close to the waterÔÇÖs edge, as this can make your base vulnerable to flooding or attacks from aquatic predators.
Resource accessibility is another key factor. Your base should be near essential resources like metal, crystal, and obsidian. Metal nodes are often found in mountainous regions, while crystal and obsidian are typically located in caves or high-altitude areas. If youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a small tribe, consider building near a cave entrance for easy access to these resources. However, be cautious of the dangerous creatures that inhabit caves.
Defense is a critical consideration, especially on PvP servers. Choose a location that offers natural defenses, such as cliffs, rivers, or dense foliage, to make it harder for enemies to approach. Building on high ground can give you a tactical advantage, allowing you to spot incoming threats from a distance. Additionally, consider the placement of defensive structures like walls, turrets, and traps. Surround your base with multiple layers of walls and place turrets at strategic points to cover all angles of approach.
Power systems and storage solutions are also important aspects of base building. Ensure your base has enough space for generators, wind turbines, or solar panels to power advanced structures like refrigerators and crafting stations. Organize your storage with labeled boxes, preserving bins, and vaults to keep your resources safe and easily accessible. Proper resource management is crucial for maintaining a steady supply of materials for base expansion and upgrades.
Common mistakes to avoid include building too close to spawn points, which can attract unwanted attention, and neglecting to secure your perimeter, leaving your base vulnerable to raids. Another mistake is overextending your base, which can make it difficult to defend and manage. Start with a small, well-defended base and expand gradually as your resources and tribe grow.
Advanced techniques include using natural terrain features to your advantage, such as building inside caves or on cliffs. These locations can provide additional protection and make it harder for enemies to raid your base. Another advanced strategy is to create multiple smaller bases spread across the map. This can provide backup locations in case your main base is destroyed and allow you to access resources from different biomes.
Resource requirements and preparation vary depending on the size and complexity of your base. For a basic thatch or wood base, youÔÇÖll need a steady supply of wood, thatch, and fiber. For more advanced stone or metal bases, youÔÇÖll need large quantities of stone, metal, and cementing paste. Prepare by gathering these resources in bulk and storing them in secure containers.
Tribe and solo considerations also play a role in base location. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, choose a location that is easy to defend and manage on your own. For tribes, consider building in a central location that is accessible to all members and can support a larger, more complex base.
Specific examples of excellent base locations include Hidden Lake in the northeast, which offers a flat, enclosed area with easy access to water and resources. Another great spot is the Redwood Forest, where you can build elevated bases on large trees. For advanced players, the Snow Biome provides a challenging but rewarding location with access to rare resources.
In conclusion, the best base location in ARK: Survival Evolved depends on your playstyle, tribe size, and progression level. Consider factors like resource accessibility, defense, and biome advantages when choosing a spot. Plan carefully, avoid common mistakes, and use advanced techniques to create a secure and efficient base that supports your survival and progression in the game.
First, consider the biome you want to settle in. Each biome in ARK offers different advantages and challenges. For beginners, the southern beaches are often the safest starting point. These areas have relatively low-level creatures, abundant resources like wood, stone, and fiber, and easy access to water. However, these locations are also popular, so you may face competition from other players. If youÔÇÖre playing on a PvP server, building in a less obvious spot, such as hidden valleys or dense forests, can help you avoid early raids.
For mid to late-game players, more advanced biomes like the Redwood Forest, Snow Biome, or Swamp offer unique resources and strategic advantages. The Redwood Forest, for example, is rich in wood and has large trees that can support tree platforms, making it an excellent location for elevated bases. The Snow Biome provides access to rare resources like oil and organic polymer but requires advanced gear to survive the cold. The Swamp is rich in rare mushrooms and leech blood but is home to dangerous creatures like Titanoboas and Kaprosuchus.
When selecting a specific spot within a biome, look for flat terrain to simplify base construction. Building on uneven ground can make it difficult to place structures and may leave gaps in your defenses. Proximity to water is also important, as it provides a source of hydration and allows you to tame aquatic creatures. However, avoid building too close to the waterÔÇÖs edge, as this can make your base vulnerable to flooding or attacks from aquatic predators.
Resource accessibility is another key factor. Your base should be near essential resources like metal, crystal, and obsidian. Metal nodes are often found in mountainous regions, while crystal and obsidian are typically located in caves or high-altitude areas. If youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a small tribe, consider building near a cave entrance for easy access to these resources. However, be cautious of the dangerous creatures that inhabit caves.
Defense is a critical consideration, especially on PvP servers. Choose a location that offers natural defenses, such as cliffs, rivers, or dense foliage, to make it harder for enemies to approach. Building on high ground can give you a tactical advantage, allowing you to spot incoming threats from a distance. Additionally, consider the placement of defensive structures like walls, turrets, and traps. Surround your base with multiple layers of walls and place turrets at strategic points to cover all angles of approach.
Power systems and storage solutions are also important aspects of base building. Ensure your base has enough space for generators, wind turbines, or solar panels to power advanced structures like refrigerators and crafting stations. Organize your storage with labeled boxes, preserving bins, and vaults to keep your resources safe and easily accessible. Proper resource management is crucial for maintaining a steady supply of materials for base expansion and upgrades.
Common mistakes to avoid include building too close to spawn points, which can attract unwanted attention, and neglecting to secure your perimeter, leaving your base vulnerable to raids. Another mistake is overextending your base, which can make it difficult to defend and manage. Start with a small, well-defended base and expand gradually as your resources and tribe grow.
Advanced techniques include using natural terrain features to your advantage, such as building inside caves or on cliffs. These locations can provide additional protection and make it harder for enemies to raid your base. Another advanced strategy is to create multiple smaller bases spread across the map. This can provide backup locations in case your main base is destroyed and allow you to access resources from different biomes.
Resource requirements and preparation vary depending on the size and complexity of your base. For a basic thatch or wood base, youÔÇÖll need a steady supply of wood, thatch, and fiber. For more advanced stone or metal bases, youÔÇÖll need large quantities of stone, metal, and cementing paste. Prepare by gathering these resources in bulk and storing them in secure containers.
Tribe and solo considerations also play a role in base location. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, choose a location that is easy to defend and manage on your own. For tribes, consider building in a central location that is accessible to all members and can support a larger, more complex base.
Specific examples of excellent base locations include Hidden Lake in the northeast, which offers a flat, enclosed area with easy access to water and resources. Another great spot is the Redwood Forest, where you can build elevated bases on large trees. For advanced players, the Snow Biome provides a challenging but rewarding location with access to rare resources.
In conclusion, the best base location in ARK: Survival Evolved depends on your playstyle, tribe size, and progression level. Consider factors like resource accessibility, defense, and biome advantages when choosing a spot. Plan carefully, avoid common mistakes, and use advanced techniques to create a secure and efficient base that supports your survival and progression in the game.