How do I build a base that is hidden from other players in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Building a hidden base in ARK: Survival Evolved is a critical strategy for survival, especially in PvP environments where other players may seek to raid or destroy your structures. The goal is to make your base as inconspicuous as possible while still maintaining functionality and security. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

First, location is key. To build a hidden base, you need to choose a spot that is naturally concealed or difficult to access. Look for areas with dense foliage, such as forests or jungles, where trees and bushes can obscure your structures. Caves are another excellent option, as they are often tucked away and harder to find. However, be cautious when building in caves, as some are popular and may attract attention. Additionally, consider building in remote or less-traveled areas of the map, such as high cliffs, underwater locations, or deep within the snow biome. These areas are less likely to be frequented by other players.

Once youÔÇÖve chosen a location, the next step is to minimize your footprint. Avoid clearing large areas of trees or rocks, as this can signal your presence to other players. Instead, build your base in a way that blends with the environment. For example, use natural terrain features like cliffs or large rocks to hide parts of your base. You can also build small, compact structures that are easier to conceal. Avoid using bright or reflective materials like metal in visible areas, as they can catch the eye of passing players. Instead, use materials like wood or stone that blend better with the surroundings.

Camouflage is another important aspect of building a hidden base. Use paint to color your structures to match the environment. For example, if youÔÇÖre building in a forest, use green and brown tones to make your base less noticeable. You can also place foliage or rocks around your base to further obscure it. Be mindful of the placement of doors and windows, as these can give away your baseÔÇÖs location. Consider using hidden entrances, such as trapdoors or underwater tunnels, to make it harder for others to find your base.

Resource management is crucial when building a hidden base. Since youÔÇÖll likely be in a remote location, youÔÇÖll need to plan ahead to ensure you have enough materials to sustain your base. Gather resources like wood, stone, and fiber in bulk before starting construction. If youÔÇÖre building in a cave or underwater, you may need specialized materials like cementing paste or crystal. Consider setting up small, hidden resource outposts nearby to reduce the need for frequent trips to your main base.

Defense is another important consideration. Even if your base is hidden, thereÔÇÖs always a chance it could be discovered. To protect your base, consider placing defensive structures like plant species X or turrets in concealed locations. These can deter or eliminate intruders without revealing your baseÔÇÖs exact location. You can also tame and place aggressive dinosaurs around your base to act as guards. Be cautious, though, as large or noisy dinosaurs can draw attention to your base.

When building a hidden base, itÔÇÖs important to avoid common mistakes. One mistake is overbuilding. A large, sprawling base is much harder to conceal than a small, compact one. Another mistake is leaving traces of your presence, such as campfires or torches, which can give away your location. Always extinguish fires and avoid using light sources that can be seen from a distance. Additionally, avoid building near popular resource nodes or spawn points, as these areas are more likely to be frequented by other players.

Advanced techniques can further enhance the concealment of your base. For example, you can use pillars and ceilings to create a floating base high above the ground, making it nearly invisible from below. Another technique is to build underwater, using scuba gear or tamed aquatic creatures to access your base. Underwater bases are particularly effective on maps with large bodies of water, as they are harder to find and raid. You can also use tek structures, which are more durable and can be painted to blend with the environment.

Resource requirements for building a hidden base will vary depending on the size and location of your base. For a small, concealed base, youÔÇÖll need basic materials like wood, stone, and thatch. For more advanced bases, you may need metal, cementing paste, and crystal. If youÔÇÖre building in a cave or underwater, youÔÇÖll also need materials like chitin or keratin for crafting scuba gear. Be sure to gather these resources in advance to avoid frequent trips that could reveal your baseÔÇÖs location.

Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, building a hidden base requires careful planning and coordination. Solo players will need to manage all aspects of base building and defense on their own, so itÔÇÖs important to keep your base small and manageable. Tribes can divide tasks, with some members gathering resources while others focus on construction and defense. However, tribes should also be cautious about revealing their baseÔÇÖs location to too many people, as this increases the risk of betrayal or leaks.

In specific scenarios, such as on PvP servers, a hidden base can be the difference between survival and destruction. For example, if youÔÇÖre playing on a high-population server with frequent raids, a hidden base in a remote cave or underwater location can provide a safe haven for storing valuable resources and tames. On the other hand, if youÔÇÖre playing on a PvE server, a hidden base can still be useful for avoiding unwanted attention or simply enjoying a more secluded experience.

In conclusion, building a hidden base in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and attention to detail. By choosing a concealed location, minimizing your footprint, and using camouflage and defensive strategies, you can create a base that is both functional and difficult to detect. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, these techniques will help you survive and thrive in the dangerous world of ARK.