What is the best way to set up a refrigeration system in my base in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Setting up a refrigeration system in ARK: Survival Evolved is essential for preserving food, keeping resources fresh, and maintaining a steady supply of consumables. A refrigeration system relies on electricity, so you will need to set up a power grid in your base. Here is a detailed guide to help you create an efficient refrigeration system.

First, you need to understand the mechanics of electricity in ARK. To power a refrigerator, you will need a generator, which requires gasoline to run. Gasoline is crafted in a refining forge or industrial forge by combining oil and hide. Oil can be obtained from oil nodes in the ocean, by harvesting certain creatures like Trilobites or Basilosaurus, or by using an oil pump on an oil vein. Hide is gathered from killing animals. Once you have gasoline, you can place a generator in your base. Generators have a limited range, so you need to place them close to the structures you want to power, such as refrigerators.

To set up the refrigeration system, start by crafting a refrigerator. You will need to unlock the engram for the refrigerator, which requires level 40. The crafting materials include metal ingots, cementing paste, crystal, and electronics. Metal ingots are smelted from metal ore in a forge, cementing paste is crafted from chitin or keratin and stone in a mortar and pestle or chemistry bench, crystal is mined from crystal nodes, and electronics are crafted from metal ingots, oil, and silica pearls in a fabricator. Once you have the materials, craft the refrigerator and place it in your base.

Next, connect the refrigerator to the generator using electrical cables. Electrical cables are crafted from metal ingots and must be placed to connect the generator to the refrigerator. Be mindful of the generator's range, as it can only power structures within a certain radius. If your base is large, you may need multiple generators to cover the entire area. Place the refrigerator in a convenient location, such as near your cooking or crafting stations, to make it easy to access.

One important tip is to ensure your generator has a steady supply of gasoline. Generators consume gasoline over time, so you need to regularly check and refill them. A single generator can power multiple refrigerators, so you can set up multiple refrigeration units if needed. Additionally, refrigerators can store a large amount of food, but they are not indestructible. Make sure your base is well-defended to prevent raiders or wild creatures from destroying your refrigeration system.

Common mistakes to avoid include placing the generator too far from the refrigerator, which will result in no power being supplied. Another mistake is forgetting to refill the generator with gasoline, which will cause the refrigerator to stop working. Always keep an eye on your generator's fuel level and have a backup supply of gasoline. Additionally, avoid placing the refrigerator in an exposed area where it can be easily destroyed. Build walls and defenses around your base to protect your refrigeration system.

For advanced techniques, consider using renewable energy sources like wind turbines or solar panels if you are playing on a map that supports them. These can reduce your reliance on gasoline and provide a more sustainable power source. You can also use industrial cookers and preserving salt to further extend the shelf life of your food. Industrial cookers can be powered by the same generator and are useful for cooking large quantities of food at once.

Resource requirements for setting up a refrigeration system include metal ingots, cementing paste, crystal, electronics, and gasoline. Preparation involves gathering these materials and ensuring you have the necessary engrams unlocked. If you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your tribe members to gather resources and set up the system efficiently. Solo players will need to manage their time and resources carefully to ensure they have everything they need.

In specific scenarios, such as on PvP servers, you may want to hide your generator and refrigerator in a secure location to prevent them from being destroyed by other players. Use metal structures for added durability and consider placing turrets or tamed dinosaurs around your base for defense. On PvE servers, focus on optimizing your base layout to make the most of your refrigeration system and ensure easy access to your food and resources.

In conclusion, setting up a refrigeration system in ARK: Survival Evolved involves understanding electricity mechanics, gathering the necessary resources, and carefully placing and connecting your generator and refrigerator. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can create an efficient and reliable refrigeration system to keep your food fresh and your base running smoothly.