How do I build a base in a cave in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Building a base in a cave in ARK: Survival Evolved is a unique and challenging task that offers significant advantages, such as natural protection and strategic positioning. However, it also comes with its own set of difficulties, including limited space, hostile creatures, and potential restrictions on building structures. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you successfully build a cave base.
First, you need to understand the mechanics of cave building. Caves are often considered no-build zones in ARK, meaning you cannot place structures in certain areas. However, many caves allow building in specific sections, so you must scout the cave thoroughly to identify where you can build. Use a foundation or a pillar to test if a spot allows building. If the structure turns green, you can build there. If it turns red, that area is restricted. Additionally, caves often have narrow pathways, so youÔÇÖll need to plan your base layout carefully to maximize space.
To start, gather the necessary resources. YouÔÇÖll need a lot of building materials, such as wood, stone, and metal, depending on the tier of your base. For early-game cave bases, wood or stone structures are sufficient, but for long-term security, metal is recommended. Bring tools like a pickaxe, hatchet, and sickle to gather resources efficiently. YouÔÇÖll also need a reliable source of light, such as torches or electric lamps, as caves are dark and can be disorienting.
Next, choose the right cave for your base. Some caves are easier to defend and build in than others. For example, the Central Cave on The Island is a popular choice for beginners due to its relatively simple layout and manageable threats. On the other hand, caves like the Snow Cave or Swamp Cave are more dangerous and require advanced preparation. Consider the caveÔÇÖs location, size, and the types of creatures that spawn there. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, opt for a smaller cave with fewer threats. If youÔÇÖre in a tribe, you can tackle larger caves with more resources and manpower.
Once youÔÇÖve selected a cave, clear it of hostile creatures. Bring tamed dinosaurs like a pack of Raptors or a strong Carnotaurus to help you fight off enemies. Be cautious of creatures like Arthropluera, which can damage your structures, or Onyc, which can ambush you from above. After clearing the cave, start building your base. Begin with foundations to create a stable base structure. Use walls, ceilings, and doors to enclose the area and create rooms for storage, crafting, and living quarters. If the cave has water, consider building a water reservoir or irrigation system for farming.
Defense is crucial for a cave base. Place spike walls or plant species X around the entrance to deter intruders. If youÔÇÖre playing on a PvP server, consider adding turrets or auto-turrets for added protection. Be mindful of the caveÔÇÖs natural chokepoints, as they can be used to your advantage. For example, you can place traps or defensive dinosaurs in narrow passages to stop enemies from advancing.
Resource management is another important aspect. Caves often have limited space, so prioritize essential structures like storage boxes, preserving bins, and crafting stations. Use vertical space by building multiple floors or platforms to maximize efficiency. If the cave has metal nodes or crystal deposits, you can set up a mining operation to gather resources without leaving the safety of your base.
Common mistakes to avoid include building too close to the cave entrance, which makes your base vulnerable to raids, or overbuilding, which can block pathways and make navigation difficult. Always leave enough space for movement and expansion. Additionally, avoid using flammable materials like wood in caves with fire-breathing creatures like Dragonflies or Magmasaurs.
Advanced techniques include using elevators or zip lines to connect different levels of your cave base, or setting up a teleporter for quick access to other parts of the map. You can also breed and raise dinosaurs inside the cave for added protection and utility. For example, a pack of Dimorphodons can help defend against flying creatures, while a Dung Beetle can produce fertilizer for farming.
In conclusion, building a cave base in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and defense strategies. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, a well-designed cave base can provide a secure and functional home in the dangerous world of ARK. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a base that not only protects you from threats but also serves as a hub for survival and progression.
First, you need to understand the mechanics of cave building. Caves are often considered no-build zones in ARK, meaning you cannot place structures in certain areas. However, many caves allow building in specific sections, so you must scout the cave thoroughly to identify where you can build. Use a foundation or a pillar to test if a spot allows building. If the structure turns green, you can build there. If it turns red, that area is restricted. Additionally, caves often have narrow pathways, so youÔÇÖll need to plan your base layout carefully to maximize space.
To start, gather the necessary resources. YouÔÇÖll need a lot of building materials, such as wood, stone, and metal, depending on the tier of your base. For early-game cave bases, wood or stone structures are sufficient, but for long-term security, metal is recommended. Bring tools like a pickaxe, hatchet, and sickle to gather resources efficiently. YouÔÇÖll also need a reliable source of light, such as torches or electric lamps, as caves are dark and can be disorienting.
Next, choose the right cave for your base. Some caves are easier to defend and build in than others. For example, the Central Cave on The Island is a popular choice for beginners due to its relatively simple layout and manageable threats. On the other hand, caves like the Snow Cave or Swamp Cave are more dangerous and require advanced preparation. Consider the caveÔÇÖs location, size, and the types of creatures that spawn there. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, opt for a smaller cave with fewer threats. If youÔÇÖre in a tribe, you can tackle larger caves with more resources and manpower.
Once youÔÇÖve selected a cave, clear it of hostile creatures. Bring tamed dinosaurs like a pack of Raptors or a strong Carnotaurus to help you fight off enemies. Be cautious of creatures like Arthropluera, which can damage your structures, or Onyc, which can ambush you from above. After clearing the cave, start building your base. Begin with foundations to create a stable base structure. Use walls, ceilings, and doors to enclose the area and create rooms for storage, crafting, and living quarters. If the cave has water, consider building a water reservoir or irrigation system for farming.
Defense is crucial for a cave base. Place spike walls or plant species X around the entrance to deter intruders. If youÔÇÖre playing on a PvP server, consider adding turrets or auto-turrets for added protection. Be mindful of the caveÔÇÖs natural chokepoints, as they can be used to your advantage. For example, you can place traps or defensive dinosaurs in narrow passages to stop enemies from advancing.
Resource management is another important aspect. Caves often have limited space, so prioritize essential structures like storage boxes, preserving bins, and crafting stations. Use vertical space by building multiple floors or platforms to maximize efficiency. If the cave has metal nodes or crystal deposits, you can set up a mining operation to gather resources without leaving the safety of your base.
Common mistakes to avoid include building too close to the cave entrance, which makes your base vulnerable to raids, or overbuilding, which can block pathways and make navigation difficult. Always leave enough space for movement and expansion. Additionally, avoid using flammable materials like wood in caves with fire-breathing creatures like Dragonflies or Magmasaurs.
Advanced techniques include using elevators or zip lines to connect different levels of your cave base, or setting up a teleporter for quick access to other parts of the map. You can also breed and raise dinosaurs inside the cave for added protection and utility. For example, a pack of Dimorphodons can help defend against flying creatures, while a Dung Beetle can produce fertilizer for farming.
In conclusion, building a cave base in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and defense strategies. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, a well-designed cave base can provide a secure and functional home in the dangerous world of ARK. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a base that not only protects you from threats but also serves as a hub for survival and progression.