How do I build a base on a raft in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Building a base on a raft in ARK: Survival Evolved is a unique and versatile strategy that allows players to create a mobile home or resource-gathering platform. This approach is particularly useful for exploring the map, avoiding land-based threats, and establishing a temporary or semi-permanent base in areas where land is scarce or dangerous. Below is a detailed guide on how to build a base on a raft, covering mechanics, strategies, tips, and considerations.
To start, you will need to craft a raft. Rafts are unlocked at level 15 and require 75 wood, 40 fiber, and 20 hide. Once crafted, place the raft in the water. Rafts are mobile structures that can be piloted using the rudder, allowing you to navigate rivers, lakes, and oceans. However, rafts have a structure limit, meaning you can only place a certain number of structures on them before reaching the cap. This limit is crucial to keep in mind when planning your base.
The first step in building a base on a raft is to lay down a foundation. Foundations provide stability and allow you to build walls, ceilings, and other structures. Wooden foundations are the most common choice early in the game due to their low resource cost, but stone or metal foundations offer better durability and protection. Place the foundation on the raft, ensuring it is centered and aligned properly. Misaligned foundations can cause issues when adding walls or ceilings later.
Once the foundation is in place, you can begin constructing walls, ceilings, and other structures. Walls provide protection from the elements and hostile creatures, while ceilings allow you to create multi-level bases. Be mindful of the raft's structure limit, as overbuilding can prevent you from adding essential features like storage, crafting stations, or defensive structures. To maximize space, consider building vertically by adding a second floor or using ramps to create elevated platforms.
Resource management is critical when building a raft base. Since rafts have limited space, prioritize essential structures like storage boxes, preserving bins, and crafting stations. A bed or sleeping bag is also important for respawning in case of death. If you plan to use the raft for resource gathering, consider adding a mortar and pestle, smithy, or refining forge. These stations allow you to process materials on the go, reducing the need to return to a land-based base.
Defense is another important consideration. Raft bases are vulnerable to attacks from both creatures and other players. To protect your base, build walls around the perimeter and add doors or gates for access. You can also place turrets or plant species X on the raft to deter attackers. Tamed dinosaurs can be used for defense as well, but be cautious when transporting them on the raft, as they can fall off or be attacked by aquatic predators.
One common mistake to avoid is overloading the raft with too many structures or dinosaurs. Exceeding the structure limit or weight capacity can cause the raft to become unstable or slow. Additionally, avoid building too close to the edges of the raft, as structures placed near the edge can be damaged or destroyed by collisions with rocks or other obstacles. Always test the raft's maneuverability after adding structures to ensure it can still navigate effectively.
Advanced techniques for raft bases include using pillars and ceilings to create floating platforms or extending the base beyond the raft's original boundaries. This can provide additional space for storage, crafting, or defensive structures. Another optimization is to use ramps or elevators to create multi-level designs, allowing for more efficient use of space. For tribes, coordinating the placement of structures and assigning roles for resource gathering and defense can streamline the building process and improve overall efficiency.
Resource requirements for a raft base depend on the materials used and the size of the base. Wood is the most common material early in the game, but stone and metal offer better durability and protection. Fiber, thatch, and hide are also needed for crafting structures and tools. Prepare by gathering these resources in advance and storing them on the raft or in a nearby land-based base.
In solo play, focus on creating a compact and functional base that meets your immediate needs. Prioritize storage, crafting stations, and defense to ensure you can survive and progress independently. For tribes, consider dividing responsibilities among members, such as one player gathering resources while another focuses on building and defense. Communication and coordination are key to successfully building and maintaining a raft base as a tribe.
Specific examples of raft base uses include mobile resource-gathering platforms, fishing bases, or temporary shelters for exploring dangerous areas. For instance, a raft base equipped with a refining forge and smithy can be used to process metal and craft tools while traveling to resource-rich locations. Another example is a fishing base with preserving bins and storage boxes, allowing you to catch and store fish for food and resources.
In conclusion, building a base on a raft in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and attention to detail. By following the steps and strategies outlined above, you can create a functional and secure mobile base that enhances your survival and exploration experience. Whether playing solo or as part of a tribe, a well-designed raft base can be a valuable asset in your journey through the world of ARK.
To start, you will need to craft a raft. Rafts are unlocked at level 15 and require 75 wood, 40 fiber, and 20 hide. Once crafted, place the raft in the water. Rafts are mobile structures that can be piloted using the rudder, allowing you to navigate rivers, lakes, and oceans. However, rafts have a structure limit, meaning you can only place a certain number of structures on them before reaching the cap. This limit is crucial to keep in mind when planning your base.
The first step in building a base on a raft is to lay down a foundation. Foundations provide stability and allow you to build walls, ceilings, and other structures. Wooden foundations are the most common choice early in the game due to their low resource cost, but stone or metal foundations offer better durability and protection. Place the foundation on the raft, ensuring it is centered and aligned properly. Misaligned foundations can cause issues when adding walls or ceilings later.
Once the foundation is in place, you can begin constructing walls, ceilings, and other structures. Walls provide protection from the elements and hostile creatures, while ceilings allow you to create multi-level bases. Be mindful of the raft's structure limit, as overbuilding can prevent you from adding essential features like storage, crafting stations, or defensive structures. To maximize space, consider building vertically by adding a second floor or using ramps to create elevated platforms.
Resource management is critical when building a raft base. Since rafts have limited space, prioritize essential structures like storage boxes, preserving bins, and crafting stations. A bed or sleeping bag is also important for respawning in case of death. If you plan to use the raft for resource gathering, consider adding a mortar and pestle, smithy, or refining forge. These stations allow you to process materials on the go, reducing the need to return to a land-based base.
Defense is another important consideration. Raft bases are vulnerable to attacks from both creatures and other players. To protect your base, build walls around the perimeter and add doors or gates for access. You can also place turrets or plant species X on the raft to deter attackers. Tamed dinosaurs can be used for defense as well, but be cautious when transporting them on the raft, as they can fall off or be attacked by aquatic predators.
One common mistake to avoid is overloading the raft with too many structures or dinosaurs. Exceeding the structure limit or weight capacity can cause the raft to become unstable or slow. Additionally, avoid building too close to the edges of the raft, as structures placed near the edge can be damaged or destroyed by collisions with rocks or other obstacles. Always test the raft's maneuverability after adding structures to ensure it can still navigate effectively.
Advanced techniques for raft bases include using pillars and ceilings to create floating platforms or extending the base beyond the raft's original boundaries. This can provide additional space for storage, crafting, or defensive structures. Another optimization is to use ramps or elevators to create multi-level designs, allowing for more efficient use of space. For tribes, coordinating the placement of structures and assigning roles for resource gathering and defense can streamline the building process and improve overall efficiency.
Resource requirements for a raft base depend on the materials used and the size of the base. Wood is the most common material early in the game, but stone and metal offer better durability and protection. Fiber, thatch, and hide are also needed for crafting structures and tools. Prepare by gathering these resources in advance and storing them on the raft or in a nearby land-based base.
In solo play, focus on creating a compact and functional base that meets your immediate needs. Prioritize storage, crafting stations, and defense to ensure you can survive and progress independently. For tribes, consider dividing responsibilities among members, such as one player gathering resources while another focuses on building and defense. Communication and coordination are key to successfully building and maintaining a raft base as a tribe.
Specific examples of raft base uses include mobile resource-gathering platforms, fishing bases, or temporary shelters for exploring dangerous areas. For instance, a raft base equipped with a refining forge and smithy can be used to process metal and craft tools while traveling to resource-rich locations. Another example is a fishing base with preserving bins and storage boxes, allowing you to catch and store fish for food and resources.
In conclusion, building a base on a raft in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and attention to detail. By following the steps and strategies outlined above, you can create a functional and secure mobile base that enhances your survival and exploration experience. Whether playing solo or as part of a tribe, a well-designed raft base can be a valuable asset in your journey through the world of ARK.