How do I build a base that is easy to expand in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Building a base that is easy to expand in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and an understanding of the game's building mechanics. The key is to create a foundation that allows for flexibility and growth while maintaining security and functionality. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you achieve this.
First, choose a location that offers ample space and access to essential resources. Flat areas near water sources, metal nodes, and forests are ideal. Avoid building too close to dangerous creatures or high-traffic PvP zones if youÔÇÖre playing on a multiplayer server. Once youÔÇÖve selected a spot, start by laying down a foundation. Foundations are the base of your structure and determine the size and shape of your base. Use stone or metal foundations for durability, as thatch and wood are easily destroyed by predators or raiders.
When placing foundations, leave extra space around your initial structure. This allows room for future expansions like additional rooms, storage areas, or crafting stations. A common strategy is to build a central hub with a 3x3 or 4x4 foundation layout, leaving open areas on all sides. This design makes it easy to add wings or extensions later. Use pillars and ceilings to create multi-level structures, which maximize space without expanding your footprint.
Walls, doors, and ceilings should be built with the same material as your foundations for consistency and strength. Stone is a good mid-tier option, while metal is the most secure but requires more resources. Always include a dino gate in your design to accommodate larger tamed creatures. For early-game bases, wood is acceptable, but upgrade to stone or metal as soon as possible to protect against threats.
Resource management is critical for expanding your base. Gather materials like wood, stone, fiber, and metal in bulk. Use tamed dinosaurs like the Ankylosaurus for metal, the Doedicurus for stone, and the Castoroides for wood to speed up gathering. Store these resources in organized storage boxes or vaults near your crafting stations. Keep a surplus of materials on hand so you can expand quickly when needed.
Power systems are essential for advanced base functionality. Once youÔÇÖve established your initial structure, plan for electrical wiring and outlets. Generators are the primary power source, but wind turbines and solar panels are renewable alternatives on certain maps. Place wiring and outlets strategically to power lights, refrigerators, and crafting stations without cluttering your base. Use vertical cables and conduits to save space and maintain a clean layout.
Defense is another important consideration. Even if youÔÇÖre focusing on expansion, your base must be secure. Build walls and gates around your perimeter, and place turrets or plant species X to deter intruders. Tame defensive creatures like Rexes or Carnotaurus and station them near your base entrance. For PvP servers, consider adding hidden storage or decoy structures to confuse raiders.
Common mistakes to avoid include building too close to resource nodes, which can block respawns, and overcrowding your base with unnecessary structures. Always leave room for future upgrades and expansions. Another mistake is neglecting to upgrade your base materials. A thatch or wood base may be quick to build, but itÔÇÖs vulnerable to attacks and environmental hazards like wildfires.
Advanced techniques include using snap points and alignment tools to create seamless expansions. For example, you can use fence foundations to extend walls or ceilings without disrupting your existing structure. Another optimization is to build vertically, adding multiple floors to your base instead of spreading out horizontally. This saves space and makes your base easier to defend.
Resource requirements vary depending on the size and material of your base. For a small stone base, youÔÇÖll need hundreds of stone, wood, and thatch. For a large metal base, youÔÇÖll need thousands of metal ingots, cementing paste, and polymer. Prepare by taming resource-gathering dinosaurs and setting up refining forges and fabricators.
Tribe considerations include assigning roles to members, such as gatherers, builders, and defenders. Solo players should focus on efficiency and prioritize essential structures like storage and crafting stations. In both cases, communication and planning are key to successful base expansion.
Specific examples include building a central crafting room with forges, fabricators, and storage, then adding wings for living quarters, dino pens, and gardens. Another scenario is creating a multi-level base with the ground floor for dinos and storage, the second floor for crafting and living, and the roof for turrets and defenses.
By following these strategies, you can build a base that is easy to expand, secure, and functional, ensuring your survival and success in ARK: Survival Evolved.
First, choose a location that offers ample space and access to essential resources. Flat areas near water sources, metal nodes, and forests are ideal. Avoid building too close to dangerous creatures or high-traffic PvP zones if youÔÇÖre playing on a multiplayer server. Once youÔÇÖve selected a spot, start by laying down a foundation. Foundations are the base of your structure and determine the size and shape of your base. Use stone or metal foundations for durability, as thatch and wood are easily destroyed by predators or raiders.
When placing foundations, leave extra space around your initial structure. This allows room for future expansions like additional rooms, storage areas, or crafting stations. A common strategy is to build a central hub with a 3x3 or 4x4 foundation layout, leaving open areas on all sides. This design makes it easy to add wings or extensions later. Use pillars and ceilings to create multi-level structures, which maximize space without expanding your footprint.
Walls, doors, and ceilings should be built with the same material as your foundations for consistency and strength. Stone is a good mid-tier option, while metal is the most secure but requires more resources. Always include a dino gate in your design to accommodate larger tamed creatures. For early-game bases, wood is acceptable, but upgrade to stone or metal as soon as possible to protect against threats.
Resource management is critical for expanding your base. Gather materials like wood, stone, fiber, and metal in bulk. Use tamed dinosaurs like the Ankylosaurus for metal, the Doedicurus for stone, and the Castoroides for wood to speed up gathering. Store these resources in organized storage boxes or vaults near your crafting stations. Keep a surplus of materials on hand so you can expand quickly when needed.
Power systems are essential for advanced base functionality. Once youÔÇÖve established your initial structure, plan for electrical wiring and outlets. Generators are the primary power source, but wind turbines and solar panels are renewable alternatives on certain maps. Place wiring and outlets strategically to power lights, refrigerators, and crafting stations without cluttering your base. Use vertical cables and conduits to save space and maintain a clean layout.
Defense is another important consideration. Even if youÔÇÖre focusing on expansion, your base must be secure. Build walls and gates around your perimeter, and place turrets or plant species X to deter intruders. Tame defensive creatures like Rexes or Carnotaurus and station them near your base entrance. For PvP servers, consider adding hidden storage or decoy structures to confuse raiders.
Common mistakes to avoid include building too close to resource nodes, which can block respawns, and overcrowding your base with unnecessary structures. Always leave room for future upgrades and expansions. Another mistake is neglecting to upgrade your base materials. A thatch or wood base may be quick to build, but itÔÇÖs vulnerable to attacks and environmental hazards like wildfires.
Advanced techniques include using snap points and alignment tools to create seamless expansions. For example, you can use fence foundations to extend walls or ceilings without disrupting your existing structure. Another optimization is to build vertically, adding multiple floors to your base instead of spreading out horizontally. This saves space and makes your base easier to defend.
Resource requirements vary depending on the size and material of your base. For a small stone base, youÔÇÖll need hundreds of stone, wood, and thatch. For a large metal base, youÔÇÖll need thousands of metal ingots, cementing paste, and polymer. Prepare by taming resource-gathering dinosaurs and setting up refining forges and fabricators.
Tribe considerations include assigning roles to members, such as gatherers, builders, and defenders. Solo players should focus on efficiency and prioritize essential structures like storage and crafting stations. In both cases, communication and planning are key to successful base expansion.
Specific examples include building a central crafting room with forges, fabricators, and storage, then adding wings for living quarters, dino pens, and gardens. Another scenario is creating a multi-level base with the ground floor for dinos and storage, the second floor for crafting and living, and the roof for turrets and defenses.
By following these strategies, you can build a base that is easy to expand, secure, and functional, ensuring your survival and success in ARK: Survival Evolved.