How do I build a base that is resistant to earthquakes in ARK: Survival Evolved?
In ARK: Survival Evolved, earthquakes are a unique environmental hazard found on the Extinction map. These earthquakes can damage structures and disrupt your base if not properly prepared for. Building a base resistant to earthquakes requires careful planning, resource management, and strategic placement of structures. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you create a sturdy base that can withstand these natural disasters.
First, understand the mechanics of earthquakes in ARK. Earthquakes on the Extinction map occur randomly and can damage structures, especially those made of weaker materials like thatch or wood. The damage is not uniform; it depends on the material used, the location of your base, and the structural integrity of your build. Metal structures are the most resistant to earthquake damage, followed by stone, wood, and thatch. Therefore, prioritizing metal structures is essential for earthquake resistance.
To start, gather the necessary resources. Metal is the most durable material, so focus on mining metal nodes found in mountainous areas or caves. YouÔÇÖll also need cementing paste, which can be crafted from chitin/keratin and stone or harvested from beaver dams. Polymer is another critical resource for advanced structures, which can be obtained from organic polymer (found on Kairuku or Mantis) or obsidian and cementing paste. Stockpile these resources before beginning construction.
Next, choose a location for your base. Avoid building in areas prone to frequent earthquakes, such as near the city terminals or in the wasteland biome. Instead, opt for safer zones like the sanctuary or the sunken forest, where earthquakes are less frequent and less severe. Elevated areas or platforms can also reduce the risk of damage, as earthquakes tend to affect ground-level structures more.
When building your base, prioritize metal foundations, walls, and ceilings. Metal structures are not only resistant to earthquakes but also provide better protection against hostile creatures and other players. Start by laying down a strong foundation. Use metal pillars to reinforce the structure, as they provide additional stability and prevent collapse during an earthquake. Ensure that your base is well-supported and avoid overextending the structure, as unsupported sections are more likely to break.
Incorporate redundancy into your design. For example, build multiple layers of walls or use double walls to add extra protection. This way, if one layer is damaged, the inner layer will remain intact. Additionally, avoid placing critical structures like storage boxes or crafting stations near the outer walls, as they are more vulnerable to damage. Instead, keep them in the center of your base, where they are better protected.
Power systems are another consideration. Earthquakes can disrupt electrical wiring, so use redundant power lines and place generators in secure, central locations. Consider using wind turbines or solar panels, as they are less prone to damage compared to gasoline-powered generators. Ensure that your power system is well-insulated and protected by metal walls.
Defensive measures are also important. While earthquakes are a natural hazard, your base may still face threats from hostile creatures or other players. Place turrets and defensive dinosaurs around the perimeter to deter intruders. Use metal gates and walls to create a secure perimeter, and consider adding traps or spike walls for additional protection.
Resource management is crucial for maintaining your base. Regularly check your structures for damage and repair them as needed. Keep a stockpile of repair materials like metal ingots, cementing paste, and polymer to quickly fix any damage caused by earthquakes. Organize your storage efficiently, using vaults or large storage boxes to keep your resources safe and accessible.
For solo players, building a smaller, more compact base is advisable. Focus on essential structures and avoid overbuilding, as maintaining a large base can be resource-intensive. Use tamed dinosaurs like Ankylosaurus for efficient metal gathering and Doedicurus for stone. These creatures can significantly reduce the time and effort required to gather resources.
For tribes, coordination is key. Assign roles to tribe members, such as resource gatherers, builders, and defenders. Use tribe-owned dinosaurs for resource gathering and transportation, and ensure that everyone contributes to the baseÔÇÖs maintenance. A well-organized tribe can build and maintain a large, earthquake-resistant base more efficiently than a solo player.
Common mistakes to avoid include using weak materials like thatch or wood, building in earthquake-prone areas, and neglecting structural support. Overextending your base without proper reinforcement can lead to collapse during an earthquake. Additionally, failing to repair damaged structures promptly can leave your base vulnerable to further damage.
Advanced techniques include using tek structures, which are highly resistant to damage and offer additional benefits like energy shielding. However, tek structures require rare resources and advanced engrams, so they are typically end-game options. Another optimization is to use cliff platforms or tree platforms, which can provide a stable foundation and reduce the risk of earthquake damage.
In summary, building an earthquake-resistant base in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and strategic placement of structures. Prioritize metal materials, choose a safe location, and reinforce your base with pillars and redundant layers. Maintain your base regularly, and use defensive measures to protect against other threats. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, these strategies will help you create a sturdy and secure base capable of withstanding the challenges of the Extinction map.
First, understand the mechanics of earthquakes in ARK. Earthquakes on the Extinction map occur randomly and can damage structures, especially those made of weaker materials like thatch or wood. The damage is not uniform; it depends on the material used, the location of your base, and the structural integrity of your build. Metal structures are the most resistant to earthquake damage, followed by stone, wood, and thatch. Therefore, prioritizing metal structures is essential for earthquake resistance.
To start, gather the necessary resources. Metal is the most durable material, so focus on mining metal nodes found in mountainous areas or caves. YouÔÇÖll also need cementing paste, which can be crafted from chitin/keratin and stone or harvested from beaver dams. Polymer is another critical resource for advanced structures, which can be obtained from organic polymer (found on Kairuku or Mantis) or obsidian and cementing paste. Stockpile these resources before beginning construction.
Next, choose a location for your base. Avoid building in areas prone to frequent earthquakes, such as near the city terminals or in the wasteland biome. Instead, opt for safer zones like the sanctuary or the sunken forest, where earthquakes are less frequent and less severe. Elevated areas or platforms can also reduce the risk of damage, as earthquakes tend to affect ground-level structures more.
When building your base, prioritize metal foundations, walls, and ceilings. Metal structures are not only resistant to earthquakes but also provide better protection against hostile creatures and other players. Start by laying down a strong foundation. Use metal pillars to reinforce the structure, as they provide additional stability and prevent collapse during an earthquake. Ensure that your base is well-supported and avoid overextending the structure, as unsupported sections are more likely to break.
Incorporate redundancy into your design. For example, build multiple layers of walls or use double walls to add extra protection. This way, if one layer is damaged, the inner layer will remain intact. Additionally, avoid placing critical structures like storage boxes or crafting stations near the outer walls, as they are more vulnerable to damage. Instead, keep them in the center of your base, where they are better protected.
Power systems are another consideration. Earthquakes can disrupt electrical wiring, so use redundant power lines and place generators in secure, central locations. Consider using wind turbines or solar panels, as they are less prone to damage compared to gasoline-powered generators. Ensure that your power system is well-insulated and protected by metal walls.
Defensive measures are also important. While earthquakes are a natural hazard, your base may still face threats from hostile creatures or other players. Place turrets and defensive dinosaurs around the perimeter to deter intruders. Use metal gates and walls to create a secure perimeter, and consider adding traps or spike walls for additional protection.
Resource management is crucial for maintaining your base. Regularly check your structures for damage and repair them as needed. Keep a stockpile of repair materials like metal ingots, cementing paste, and polymer to quickly fix any damage caused by earthquakes. Organize your storage efficiently, using vaults or large storage boxes to keep your resources safe and accessible.
For solo players, building a smaller, more compact base is advisable. Focus on essential structures and avoid overbuilding, as maintaining a large base can be resource-intensive. Use tamed dinosaurs like Ankylosaurus for efficient metal gathering and Doedicurus for stone. These creatures can significantly reduce the time and effort required to gather resources.
For tribes, coordination is key. Assign roles to tribe members, such as resource gatherers, builders, and defenders. Use tribe-owned dinosaurs for resource gathering and transportation, and ensure that everyone contributes to the baseÔÇÖs maintenance. A well-organized tribe can build and maintain a large, earthquake-resistant base more efficiently than a solo player.
Common mistakes to avoid include using weak materials like thatch or wood, building in earthquake-prone areas, and neglecting structural support. Overextending your base without proper reinforcement can lead to collapse during an earthquake. Additionally, failing to repair damaged structures promptly can leave your base vulnerable to further damage.
Advanced techniques include using tek structures, which are highly resistant to damage and offer additional benefits like energy shielding. However, tek structures require rare resources and advanced engrams, so they are typically end-game options. Another optimization is to use cliff platforms or tree platforms, which can provide a stable foundation and reduce the risk of earthquake damage.
In summary, building an earthquake-resistant base in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and strategic placement of structures. Prioritize metal materials, choose a safe location, and reinforce your base with pillars and redundant layers. Maintain your base regularly, and use defensive measures to protect against other threats. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, these strategies will help you create a sturdy and secure base capable of withstanding the challenges of the Extinction map.