What is the best way to protect my base from Wyverns in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Protecting your base from Wyverns in ARK: Survival Evolved requires a combination of strategic base design, defensive structures, and tamed creatures. Wyverns are powerful flying creatures that can deal significant damage to your base, especially if you are located in or near their natural habitats, such as the Scorched Earth map or the Wyvern Trench on Ragnarok. Here is a detailed guide on how to protect your base from Wyverns.

First, understand the mechanics of Wyvern attacks. Wyverns are aggressive creatures that can breathe fire, lightning, or poison, depending on their type. They are attracted to movement and can detect players and tamed creatures from a distance. Their attacks can destroy weaker structures like thatch, wood, and even stone, so upgrading your base to metal is essential. Wyverns can also fly over walls and other obstacles, making traditional perimeter defenses less effective.

To start, choose a secure location for your base. Avoid building too close to Wyvern spawn points, such as the Wyvern Trench or the Scar. If you must build near these areas, ensure your base is well-protected. Consider building in a cave or on a high cliff where Wyverns have difficulty reaching. Caves with narrow entrances can be blocked off with gates or walls, preventing Wyverns from entering.

Next, upgrade your base to metal structures. Metal walls, ceilings, and foundations are much more resistant to Wyvern attacks compared to stone or wood. Use metal gates to secure entrances and exits. If you are in the early stages of the game and cannot afford metal, at least upgrade to stone, as it provides better protection than wood or thatch.

Install turrets around your base. Auto-turrets and heavy turrets are highly effective against Wyverns. Place them on high points around your base to maximize their range and coverage. Ensure your turrets are powered by a reliable source, such as a generator or wind turbine. Set the turrets to target flying creatures and adjust their range to cover the area where Wyverns are likely to approach.

Tame and position defensive creatures. Tamed creatures like the Argentavis, Rex, or Spinosaurus can help defend your base against Wyverns. Place them on neutral or aggressive settings near your base perimeter. Wyverns themselves can also be tamed and used for defense, but this requires advanced preparation and resources. If you have a Wyvern, set it to follow a strong ground creature like a Rex, so it can engage enemies from the air while the ground creature provides support.

Use plant species X as an additional layer of defense. These plants can be grown in large crop plots and act as natural turrets, slowing down and damaging Wyverns as they approach. Place them around your base perimeter and ensure they are regularly fertilized to maintain their effectiveness.

Prepare for resource requirements. Building a metal base, turrets, and taming defensive creatures require significant resources. Gather metal, cementing paste, polymer, and electronics in large quantities. Use an Ankylosaurus for efficient metal gathering and a Beaver or Therizinosaurus for wood and thatch. Cementing paste can be obtained from beaver dams or by crafting it with chitin and stone in a mortar and pestle.

Avoid common mistakes such as underestimating the range and power of Wyvern attacks. Do not rely solely on walls or ground-based defenses, as Wyverns can easily fly over them. Ensure your turrets are well-placed and powered, as unpowered turrets are useless. Do not leave gaps in your defenses, as Wyverns can exploit even small openings.

For advanced techniques, consider using a combination of turrets and plant species X for layered defense. Place turrets on high platforms or towers to increase their range and effectiveness. Use a mix of auto-turrets and heavy turrets to cover different ranges and angles. If you are in a tribe, coordinate with your members to ensure all areas of the base are covered. Assign roles for resource gathering, base building, and defense to maximize efficiency.

In solo play, focus on creating a compact and well-defended base. Use fewer but more strategically placed turrets and defensive creatures. Prioritize upgrading to metal structures and taming a strong defensive creature like a Rex or Spino. Consider building in a less accessible location, such as a cave or high cliff, to reduce the risk of Wyvern attacks.

In specific scenarios, such as living near the Wyvern Trench on Ragnarok, you may need to take extra precautions. Build multiple layers of walls and turrets to create a buffer zone around your base. Use tamed Wyverns to patrol the area and deter wild Wyverns. Regularly check and repair your defenses to ensure they remain effective.

In conclusion, protecting your base from Wyverns in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and strategic defense placement. Upgrade to metal structures, install turrets, use plant species X, and tame defensive creatures to create a strong defense. Avoid common mistakes and consider advanced techniques for optimal protection. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, these strategies will help you safeguard your base from the threat of Wyverns.