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

Microraptors are one of the most annoying creatures in ARK: Survival Evolved, especially when it comes to base defense. These small, agile dinosaurs can dismount you from your tamed creatures, stun you, and cause chaos around your base. Protecting your base from Microraptors requires a combination of strategic base design, defensive structures, and proper use of tamed creatures. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

First, letÔÇÖs understand the mechanics of Microraptors. They are small, fast, and often travel in groups. They can leap at you or your tamed creatures, causing a dismount and a brief stun effect. This makes them particularly dangerous if youÔÇÖre caught off guard, especially when youÔÇÖre riding a flying mount or a fast-moving creature. They are most commonly found in forests and jungles, so if your base is near these areas, youÔÇÖre more likely to encounter them.

To protect your base from Microraptors, start by building a secure perimeter. Use walls, fences, or gates to create a barrier around your base. Stone or metal structures are recommended because they are more durable and harder for wild creatures to break through. Make sure your walls are at least two or three walls high to prevent Microraptors from jumping over them. If youÔÇÖre in the early game and only have access to wood, prioritize upgrading to stone as soon as possible.

Next, consider adding defensive structures like turrets or plant species X. Turrets can be set to target wild creatures, and they will automatically shoot down any Microraptors that come too close. Plant species X is a cheaper alternative that can be grown in large crop plots. These plants shoot spores at nearby threats, including Microraptors, and can be a great addition to your base defense. Place them strategically around your perimeter to cover as much area as possible.

Another effective strategy is to use tamed creatures for defense. Certain dinosaurs are excellent at dealing with small, fast threats like Microraptors. For example, a pack of Raptors or a pack of Dimorphodons can quickly take down Microraptors before they become a problem. Set these creatures to aggressive or neutral and keep them near the entrance of your base or around the perimeter. Be cautious with larger creatures like Rexes or Spinos, as they might not be as effective against small, fast targets.

Resource management is crucial when building your defenses. Stone and metal are the best materials for walls and turrets, but they require a significant amount of resources to gather. Make sure you have a steady supply of these materials by setting up mining operations or taming creatures like Ankylosaurus or Doedicurus, which are excellent at gathering stone and metal. For plant species X, youÔÇÖll need to farm seeds, which can be obtained by harvesting plants in the swamp biome. Fertilizer is also required to grow these plants, so consider taming a Dung Beetle or setting up a compost bin to produce it efficiently.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the range and agility of Microraptors. Even with walls, they can sometimes find a way to sneak into your base if there are gaps or weak points. Always double-check your perimeter for any openings, and make sure your defensive structures are placed in areas where they can cover the most ground. Another mistake is relying solely on one type of defense. Combining walls, turrets, and tamed creatures will give you the best chance of keeping Microraptors at bay.

Advanced techniques include creating a layered defense system. For example, you can build an outer wall with plant species X and an inner wall with turrets. This creates multiple lines of defense, making it harder for Microraptors to penetrate your base. You can also use traps like bear traps or spike walls to slow them down and give your defenses more time to react. Additionally, consider using a mix of ranged and melee tamed creatures to cover different angles of attack.

If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to assign roles for base defense. One player can focus on gathering resources, another on building structures, and another on taming and training defensive creatures. Solo players will need to manage all these tasks themselves, so prioritize efficiency and focus on the most critical defenses first.

In specific scenarios, such as building in a dense forest, you might encounter Microraptors more frequently. In this case, consider clearing out the surrounding area to reduce their spawn points. You can also use tamed creatures like Therizinosaurus or Carnotaurus to patrol the area and eliminate any threats before they reach your base.

In conclusion, protecting your base from Microraptors requires a combination of strong walls, defensive structures, and well-trained tamed creatures. Focus on resource gathering, efficient base design, and layered defenses to create a secure environment. Avoid common mistakes like leaving gaps in your perimeter or relying on a single type of defense. With proper preparation and strategy, you can keep Microraptors from disrupting your base and ensure your survival in the dangerous world of ARK.