How do I build a base that is resistant to tornadoes in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Building a base resistant to tornadoes in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and understanding of the game's mechanics. Tornadoes are a natural disaster that can occur on certain maps, such as Extinction and Genesis Part 1, and they can cause significant damage to structures and tamed creatures. To create a tornado-resistant base, you need to focus on material durability, strategic placement, and defensive measures.

First, let's discuss the mechanics of tornadoes. Tornadoes in ARK are environmental hazards that can destroy structures, scatter items, and even pick up and throw tamed creatures. They are unpredictable and can strike anywhere on the map, so building in a location that is less prone to tornadoes is crucial. However, since tornadoes can still occur anywhere, your base must be designed to withstand their impact.

The first step in building a tornado-resistant base is choosing the right materials. Structures made from thatch or wood are highly vulnerable to tornadoes and will be destroyed almost instantly. Stone structures offer better resistance but can still be damaged. Metal structures are the most durable and are highly resistant to tornadoes. Therefore, prioritize using metal for your base's walls, ceilings, and foundations. If you are in the early game and cannot afford metal, stone is a temporary solution, but you should upgrade to metal as soon as possible.

Next, consider the layout and design of your base. A compact, well-fortified base is less likely to suffer catastrophic damage from a tornado. Avoid building tall structures, as they are more susceptible to being torn apart. Instead, opt for a low-profile design with multiple layers of walls for added protection. Reinforce key areas like storage rooms and crafting stations with extra layers of metal walls. Additionally, avoid placing important structures near the edges of your base, as tornadoes tend to cause the most damage to outer walls.

Resource management is critical when building a tornado-resistant base. Gathering metal, cementing paste, and polymer will be your primary focus. Metal can be obtained by mining metal nodes found in mountainous areas or by harvesting metal-rich rocks. Cementing paste is crafted from chitin or keratin and stone, or it can be obtained by harvesting beaver dams or taming a Megatherium. Polymer can be harvested from organic sources like Kairuku or crafted using obsidian and cementing paste. Stockpile these resources before starting construction to ensure you have enough materials to complete your base.

Defensive measures are also important. While tornadoes cannot be stopped, you can minimize their impact by placing tamed creatures and storage containers in secure locations. Avoid leaving valuable items or tames outside, as they can be scattered or destroyed. Use vaults or reinforced storage boxes to protect your most important items. Additionally, consider building a secondary, smaller base in a different location to serve as a backup in case your primary base is damaged.

For tribes, coordination is key. Assign roles to tribe members to ensure efficient resource gathering and construction. One member can focus on mining metal, another on gathering cementing paste, and another on building the base. Communication is essential to avoid duplication of effort and to ensure the base is completed quickly. Solo players will need to manage their time and resources carefully, prioritizing the most critical structures first.

Common mistakes to avoid include building in open areas prone to tornadoes, using weak materials like thatch or wood, and neglecting to reinforce key areas of your base. Another mistake is underestimating the resource requirements, which can lead to an incomplete or poorly constructed base. Always plan ahead and gather more resources than you think you will need.

Advanced techniques include using Tek structures, which are highly resistant to environmental hazards like tornadoes. However, Tek structures require advanced resources and engrams, so they are typically late-game options. Another optimization is to build your base in a cave or underground, as these locations are less likely to be affected by tornadoes. However, cave bases come with their own challenges, such as limited space and the presence of hostile creatures.

In summary, building a tornado-resistant base in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, the use of durable materials like metal, and strategic base design. Gather resources efficiently, reinforce key areas, and consider advanced techniques like Tek structures or cave bases. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, coordination and resource management are essential to creating a base that can withstand the destructive power of tornadoes. By following these strategies, you can ensure your base remains intact and your tames and items are safe from harm.