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

Building a base resistant to sandstorms in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning and understanding of the game mechanics. Sandstorms are a unique environmental hazard found in the Scorched Earth and Ragnarok maps, and they can significantly impact your survival by reducing visibility, draining stamina, and damaging structures over time. To create a sandstorm-resistant base, you need to focus on material selection, base design, and resource management.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of sandstorms. During a sandstorm, visibility is drastically reduced, making it difficult to navigate or spot threats. Your stamina will also drain faster, which can be dangerous if you are caught outside without shelter. Additionally, sandstorms can damage certain structures, particularly those made from weaker materials like thatch or wood. To counter these effects, you need to build your base using durable materials like stone or metal. Stone structures are resistant to sandstorm damage and provide a good balance between cost and durability. Metal structures are even more durable but require more resources to build.

To start building your sandstorm-resistant base, gather the necessary resources. For stone structures, you will need a lot of stone, wood, and thatch. Stone can be collected by mining rocks with a pickaxe or an Ankylosaurus. Wood can be gathered from trees using a hatchet or a Therizinosaurus. Thatch is also obtained from trees but in smaller quantities. If you plan to use metal structures, you will need metal ingots, which are crafted by smelting metal ore in a forge. Metal ore can be found in rocky areas or mined with an Ankylosaurus. You will also need cementing paste, which can be crafted from chitin or keratin and stone, or obtained from beaver dams.

Once you have gathered the necessary resources, choose a location for your base. In Scorched Earth, sandstorms are frequent, so itÔÇÖs important to build in an area that offers some natural protection, such as near cliffs or rock formations. On Ragnarok, sandstorms are less common but still a threat in the desert biome. Avoid building in open areas where sandstorms can hit your base directly. Instead, look for sheltered spots or build your base partially underground if possible.

When designing your base, prioritize durability and functionality. Start with a strong foundation using stone or metal foundations. Walls, ceilings, and doors should also be made from stone or metal to ensure they can withstand sandstorm damage. If you are playing solo, a smaller base with essential structures like a bed, storage, and crafting stations will suffice. For tribes, consider building a larger base with separate rooms for different purposes, such as a crafting area, storage room, and living quarters.

To further protect your base, consider adding defensive structures like turrets or plant species X. These can help deter hostile creatures or players during sandstorms when visibility is low. Additionally, taming creatures like the Morellatops can be beneficial, as they provide water during sandstorms, helping you stay hydrated.

Resource management is crucial when building a sandstorm-resistant base. Ensure you have a steady supply of stone, wood, and metal by setting up resource-gathering outposts or taming dinosaurs that can help with gathering. For example, an Ankylosaurus is excellent for mining metal and stone, while a Therizinosaurus can gather wood and thatch efficiently. Preserving your resources is also important, so use storage boxes or vaults to keep your materials safe.

Common mistakes to avoid include using weak materials like thatch or wood for your base, as these will quickly deteriorate during sandstorms. Another mistake is building in open areas without natural protection, leaving your base vulnerable to sandstorm damage. Additionally, neglecting to tame resource-gathering dinosaurs can slow down your progress and make it harder to maintain your base.

Advanced techniques for optimizing your base include using wind turbines for power, as they are more reliable in Scorched EarthÔÇÖs windy environment. You can also build multiple layers of walls or use behemoth gates to create a secure perimeter. For tribes, coordinating resource gathering and base construction can speed up the process and ensure everyone contributes to the baseÔÇÖs durability.

In summary, building a sandstorm-resistant base in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, durable materials, and efficient resource management. By choosing the right location, using stone or metal structures, and taming resource-gathering dinosaurs, you can create a base that withstands the harsh conditions of sandstorms. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, these strategies will help you survive and thrive in the desert biome.