What is the best material to use for early-game base building in ARK: Survival Evolved?

In ARK: Survival Evolved, early-game base building is critical for survival, as it provides shelter from the elements, hostile creatures, and other players. The best material to use for early-game base building is wood, as it strikes a balance between durability, resource availability, and ease of construction. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to build an effective early-game base using wood, along with tips and strategies to ensure your survival and progression.

To start, youÔÇÖll need to gather the necessary resources. Wood is the primary material for early-game structures, and you can collect it by using a stone hatchet or a metal hatchet if youÔÇÖve unlocked it. Trees are abundant in most starting areas, so focus on chopping them down. YouÔÇÖll also need thatch, which is a byproduct of harvesting wood, and fiber, which can be gathered from bushes using your hands or a sickle. Stone is another essential resource, as itÔÇÖs required for crafting foundations, walls, and other structures. You can gather stone by hitting rocks with a pickaxe. Finally, youÔÇÖll need hide, which can be obtained by killing small creatures like dodos or dilophosaurs. Hide is used to craft tools and some early-game items.

Once you have the necessary resources, start by crafting a simple thatch hut. This will serve as a temporary shelter while you gather more materials for a wooden base. To build a thatch hut, place a thatch foundation on flat ground, then add walls, a doorframe, and a thatch door. You can also add a thatch roof for additional protection. While thatch structures are quick to build, they are very weak and can be destroyed easily by predators or other players. Therefore, you should aim to upgrade to wood as soon as possible.

To build a wooden base, start by placing a wooden foundation. Foundations provide stability for your structure and prevent it from collapsing. Once the foundation is in place, add wooden walls around the perimeter. Make sure to leave space for a doorframe and door. You can also add a wooden ceiling to create a roof, which will protect you from the elements and flying creatures. Wooden structures are more durable than thatch and can withstand attacks from most early-game predators. However, they are still vulnerable to stronger creatures like raptors or players with metal tools, so youÔÇÖll need to upgrade to stone or metal later in the game.

When building your base, consider the location carefully. Choose a spot that is close to resources like trees, rocks, and water, but also offers some natural protection, such as being near cliffs or dense foliage. Avoid building in open areas where youÔÇÖre exposed to predators or other players. Additionally, try to build near a water source, as staying hydrated is crucial for survival. However, be cautious of building too close to rivers or oceans, as these areas are often frequented by dangerous creatures like sarcosuchus or megalodons.

One common mistake early-game players make is building too large of a base too quickly. While itÔÇÖs tempting to create a massive fortress, this can drain your resources and leave you vulnerable. Instead, focus on building a small, functional base that meets your immediate needs. You can always expand later as you gather more resources and tame stronger dinosaurs. Another mistake is neglecting base defense. Even in the early game, itÔÇÖs important to protect your base from predators and other players. Consider building a wooden spike wall around your base to deter intruders. You can also tame small dinosaurs like dilos or raptors to guard your base.

For solo players, resource management is especially important. Since youÔÇÖll be gathering and crafting everything on your own, prioritize efficiency. Use dinosaurs like the trike or parasaur to help gather resources more quickly. These creatures can carry large amounts of wood, thatch, and berries, making them invaluable for early-game base building. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, divide tasks among members to speed up the process. For example, one player can focus on gathering wood, while another collects stone and fiber.

As you progress, youÔÇÖll want to upgrade your base to stone or metal for increased durability. Stone structures are much stronger than wood and can withstand attacks from most creatures and players. To build stone structures, youÔÇÖll need to gather stone, wood, and fiber, as well as unlock the necessary engrams. Metal structures are the most durable but require a significant amount of metal ingots, which are smelted from metal ore in a forge. Metal bases are ideal for late-game PvP, as they are resistant to explosives and other high-damage weapons.

In summary, wood is the best material for early-game base building in ARK: Survival Evolved due to its balance of durability and resource availability. Start by gathering wood, thatch, fiber, and stone to craft a small wooden base. Choose a strategic location, prioritize resource management, and focus on defense to protect your base from threats. Avoid common mistakes like building too large too quickly or neglecting defense. As you progress, upgrade to stone or metal for increased durability. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, efficient resource gathering and base design are key to surviving and thriving in the dangerous world of ARK.