What are the best locations to build a base on The Island map in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Building a base on The Island map in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning and consideration of several factors, including location, resource availability, defense, and progression. The Island offers a variety of biomes, each with its own advantages and challenges. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you choose the best locations and build a secure and functional base.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of base building. In ARK, you can construct structures using materials like thatch, wood, stone, and metal. Each material offers different levels of durability and protection. Thatch is the weakest and easiest to break, while metal is the strongest but requires more resources to craft. YouÔÇÖll need to gather resources such as wood, stone, fiber, and metal by chopping trees, mining rocks, and harvesting plants. Efficient resource management is key to building and upgrading your base.

When choosing a location, consider proximity to resources, safety from predators, and accessibility. Some of the best locations on The Island include the Hidden Lake, Herbivore Island, and the Redwood Forest. The Hidden Lake, located in the northeast, is a secluded area surrounded by cliffs, making it easy to defend. It has access to water, metal nodes, and a variety of wildlife for hunting. Herbivore Island, in the southeast, is a safe spot with no aggressive creatures, making it ideal for beginners. It also has abundant metal and crystal resources. The Redwood Forest offers a central location with access to rare resources like sap and rare flowers, but itÔÇÖs more dangerous due to predators like Thylacoleos and Terror Birds.

Once youÔÇÖve chosen a location, start by gathering basic resources like wood, stone, and fiber. Build a small thatch or wood hut to store your items and protect yourself from the elements. As you progress, upgrade to stone or metal structures for better durability. Use foundations, walls, ceilings, and doors to create a secure shelter. DonÔÇÖt forget to build storage boxes, preserving bins, and crafting stations like the Smithy and Fabricator.

Defense is crucial to protect your base from hostile creatures and other players. Build walls, gates, and turrets to deter intruders. Place traps like bear traps and plant species X around the perimeter. Tame defensive creatures like Carnotaurus, Rexes, or Spinos to guard your base. Power systems are also important for advanced structures. Use generators or renewable sources like wind turbines and solar panels to power electric lights, refrigerators, and crafting stations.

Resource management is essential for maintaining your base. Organize your resources in storage boxes, preserving bins, and vaults. Use preserving salts and preserving bins to extend the shelf life of perishable items. Craft a Mortar and Pestle or Chemistry Bench to create advanced items like narcotics and gunpowder. Efficient resource gathering and crafting will ensure a steady supply for expanding and upgrading your base.

When building a base, avoid common mistakes like building too close to aggressive creatures or in high-traffic areas. These locations are more likely to attract predators or hostile players. Also, avoid overextending your resources. Start small and gradually expand as you gather more materials. DonÔÇÖt forget to build a bed or sleeping bag for respawning.

Advanced techniques include using pillars and ceilings to create multi-level structures or floating bases. This can provide additional space and make your base harder to raid. Use irrigation systems to grow crops and tame herbivores for a sustainable food source. Tame creatures like Ankylosaurus and Doedicurus for efficient resource gathering.

For solo players, focus on building a compact and easily defendable base. Use hidden or secluded locations to avoid attracting attention. For tribes, coordinate with your members to gather resources and build a larger, more fortified base. Assign roles like gatherers, builders, and defenders to optimize efficiency.

In conclusion, building a base on The Island requires careful planning, resource management, and defense strategies. Choose a location that offers safety, resource availability, and accessibility. Start small and gradually expand as you gather more materials. Use advanced techniques and efficient resource management to create a secure and functional base. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, these tips will help you build a successful base in ARK: Survival Evolved.