How do I build a base that is safe from Reapers in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Building a base that is safe from Reapers in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and strategic placement. Reapers are one of the most dangerous creatures in the game, especially in the Aberration map, where they are native. They are highly aggressive, can deal massive damage, and can even climb walls, making them a significant threat to your base. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to build a base that can withstand Reaper attacks.
First, understanding Reaper mechanics is crucial. Reapers are large, fast, and can deal area-of-effect damage with their tail attacks. They can also climb over walls and structures, so traditional base designs may not be enough. Reapers are attracted to noise and movement, so keeping your base quiet and well-defended is key. They are also resistant to most forms of damage, so relying on turrets or tamed creatures alone may not be sufficient.
To start, choose a location that is naturally defensible. High ground or areas surrounded by natural barriers like cliffs or water can help limit Reaper access. Avoid building in open areas where Reapers can easily approach from multiple directions. If youÔÇÖre on the Aberration map, consider building in the Fertile Zone or the Blue Zone, as these areas are less frequented by Reapers compared to the Surface or the Red Zone.
Next, focus on building materials. Stone structures are the minimum requirement, as thatch and wood will not withstand Reaper attacks. However, metal is the best choice for walls, ceilings, and foundations. Metal structures are much more durable and can take more hits before breaking. If youÔÇÖre early in the game and donÔÇÖt have access to metal, prioritize upgrading to stone as soon as possible.
When designing your base, create multiple layers of defense. Start with an outer wall made of metal or stone, at least three walls high. Reapers can climb, but taller walls can slow them down and give you more time to react. Inside the outer wall, build a secondary layer of defense, such as a second wall or a series of gates. This creates a buffer zone that can absorb damage and prevent Reapers from reaching your main structures.
Incorporate turrets into your defense system. Auto-turrets and heavy turrets can be effective against Reapers, especially if you have a good supply of ammunition. Place turrets on high platforms or towers to give them a better line of sight. Make sure to power them with a generator or wind turbine, and keep spare fuel and bullets in storage nearby. Turrets should be set to target all creatures, as Reapers can appear unexpectedly.
Traps can also be useful. Bear traps or large bear traps can slow down or immobilize Reapers, giving you time to attack or retreat. Place these traps near entry points or choke points where Reapers are likely to approach. Additionally, consider using plant species X or plant species Z for added defense. These plants can shoot projectiles that slow or damage Reapers, providing an extra layer of protection.
Resource management is critical. Building a Reaper-proof base requires a lot of materials, especially metal. Prioritize gathering metal, cementing paste, and polymer early on. Use a metal pickaxe or an Ankylosaurus to mine metal nodes efficiently. Cementing paste can be obtained from chitin or keratin, or by farming beaver dams. Polymer can be harvested from organic sources like Kairuku or crafted using obsidian and cementing paste.
If youÔÇÖre playing solo, focus on building a compact base with multiple layers of defense. A smaller base is easier to defend and requires fewer resources. If youÔÇÖre in a tribe, divide tasks among members to speed up resource gathering and construction. Assign roles such as gatherers, builders, and defenders to ensure efficiency.
Common mistakes to avoid include building too close to Reaper spawn points, using weak materials like thatch or wood, and neglecting turret placement. Always scout the area before building to ensure youÔÇÖre not in a high-traffic zone for Reapers. Additionally, avoid leaving gaps in your walls or ceilings, as Reapers can exploit these weaknesses.
Advanced techniques include using tek structures, which are even more durable than metal and offer additional features like force fields. If you have access to tek, consider building a tek force field around your base to block Reapers entirely. Another advanced strategy is to use tamed creatures like Rock Drakes or Reapers themselves for defense. Tamed Reapers can be set to aggressive and used to fight off wild Reapers, though this requires significant effort and resources.
In summary, building a base safe from Reapers in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, strong materials, and multiple layers of defense. Choose a defensible location, use metal or tek structures, and incorporate turrets, traps, and tamed creatures into your defense system. Manage your resources efficiently and avoid common mistakes like weak materials or poor placement. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, these strategies will help you create a base that can withstand even the most dangerous Reaper attacks.
First, understanding Reaper mechanics is crucial. Reapers are large, fast, and can deal area-of-effect damage with their tail attacks. They can also climb over walls and structures, so traditional base designs may not be enough. Reapers are attracted to noise and movement, so keeping your base quiet and well-defended is key. They are also resistant to most forms of damage, so relying on turrets or tamed creatures alone may not be sufficient.
To start, choose a location that is naturally defensible. High ground or areas surrounded by natural barriers like cliffs or water can help limit Reaper access. Avoid building in open areas where Reapers can easily approach from multiple directions. If youÔÇÖre on the Aberration map, consider building in the Fertile Zone or the Blue Zone, as these areas are less frequented by Reapers compared to the Surface or the Red Zone.
Next, focus on building materials. Stone structures are the minimum requirement, as thatch and wood will not withstand Reaper attacks. However, metal is the best choice for walls, ceilings, and foundations. Metal structures are much more durable and can take more hits before breaking. If youÔÇÖre early in the game and donÔÇÖt have access to metal, prioritize upgrading to stone as soon as possible.
When designing your base, create multiple layers of defense. Start with an outer wall made of metal or stone, at least three walls high. Reapers can climb, but taller walls can slow them down and give you more time to react. Inside the outer wall, build a secondary layer of defense, such as a second wall or a series of gates. This creates a buffer zone that can absorb damage and prevent Reapers from reaching your main structures.
Incorporate turrets into your defense system. Auto-turrets and heavy turrets can be effective against Reapers, especially if you have a good supply of ammunition. Place turrets on high platforms or towers to give them a better line of sight. Make sure to power them with a generator or wind turbine, and keep spare fuel and bullets in storage nearby. Turrets should be set to target all creatures, as Reapers can appear unexpectedly.
Traps can also be useful. Bear traps or large bear traps can slow down or immobilize Reapers, giving you time to attack or retreat. Place these traps near entry points or choke points where Reapers are likely to approach. Additionally, consider using plant species X or plant species Z for added defense. These plants can shoot projectiles that slow or damage Reapers, providing an extra layer of protection.
Resource management is critical. Building a Reaper-proof base requires a lot of materials, especially metal. Prioritize gathering metal, cementing paste, and polymer early on. Use a metal pickaxe or an Ankylosaurus to mine metal nodes efficiently. Cementing paste can be obtained from chitin or keratin, or by farming beaver dams. Polymer can be harvested from organic sources like Kairuku or crafted using obsidian and cementing paste.
If youÔÇÖre playing solo, focus on building a compact base with multiple layers of defense. A smaller base is easier to defend and requires fewer resources. If youÔÇÖre in a tribe, divide tasks among members to speed up resource gathering and construction. Assign roles such as gatherers, builders, and defenders to ensure efficiency.
Common mistakes to avoid include building too close to Reaper spawn points, using weak materials like thatch or wood, and neglecting turret placement. Always scout the area before building to ensure youÔÇÖre not in a high-traffic zone for Reapers. Additionally, avoid leaving gaps in your walls or ceilings, as Reapers can exploit these weaknesses.
Advanced techniques include using tek structures, which are even more durable than metal and offer additional features like force fields. If you have access to tek, consider building a tek force field around your base to block Reapers entirely. Another advanced strategy is to use tamed creatures like Rock Drakes or Reapers themselves for defense. Tamed Reapers can be set to aggressive and used to fight off wild Reapers, though this requires significant effort and resources.
In summary, building a base safe from Reapers in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, strong materials, and multiple layers of defense. Choose a defensible location, use metal or tek structures, and incorporate turrets, traps, and tamed creatures into your defense system. Manage your resources efficiently and avoid common mistakes like weak materials or poor placement. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, these strategies will help you create a base that can withstand even the most dangerous Reaper attacks.