What is the best way to organize storage in a large base in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Organizing storage in a large base in ARK: Survival Evolved is essential for maintaining efficiency, especially as your resources and items grow in quantity and variety. Proper storage organization ensures that you can quickly access what you need, avoid clutter, and streamline your crafting and resource management processes. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this effectively.

First, understand the mechanics of storage in ARK. Storage containers like storage boxes, preserving bins, refrigerators, and vaults each have unique functions and capacities. Storage boxes are basic and hold a moderate amount of items, while preserving bins are used to extend the spoilage time of perishable items like meat and berries. Refrigerators are more advanced and provide even better preservation for food. Vaults are the most secure and have the highest storage capacity, making them ideal for storing large quantities of valuable resources like metal or rare items. Knowing the strengths of each storage type is key to organizing your base efficiently.

To begin organizing, start by categorizing your resources and items. Common categories include building materials (wood, stone, metal), crafting components (fiber, hide, chitin), food (meat, berries, crops), tools and weapons, and rare or valuable items (artifacts, blueprints). Assign specific storage containers to each category. For example, dedicate a row of storage boxes to building materials, a refrigerator for food, and a vault for rare items. Labeling your storage containers using signs or paint can help you quickly identify whatÔÇÖs inside.

Next, consider the layout of your base. Place frequently accessed storage containers near crafting stations like forges, fabricators, and cooking pots. This minimizes the time spent running back and forth. For example, keep a storage box with metal and wood near your forge, and a refrigerator with meat near your cooking pot. Less frequently accessed items, like rare resources or backup gear, can be stored in vaults placed in a secure area of your base.

When organizing, prioritize accessibility and security. In PvP scenarios, valuable items should be stored in vaults or hidden compartments to protect them from raiders. In PvE, focus on accessibility and efficiency. Use large storage rooms with clearly labeled containers to make it easy to find what you need. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, you can customize your storage system to suit your playstyle. In a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to ensure everyone knows where items are stored and follows the same organization system.

Resource requirements for storage organization depend on the size of your base and the number of items you need to store. For a large base, youÔÇÖll need a significant amount of wood, thatch, metal, and cementing paste to craft storage boxes, vaults, and refrigerators. Prepare by gathering these materials in bulk and setting aside a dedicated area for storage construction. Advanced players can use industrial storage solutions like the industrial forge or industrial cooker, which require more resources but offer greater efficiency.

Common mistakes to avoid include overloading storage containers, which can make it difficult to find specific items, and failing to label containers, leading to confusion. Another mistake is placing storage containers too far from crafting stations, which wastes time. Avoid cluttering your base with unnecessary storage boxes, as this can make navigation difficult.

Advanced techniques include using mods or custom structures to enhance storage organization. Mods like Structures Plus (S+) allow players to create auto-sorting storage systems, which automatically organize items into designated containers. If youÔÇÖre playing on an official server, you can optimize your storage by using color-coded signs or creating a centralized storage hub with easy access to all crafting stations.

In specific scenarios, such as preparing for a boss fight or a large-scale build project, you may need to temporarily reorganize your storage to prioritize certain items. For example, store all your weapons, armor, and consumables in easily accessible containers before a boss fight. During a build project, dedicate a storage box to each type of building material to streamline the process.

In conclusion, organizing storage in a large base requires careful planning, categorization, and layout design. By understanding the mechanics of storage containers, prioritizing accessibility and security, and avoiding common mistakes, you can create an efficient and functional storage system. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, proper storage organization will save you time and effort, allowing you to focus on surviving and thriving in the world of ARK.