How do I create a hidden or camouflaged base in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Creating a hidden or camouflaged base in ARK: Survival Evolved is a critical strategy for survival, especially in PvP environments where other players may seek to raid your base. The goal is to make your base as inconspicuous as possible, blending it into the environment or hiding it in hard-to-reach locations. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this.
First, you need to understand the mechanics of base building and how structures interact with the environment. In ARK, structures can be placed on almost any surface, including cliffs, caves, and underwater. The key to a hidden base is to use the terrain to your advantage. Look for natural features like dense forests, rocky outcrops, or underwater caves that can obscure your base from view. Additionally, certain structures, like the Greenhouse set, have a more natural appearance and can blend better with the environment.
To start, scout the map for a suitable location. Dense forests, such as those in the Redwood biome, are excellent for camouflage because the trees and foliage can hide your structures. Alternatively, consider building in caves or underwater, as these areas are harder to access and less likely to be stumbled upon. However, be aware that some caves have restrictions on building, and underwater bases require advanced resources like scuba gear or underwater tames.
Once youÔÇÖve chosen a location, gather the necessary resources. For a hidden base, youÔÇÖll need materials like wood, stone, and thatch, depending on the level of durability you want. Stone structures are more durable and less likely to be destroyed by wild creatures or players, but they are also more visible. Thatch and wood structures blend better with the environment but are easier to destroy. Consider using a mix of materials to balance durability and camouflage.
When building, avoid creating large, flat surfaces that stand out. Instead, build in irregular shapes that follow the contours of the terrain. Use natural features like rocks and trees to break up the outline of your base. For example, you can build a small hut nestled between two large trees or a cliffside base that uses the rock face as one of its walls. This makes it harder for others to spot your base from a distance.
Another important strategy is to limit the use of light sources. Torches, campfires, and electric lights can give away your position, especially at night. If you need light, use dimmer sources like standing torches placed inside structures or use natural light during the day. Additionally, avoid placing large storage containers or crafting stations outside, as these can also draw attention.
For advanced camouflage, consider using paint. You can paint structures to match the surrounding environment, such as green for forests or gray for rocky areas. This requires a Paintbrush and Dye, which can be crafted using resources like Charcoal, Berries, and Sparkpowder. Painting your structures can make them nearly invisible from a distance, especially if you match the colors to the terrain.
When it comes to defense, avoid placing obvious turrets or traps around your base. Instead, use hidden traps like Bear Traps or Plant Species X, which can be placed in foliage and are harder to spot. You can also tame creatures like Raptors or Carnotaurus and set them to neutral or aggressive, hiding them in the surrounding area to ambush intruders.
Resource management is crucial for maintaining a hidden base. Store your most valuable items in hidden compartments or underwater vaults to prevent them from being stolen during a raid. Use small storage containers spread throughout your base rather than one large vault, as this makes it harder for raiders to find all your resources at once.
If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, coordinate with your members to keep the base hidden. Assign roles for gathering resources, building, and defending the base. Avoid logging off in the same location every time, as this can create a pattern that raiders might notice. For solo players, focus on building smaller, more discreet bases that are easier to maintain and defend.
Common mistakes to avoid include building in high-traffic areas, using too many light sources, and creating large, obvious structures. Always test your baseÔÇÖs visibility by approaching it from different angles and distances to ensure it blends well with the environment.
In summary, creating a hidden or camouflaged base in ARK requires careful planning, resource management, and creativity. Use the terrain to your advantage, limit visible structures, and employ advanced techniques like painting and hidden traps. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, a well-hidden base can be the key to surviving and thriving in the dangerous world of ARK: Survival Evolved.
First, you need to understand the mechanics of base building and how structures interact with the environment. In ARK, structures can be placed on almost any surface, including cliffs, caves, and underwater. The key to a hidden base is to use the terrain to your advantage. Look for natural features like dense forests, rocky outcrops, or underwater caves that can obscure your base from view. Additionally, certain structures, like the Greenhouse set, have a more natural appearance and can blend better with the environment.
To start, scout the map for a suitable location. Dense forests, such as those in the Redwood biome, are excellent for camouflage because the trees and foliage can hide your structures. Alternatively, consider building in caves or underwater, as these areas are harder to access and less likely to be stumbled upon. However, be aware that some caves have restrictions on building, and underwater bases require advanced resources like scuba gear or underwater tames.
Once youÔÇÖve chosen a location, gather the necessary resources. For a hidden base, youÔÇÖll need materials like wood, stone, and thatch, depending on the level of durability you want. Stone structures are more durable and less likely to be destroyed by wild creatures or players, but they are also more visible. Thatch and wood structures blend better with the environment but are easier to destroy. Consider using a mix of materials to balance durability and camouflage.
When building, avoid creating large, flat surfaces that stand out. Instead, build in irregular shapes that follow the contours of the terrain. Use natural features like rocks and trees to break up the outline of your base. For example, you can build a small hut nestled between two large trees or a cliffside base that uses the rock face as one of its walls. This makes it harder for others to spot your base from a distance.
Another important strategy is to limit the use of light sources. Torches, campfires, and electric lights can give away your position, especially at night. If you need light, use dimmer sources like standing torches placed inside structures or use natural light during the day. Additionally, avoid placing large storage containers or crafting stations outside, as these can also draw attention.
For advanced camouflage, consider using paint. You can paint structures to match the surrounding environment, such as green for forests or gray for rocky areas. This requires a Paintbrush and Dye, which can be crafted using resources like Charcoal, Berries, and Sparkpowder. Painting your structures can make them nearly invisible from a distance, especially if you match the colors to the terrain.
When it comes to defense, avoid placing obvious turrets or traps around your base. Instead, use hidden traps like Bear Traps or Plant Species X, which can be placed in foliage and are harder to spot. You can also tame creatures like Raptors or Carnotaurus and set them to neutral or aggressive, hiding them in the surrounding area to ambush intruders.
Resource management is crucial for maintaining a hidden base. Store your most valuable items in hidden compartments or underwater vaults to prevent them from being stolen during a raid. Use small storage containers spread throughout your base rather than one large vault, as this makes it harder for raiders to find all your resources at once.
If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, coordinate with your members to keep the base hidden. Assign roles for gathering resources, building, and defending the base. Avoid logging off in the same location every time, as this can create a pattern that raiders might notice. For solo players, focus on building smaller, more discreet bases that are easier to maintain and defend.
Common mistakes to avoid include building in high-traffic areas, using too many light sources, and creating large, obvious structures. Always test your baseÔÇÖs visibility by approaching it from different angles and distances to ensure it blends well with the environment.
In summary, creating a hidden or camouflaged base in ARK requires careful planning, resource management, and creativity. Use the terrain to your advantage, limit visible structures, and employ advanced techniques like painting and hidden traps. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, a well-hidden base can be the key to surviving and thriving in the dangerous world of ARK: Survival Evolved.