How do I build a base that is resistant to earthquakes in ARK: Survival Evolved?

In ARK: Survival Evolved, earthquakes are a unique environmental hazard found primarily on the Extinction map. These earthquakes can damage structures, scatter resources, and disrupt your base if not properly prepared for. Building a base resistant to earthquakes requires careful planning, resource management, and strategic placement of structures. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you create a sturdy base that can withstand these natural disasters.

First, understand the mechanics of earthquakes. On Extinction, earthquakes occur randomly and can cause damage to structures, especially weaker ones like thatch or wood. They also cause debris to fall from the sky, which can damage your base or injure your tames. To mitigate this, you need to focus on using stronger materials like stone or metal for your base. Stone is a good mid-tier option, but metal is the most durable and resistant to earthquake damage. Prioritize upgrading your base to metal as soon as possible, as it provides the best protection against earthquakes and other threats.

When building your base, start by choosing a location that minimizes earthquake risks. Avoid building directly under large structures or cliffs where falling debris is more likely to hit your base. Flat, open areas are generally safer, but you should also consider proximity to resources and defensive needs. Once youÔÇÖve chosen a location, lay a strong foundation. Use metal foundations to ensure stability, as they are less likely to be damaged by earthquakes. Build walls, ceilings, and other structures using metal as well. If youÔÇÖre in the early game and canÔÇÖt afford metal, stone is a decent alternative, but prioritize upgrading to metal as soon as you can.

To further protect your base, consider adding a roof or overhang to shield against falling debris. This can be done by extending your ceilings outward or using sloped roofs to deflect debris away from your base. Additionally, avoid placing important structures like storage boxes or crafting stations near the edges of your base, as these areas are more vulnerable to damage. Instead, keep them centralized and well-protected.

Resource management is critical when building an earthquake-resistant base. Gather large amounts of metal, stone, and cementing paste early on. Metal can be mined from metal nodes found in mountainous areas, while stone is abundant in most regions. Cementing paste can be crafted from chitin or keratin and stone, or harvested from beaver dams. Stockpile these resources to ensure you have enough to upgrade and repair your base as needed.

For solo players, building a smaller, more compact base is often more manageable. Focus on creating a sturdy core structure with essential crafting stations and storage. Use turrets or tamed creatures for defense, as maintaining a large base alone can be resource-intensive. For tribes, larger bases are feasible, but coordination is key. Assign roles to tribe members for resource gathering, building, and defense to ensure efficiency.

Common mistakes to avoid include using weak materials like thatch or wood, building in high-risk areas, and neglecting to repair structures after an earthquake. Always check your base for damage after an earthquake and repair any broken parts immediately. Additionally, avoid overextending your base, as larger structures are harder to maintain and more vulnerable to damage.

Advanced techniques include using tek structures, which are highly resistant to damage and offer additional benefits like energy shielding. However, tek structures require rare resources and advanced technology, so they are typically end-game options. Another optimization is to use pillars and ceilings to create multi-level bases, which can help distribute the weight of your structures and reduce the risk of collapse during an earthquake.

In summary, building an earthquake-resistant base in ARK: Survival Evolved involves using strong materials like metal, choosing a safe location, and designing your base to minimize damage from falling debris. Proper resource management and regular maintenance are essential, and advanced techniques like tek structures can provide additional protection. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, careful planning and coordination will ensure your base remains a safe and functional haven in the face of earthquakes.