What are the best ways to use airlocks in base design in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Airlocks are a critical component of base design in ARK: Survival Evolved, especially for players looking to enhance security and prevent unwanted intruders, whether they are hostile creatures or other players. An airlock is essentially a small, enclosed space with two or more doors that act as a buffer zone between the outside world and the interior of your base. This design ensures that even if one door is breached, the intruder cannot immediately access the main part of your base, giving you time to react. Below is a detailed explanation of how to effectively use airlocks in your base design, along with strategies, tips, and considerations.
To begin with, the mechanics of an airlock involve creating a small room or corridor with at least two doors. The outer door faces the outside, while the inner door leads into your main base. When you enter the airlock, you close the outer door behind you before opening the inner door. This prevents anyone or anything from following you directly into your base. The airlock can be expanded with additional doors or layers for increased security, but the basic principle remains the same.
Step-by-step instructions for building an airlock start with selecting a location for your base. Ideally, this should be in a defensible area with natural barriers like cliffs or water. Once you have your base layout planned, designate a small area near the entrance for the airlock. Use walls, ceilings, and a doorframe to create a small room. Place a door on the outer side and another on the inner side. Ensure the doors are made of durable materials like metal, as weaker materials like wood or thatch can be easily destroyed. For added security, you can place a second airlock further inside your base, creating multiple layers of defense.
Important tips and considerations include the placement of turrets or traps within or near the airlock. Automated turrets can deter or eliminate intruders, while bear traps or spike walls can slow them down. Additionally, consider the size of the airlock. If it is too small, larger dinosaurs or players may struggle to navigate it, but if it is too large, it may become less effective as a buffer zone. Always test the airlock with your tamed dinosaurs to ensure they can pass through without issues.
Common mistakes to avoid include using weak materials for the airlock doors or walls. Wood and thatch are easily destroyed, so prioritize stone or metal for better durability. Another mistake is failing to lock the doors properly. Always ensure the inner door is locked when you are inside the base, and the outer door is locked when you are outside. Neglecting to do so can render the airlock useless. Additionally, avoid placing storage boxes or other valuable items in the airlock, as they can be easily accessed by intruders.
Advanced techniques or optimizations involve integrating the airlock into a larger defensive system. For example, you can connect the airlock to a dino gate, allowing your tamed creatures to enter and exit while keeping the main base secure. You can also use keypads or pin codes on the doors for added security, ensuring only tribe members can access the base. Another optimization is to build the airlock in a way that forces intruders to move in a specific direction, making it easier to target them with turrets or traps.
Resource requirements and preparation depend on the materials you choose. For a basic airlock, you will need walls, ceilings, and doors made of stone or metal. Stone requires stone, wood, and thatch, while metal requires metal ingots, cementing paste, and polymer. Ensure you have a steady supply of these resources before starting construction. If you are playing solo, gathering these materials may take time, so prioritize resource gathering early in the game. For tribes, assign roles to members to streamline the process, such as having one person gather metal while another collects cementing paste.
Tribe and solo considerations differ slightly. In a tribe, communication is key to ensure everyone understands how the airlock works and follows proper protocols. For solo players, the airlock is even more critical, as you may not have backup to defend your base. In both cases, always have a backup plan, such as a hidden escape route or a secondary base, in case the main base is compromised.
Specific examples and scenarios include using an airlock in a PvP server. In this case, you might place turrets inside the airlock to immediately target intruders. Another scenario is using an airlock in a cave base, where space is limited. Here, you can build a compact airlock with multiple layers of doors to maximize security. In a PvE setting, the airlock can prevent wild creatures from wandering into your base, especially if you are near aggressive spawns like Rexes or Carnos.
In conclusion, airlocks are a versatile and essential feature for any base in ARK: Survival Evolved. By understanding the mechanics, following step-by-step instructions, and considering advanced techniques, you can create a secure and efficient base that protects your resources and tamed creatures. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, proper planning and resource management will ensure your airlock serves its purpose effectively. Always test your design, avoid common mistakes, and adapt your strategy based on the specific challenges of your server or map. With a well-designed airlock, you can significantly enhance your base's security and survivability in the dangerous world of ARK.
To begin with, the mechanics of an airlock involve creating a small room or corridor with at least two doors. The outer door faces the outside, while the inner door leads into your main base. When you enter the airlock, you close the outer door behind you before opening the inner door. This prevents anyone or anything from following you directly into your base. The airlock can be expanded with additional doors or layers for increased security, but the basic principle remains the same.
Step-by-step instructions for building an airlock start with selecting a location for your base. Ideally, this should be in a defensible area with natural barriers like cliffs or water. Once you have your base layout planned, designate a small area near the entrance for the airlock. Use walls, ceilings, and a doorframe to create a small room. Place a door on the outer side and another on the inner side. Ensure the doors are made of durable materials like metal, as weaker materials like wood or thatch can be easily destroyed. For added security, you can place a second airlock further inside your base, creating multiple layers of defense.
Important tips and considerations include the placement of turrets or traps within or near the airlock. Automated turrets can deter or eliminate intruders, while bear traps or spike walls can slow them down. Additionally, consider the size of the airlock. If it is too small, larger dinosaurs or players may struggle to navigate it, but if it is too large, it may become less effective as a buffer zone. Always test the airlock with your tamed dinosaurs to ensure they can pass through without issues.
Common mistakes to avoid include using weak materials for the airlock doors or walls. Wood and thatch are easily destroyed, so prioritize stone or metal for better durability. Another mistake is failing to lock the doors properly. Always ensure the inner door is locked when you are inside the base, and the outer door is locked when you are outside. Neglecting to do so can render the airlock useless. Additionally, avoid placing storage boxes or other valuable items in the airlock, as they can be easily accessed by intruders.
Advanced techniques or optimizations involve integrating the airlock into a larger defensive system. For example, you can connect the airlock to a dino gate, allowing your tamed creatures to enter and exit while keeping the main base secure. You can also use keypads or pin codes on the doors for added security, ensuring only tribe members can access the base. Another optimization is to build the airlock in a way that forces intruders to move in a specific direction, making it easier to target them with turrets or traps.
Resource requirements and preparation depend on the materials you choose. For a basic airlock, you will need walls, ceilings, and doors made of stone or metal. Stone requires stone, wood, and thatch, while metal requires metal ingots, cementing paste, and polymer. Ensure you have a steady supply of these resources before starting construction. If you are playing solo, gathering these materials may take time, so prioritize resource gathering early in the game. For tribes, assign roles to members to streamline the process, such as having one person gather metal while another collects cementing paste.
Tribe and solo considerations differ slightly. In a tribe, communication is key to ensure everyone understands how the airlock works and follows proper protocols. For solo players, the airlock is even more critical, as you may not have backup to defend your base. In both cases, always have a backup plan, such as a hidden escape route or a secondary base, in case the main base is compromised.
Specific examples and scenarios include using an airlock in a PvP server. In this case, you might place turrets inside the airlock to immediately target intruders. Another scenario is using an airlock in a cave base, where space is limited. Here, you can build a compact airlock with multiple layers of doors to maximize security. In a PvE setting, the airlock can prevent wild creatures from wandering into your base, especially if you are near aggressive spawns like Rexes or Carnos.
In conclusion, airlocks are a versatile and essential feature for any base in ARK: Survival Evolved. By understanding the mechanics, following step-by-step instructions, and considering advanced techniques, you can create a secure and efficient base that protects your resources and tamed creatures. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, proper planning and resource management will ensure your airlock serves its purpose effectively. Always test your design, avoid common mistakes, and adapt your strategy based on the specific challenges of your server or map. With a well-designed airlock, you can significantly enhance your base's security and survivability in the dangerous world of ARK.