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

Building a base resistant to poison in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning and understanding of the game mechanics. Poison in ARK can come from various sources, such as the Poison Wyvern's breath, the Basilisk's spit, or the Broodmother's attacks. To create a poison-resistant base, you need to focus on materials, layout, and defensive measures that mitigate or block poison damage.

First, let's discuss the mechanics. Poison in ARK deals damage over time and can affect both players and structures. Certain materials are more resistant to poison than others. For example, metal structures are highly resistant to poison damage, while thatch and wood are not. Additionally, some creatures, like the Gasbags or the Rock Elemental, have natural resistance to poison, making them useful for defending your base. Understanding these mechanics is crucial for designing a base that can withstand poison attacks.

To start building a poison-resistant base, you should prioritize using metal structures. Metal walls, ceilings, and foundations are the best choice because they have high durability and resistance to poison. If you are in the early game and cannot afford metal, stone structures are a decent alternative, but they are less effective against poison. Avoid using thatch or wood, as they are easily destroyed by poison attacks.

Next, consider the layout of your base. A compact and well-organized base is harder for poison-spitting creatures to target. Place your most important structures, like storage boxes and crafting stations, in the center of your base, surrounded by multiple layers of walls. This creates a buffer zone that can absorb poison damage before it reaches your critical items. Additionally, avoid building in open areas where creatures like Wyverns can easily attack. Instead, choose locations with natural barriers, such as cliffs or dense forests, to limit the angles from which poison attacks can come.

Defensive measures are also essential. Turrets, both auto and heavy, can deter or kill poison-spitting creatures before they reach your base. Place turrets on high platforms or towers to maximize their range and coverage. You can also use Plant Species X, which can slow down and damage enemies, including those that use poison. Tamed creatures like the Rock Elemental or Gasbags can be stationed around your base to absorb poison damage and protect your structures.

Resource management is key to building a poison-resistant base. Metal is the most important resource, so prioritize mining metal nodes in mountains or caves. You will also need cementing paste, which can be obtained by harvesting chitin or keratin from creatures like the Trilobite or Ankylosaurus, or by crafting it using stone and chitin in a Mortar and Pestle. Polymer is another important resource for advanced structures and turrets, which can be obtained from killing Kairuku or harvesting organic polymer from certain creatures.

Common mistakes to avoid include using weak materials like thatch or wood, building in exposed locations, and neglecting defensive measures. Another mistake is not having a backup plan. Always have a secondary base or a hidden storage area in case your main base is compromised. Additionally, avoid overextending your resources. Focus on building a strong core before expanding your base.

Advanced techniques include using Tek structures, which are highly resistant to all types of damage, including poison. However, Tek structures require defeating bosses and obtaining Tekgrams, so they are end-game options. Another advanced strategy is to use a combination of turrets and Plant Species X to create overlapping fields of fire, making it nearly impossible for poison-spitting creatures to approach your base.

Tribe considerations are important if you are playing with others. Coordinate with your tribe members to gather resources and defend the base. Assign roles, such as resource gatherers, builders, and defenders, to ensure efficiency. Solo players should focus on smaller, more manageable bases and prioritize defensive structures to compensate for the lack of manpower.

In specific scenarios, such as defending against a Poison Wyvern, you can use a combination of metal walls, turrets, and tamed creatures like the Rock Elemental to absorb the poison breath. For the Broodmother boss fight, ensure your base is surrounded by multiple layers of metal walls and turrets to minimize damage from her poison attacks.

In conclusion, building a poison-resistant base in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and defensive strategies. Use metal structures, design a compact layout, and employ turrets and tamed creatures to protect your base. Avoid common mistakes, and consider advanced techniques like Tek structures for end-game protection. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, these strategies will help you create a base that can withstand the dangers of poison in ARK.