What are the best ways to use gates and doors for security in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Using gates and doors effectively for security in ARK: Survival Evolved is a critical aspect of base building, whether you are playing solo or as part of a tribe. These structures serve as the primary barriers to keep hostile creatures and other players out of your base. Understanding the mechanics, strategies, and considerations for using gates and doors will help you create a secure and functional base.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of gates and doors. Gates are large structures that allow you to create entrances for larger creatures, such as tamed dinosaurs, while doors are smaller and designed for player access. Both can be crafted from different materials, including thatch, wood, stone, and metal, with each tier offering increased durability and resistance to damage. Metal is the strongest material, making it ideal for high-security bases. Gates and doors can be locked using a keypad or pin code, which prevents unauthorized access. Additionally, you can place them in doorframes or gateframes, which must be built first to support the structure.

To start, you need to plan your base layout carefully. Place gates in areas where you need to allow large creatures to pass through, such as the entrance to a dino pen or a main base entrance. Doors should be used for smaller entrances, like side entrances or interior rooms. When building, ensure that the gateframes or doorframes are properly aligned and snapped to the rest of your base structure. Misaligned frames can leave gaps that enemies or creatures can exploit. Once the frames are in place, craft and attach the gates or doors. For added security, consider using double doors or double gates, which provide an extra layer of protection.

One important strategy is to layer your defenses. Instead of relying on a single gate or door, create multiple layers of walls, gates, and doors. For example, you can build an outer wall with a large gate for dino access, followed by an inner wall with a smaller door for players. This creates a buffer zone that slows down intruders and gives you time to respond. Additionally, you can place turrets or tamed dinosaurs near your gates and doors to deter attackers. Behemoth gates are particularly useful for large bases, as they allow even the biggest creatures, like Brontosaurus or Giganotosaurus, to pass through.

Resource management is crucial when building gates and doors. Metal gates and doors are the most secure but require significant resources, including metal ingots, cementing paste, and polymer. Early in the game, you may need to rely on wood or stone structures until you can gather enough materials for metal. Prioritize gathering metal ore, chitin or keratin for cementing paste, and organic polymer or obsidian for polymer. Use a refining forge to smelt metal ore into ingots and a mortar and pestle or chemistry bench to craft cementing paste.

Common mistakes to avoid include using weak materials like thatch or wood in high-risk areas, as these can be easily destroyed by predators or raiders. Another mistake is leaving gaps in your walls or gates, which can allow smaller creatures or players to slip through. Always double-check your structures for alignment and completeness. Additionally, avoid placing gates or doors in areas with uneven terrain, as this can make them difficult to close or lock properly.

Advanced techniques include using hidden or disguised entrances to confuse potential raiders. For example, you can build a fake wall or gate that leads to a dead end, while the real entrance is concealed nearby. Another tactic is to use trap gates, where an intruder is lured into a confined space and then trapped by closing the gate behind them. You can also use keypads or pin codes to restrict access to your tribe members only, ensuring that no one else can open your gates or doors.

For tribes, coordination is key. Assign specific roles to tribe members, such as gathering resources, building structures, or defending the base. Use tribe-owned structures to ensure that everyone can access and manage gates and doors. Solo players should focus on creating compact, efficient bases with minimal entrances to reduce the risk of breaches.

In specific scenarios, such as PvP servers, you may need to adapt your strategies. For example, placing turrets or plant species X near your gates and doors can provide additional firepower against raiders. In PvE, you may need to focus more on protecting against wild creatures, so consider using spike walls or tamed dinosaurs as guards.

In conclusion, gates and doors are essential for base security in ARK: Survival Evolved. By understanding the mechanics, planning your layout, and using advanced techniques, you can create a strong defense against threats. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, proper resource management and strategic placement of gates and doors will ensure your base remains safe and functional.