How do I set up a power system using generators in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Setting up a power system using generators in ARK: Survival Evolved is a crucial step in advancing your base and unlocking access to advanced technology. Generators provide electricity to power structures like lights, refrigerators, fabricators, and turrets, making your base more functional and secure. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to set up and optimize a generator-based power system.
First, you need to craft a generator. To do this, you must reach level 35 and unlock the generator engram. The crafting recipe requires 35 metal ingots, 15 electronics, and 20 cementing paste. Metal ingots are smelted from metal ore in a forge, electronics are crafted from silica pearls and metal ingots, and cementing paste can be made from chitin or keratin and stone in a mortar and pestle or by taming a Beelzebufo or Achatina for easier gathering. Once you have the materials, craft the generator at a fabricator or a crafting station.
After crafting the generator, place it in your base. Generators require gasoline to function, so youÔÇÖll need to prepare a steady supply. Gasoline is crafted in a refining forge or industrial forge by combining oil and hide. Oil can be obtained by harvesting oil nodes in the ocean, from oil-rich creatures like Trilobites or Basilosaurus, or by using an oil pump on an oil vein. Hide is gathered from killing animals. Once you have gasoline, place it in the generatorÔÇÖs inventory to power it.
Next, connect your generator to the structures you want to power using electrical cables. Electrical cables are crafted from metal ingots and must be placed in a straight line from the generator to the target structure. You can use vertical cables to connect floors or ceilings in multi-level bases. Once the cables are in place, attach the desired electrical devices, such as lights, refrigerators, or turrets, to the cables. Each device will consume a certain amount of power, so ensure your generator has enough capacity to support all connected devices. A standard generator can power up to 10 devices simultaneously.
One important tip is to place your generator in a secure location. Generators are vulnerable to damage from wild creatures, environmental hazards, and enemy players in PvP. Consider building a reinforced room or enclosure around the generator to protect it. Additionally, keep a backup supply of gasoline and repair materials in case the generator is damaged or runs out of fuel.
A common mistake is overloading the generator by connecting too many devices. If you exceed the generatorÔÇÖs capacity, some devices will not receive power. To avoid this, plan your power usage carefully and consider building additional generators if needed. Another mistake is placing cables in exposed areas where they can be easily destroyed. Try to run cables through walls or ceilings to keep them safe.
For advanced optimization, you can use switches to control power flow. Switches allow you to turn specific devices on or off, conserving fuel when certain devices are not in use. For example, you can turn off turrets during the day to save gasoline and reactivate them at night when threats are more likely. Additionally, consider using renewable power sources like wind turbines or solar panels if youÔÇÖre playing on a map that supports them. These can reduce your reliance on gasoline and provide a more sustainable power solution.
Resource management is key to maintaining a power system. Always keep an eye on your gasoline supply and gather oil and hide regularly. Taming creatures like Ankylosaurus for metal and Doedicurus for stone can help you gather resources more efficiently. In a tribe, assign roles to members to ensure a steady supply of materials and fuel. Solo players should prioritize resource gathering and storage to avoid running out of critical supplies.
In specific scenarios, such as PvP, your power system becomes a high-value target. Protect your generator and cables with defensive structures like metal walls, turrets, and tamed creatures. In PvE, focus on protecting your generator from wild creatures and environmental hazards like weather events.
By following these steps and tips, you can set up a reliable and efficient power system in ARK: Survival Evolved. Proper planning, resource management, and defense strategies will ensure your base remains functional and secure as you progress through the game.
First, you need to craft a generator. To do this, you must reach level 35 and unlock the generator engram. The crafting recipe requires 35 metal ingots, 15 electronics, and 20 cementing paste. Metal ingots are smelted from metal ore in a forge, electronics are crafted from silica pearls and metal ingots, and cementing paste can be made from chitin or keratin and stone in a mortar and pestle or by taming a Beelzebufo or Achatina for easier gathering. Once you have the materials, craft the generator at a fabricator or a crafting station.
After crafting the generator, place it in your base. Generators require gasoline to function, so youÔÇÖll need to prepare a steady supply. Gasoline is crafted in a refining forge or industrial forge by combining oil and hide. Oil can be obtained by harvesting oil nodes in the ocean, from oil-rich creatures like Trilobites or Basilosaurus, or by using an oil pump on an oil vein. Hide is gathered from killing animals. Once you have gasoline, place it in the generatorÔÇÖs inventory to power it.
Next, connect your generator to the structures you want to power using electrical cables. Electrical cables are crafted from metal ingots and must be placed in a straight line from the generator to the target structure. You can use vertical cables to connect floors or ceilings in multi-level bases. Once the cables are in place, attach the desired electrical devices, such as lights, refrigerators, or turrets, to the cables. Each device will consume a certain amount of power, so ensure your generator has enough capacity to support all connected devices. A standard generator can power up to 10 devices simultaneously.
One important tip is to place your generator in a secure location. Generators are vulnerable to damage from wild creatures, environmental hazards, and enemy players in PvP. Consider building a reinforced room or enclosure around the generator to protect it. Additionally, keep a backup supply of gasoline and repair materials in case the generator is damaged or runs out of fuel.
A common mistake is overloading the generator by connecting too many devices. If you exceed the generatorÔÇÖs capacity, some devices will not receive power. To avoid this, plan your power usage carefully and consider building additional generators if needed. Another mistake is placing cables in exposed areas where they can be easily destroyed. Try to run cables through walls or ceilings to keep them safe.
For advanced optimization, you can use switches to control power flow. Switches allow you to turn specific devices on or off, conserving fuel when certain devices are not in use. For example, you can turn off turrets during the day to save gasoline and reactivate them at night when threats are more likely. Additionally, consider using renewable power sources like wind turbines or solar panels if youÔÇÖre playing on a map that supports them. These can reduce your reliance on gasoline and provide a more sustainable power solution.
Resource management is key to maintaining a power system. Always keep an eye on your gasoline supply and gather oil and hide regularly. Taming creatures like Ankylosaurus for metal and Doedicurus for stone can help you gather resources more efficiently. In a tribe, assign roles to members to ensure a steady supply of materials and fuel. Solo players should prioritize resource gathering and storage to avoid running out of critical supplies.
In specific scenarios, such as PvP, your power system becomes a high-value target. Protect your generator and cables with defensive structures like metal walls, turrets, and tamed creatures. In PvE, focus on protecting your generator from wild creatures and environmental hazards like weather events.
By following these steps and tips, you can set up a reliable and efficient power system in ARK: Survival Evolved. Proper planning, resource management, and defense strategies will ensure your base remains functional and secure as you progress through the game.