How do I build a base that is easy to expand in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Building a base that is easy to expand in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and an understanding of the game's building mechanics. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you create a base that can grow with your needs.
First, choose a location that offers both safety and access to resources. Flat, open areas are ideal for expansion, as they allow you to build outward without running into terrain obstacles. Look for spots near water, metal nodes, and forests for easy access to essential resources like water, metal, and wood. Avoid areas with high predator spawns or frequent player traffic if youÔÇÖre playing on a PvP server.
Start with a simple foundation. Use thatch or wood for your initial structures if youÔÇÖre early in the game, but aim to upgrade to stone or metal as soon as possible for better durability. Lay down a large foundation grid to define the footprint of your base. This grid will serve as the base for all future expansions. Make sure to leave extra space around your initial structures to accommodate additional rooms, storage, and crafting stations.
When building walls, consider using doorframes instead of solid walls in some areas. This allows for easy expansion later, as you can replace doorframes with walls or add new sections without tearing down existing structures. Similarly, use ramps or stairs to create multi-level designs, as vertical expansion can save space and make your base more defensible.
Resource management is key to expanding your base efficiently. Gather materials in bulk, especially wood, stone, and metal. Use dinosaurs like the Ankylosaurus for metal, the Doedicurus for stone, and the Castoroides or Mammoth for wood to speed up resource collection. Store these materials in large storage boxes or vaults near your crafting stations to minimize travel time.
For power systems, plan ahead by placing electrical cables and outlets in a way that allows for future expansion. Use generators or renewable energy sources like wind turbines and solar panels, depending on your map. Place these power sources in a central location to ensure they can support additional structures as your base grows.
Defense is another important consideration. Start with basic walls and gates, but plan for turrets, plant species X, and other defensive structures as you progress. Place these defenses in a way that covers all angles of your base, including potential expansion areas. Tame and position defensive dinosaurs like Rexes, Carnos, or Raptors around your base perimeter for added protection.
Common mistakes to avoid include building too close to resource nodes, which can block respawns, and overcrowding your base with unnecessary structures. Always leave room for future expansions and avoid placing critical structures like crafting stations or storage too close to the edges of your base.
Advanced techniques include using pillars and ceilings to create floating structures or multi-level designs. This can save space and make your base more versatile. Additionally, consider using S+ or Super Structures mods if youÔÇÖre playing on a modded server, as these add more building options and quality-of-life improvements.
For solo players, focus on creating a compact, efficient base that meets your immediate needs while leaving room for growth. Tribe players can divide tasks, with some members gathering resources while others focus on building and defense. Communication and coordination are key to ensuring your base expands smoothly.
In specific scenarios, such as building on a PvP server, prioritize hidden or hard-to-reach locations to reduce the risk of raids. Use natural terrain features like cliffs or dense forests to conceal your base. On PvE servers, focus on functionality and aesthetics, as you wonÔÇÖt need to worry about player attacks.
In conclusion, building an expandable base in ARK requires careful planning, efficient resource management, and strategic placement of structures. By following these steps and considering the tips provided, you can create a base that grows with your needs and provides a safe, functional home in the dangerous world of ARK: Survival Evolved.
First, choose a location that offers both safety and access to resources. Flat, open areas are ideal for expansion, as they allow you to build outward without running into terrain obstacles. Look for spots near water, metal nodes, and forests for easy access to essential resources like water, metal, and wood. Avoid areas with high predator spawns or frequent player traffic if youÔÇÖre playing on a PvP server.
Start with a simple foundation. Use thatch or wood for your initial structures if youÔÇÖre early in the game, but aim to upgrade to stone or metal as soon as possible for better durability. Lay down a large foundation grid to define the footprint of your base. This grid will serve as the base for all future expansions. Make sure to leave extra space around your initial structures to accommodate additional rooms, storage, and crafting stations.
When building walls, consider using doorframes instead of solid walls in some areas. This allows for easy expansion later, as you can replace doorframes with walls or add new sections without tearing down existing structures. Similarly, use ramps or stairs to create multi-level designs, as vertical expansion can save space and make your base more defensible.
Resource management is key to expanding your base efficiently. Gather materials in bulk, especially wood, stone, and metal. Use dinosaurs like the Ankylosaurus for metal, the Doedicurus for stone, and the Castoroides or Mammoth for wood to speed up resource collection. Store these materials in large storage boxes or vaults near your crafting stations to minimize travel time.
For power systems, plan ahead by placing electrical cables and outlets in a way that allows for future expansion. Use generators or renewable energy sources like wind turbines and solar panels, depending on your map. Place these power sources in a central location to ensure they can support additional structures as your base grows.
Defense is another important consideration. Start with basic walls and gates, but plan for turrets, plant species X, and other defensive structures as you progress. Place these defenses in a way that covers all angles of your base, including potential expansion areas. Tame and position defensive dinosaurs like Rexes, Carnos, or Raptors around your base perimeter for added protection.
Common mistakes to avoid include building too close to resource nodes, which can block respawns, and overcrowding your base with unnecessary structures. Always leave room for future expansions and avoid placing critical structures like crafting stations or storage too close to the edges of your base.
Advanced techniques include using pillars and ceilings to create floating structures or multi-level designs. This can save space and make your base more versatile. Additionally, consider using S+ or Super Structures mods if youÔÇÖre playing on a modded server, as these add more building options and quality-of-life improvements.
For solo players, focus on creating a compact, efficient base that meets your immediate needs while leaving room for growth. Tribe players can divide tasks, with some members gathering resources while others focus on building and defense. Communication and coordination are key to ensuring your base expands smoothly.
In specific scenarios, such as building on a PvP server, prioritize hidden or hard-to-reach locations to reduce the risk of raids. Use natural terrain features like cliffs or dense forests to conceal your base. On PvE servers, focus on functionality and aesthetics, as you wonÔÇÖt need to worry about player attacks.
In conclusion, building an expandable base in ARK requires careful planning, efficient resource management, and strategic placement of structures. By following these steps and considering the tips provided, you can create a base that grows with your needs and provides a safe, functional home in the dangerous world of ARK: Survival Evolved.