What are the best base designs for large tribes in ARK: Survival Evolved?

For large tribes in ARK: Survival Evolved, designing an effective base requires careful planning, resource management, and strategic placement of structures and defenses. A well-built base not only provides safety but also serves as a hub for crafting, storage, and tribe coordination. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to creating the best base designs for large tribes.

First, consider the location. Large tribes should prioritize areas with abundant resources, natural defenses, and proximity to key points of interest like caves, obelisks, or water sources. Locations such as the Hidden Lake on The Island or the Redwood Forest on Ragnarok offer natural barriers and access to resources. Avoid areas with high traffic from hostile creatures or other players unless you are confident in your defenses.

The foundation of a strong base is its structure. Start with a large, flat area to build on. Use metal structures for the outer walls and key areas, as they provide the highest durability and resistance to attacks. Stone can be used for interior walls or less critical areas to save resources. For the main building, create multiple layers of walls and ceilings to make it harder for raiders to break through. A multi-story design with separate floors for crafting, storage, and living quarters helps organize the base and makes it harder for intruders to access everything at once.

Defense is critical for large tribes. Surround your base with high walls made of metal or stone, and add multiple gates with airlocks to prevent easy entry. Place turrets (auto and heavy) on the walls and rooftops, ensuring they cover all angles of approach. Use plant species X for additional area denial, as they slow down and damage enemies. Inside the base, place turrets in key areas like crafting rooms and storage vaults to deter raiders who manage to breach the outer defenses. Consider using tek turrets for advanced defense, but be aware of their high power consumption.

Power systems are essential for running turrets, lights, and crafting stations. Use multiple generators or renewable energy sources like wind turbines and solar panels to ensure a steady power supply. Place the generators in a secure, central location and connect them to the base using electrical cables. Use switches to control power flow and conserve energy when turrets are not needed.

Storage and organization are vital for large tribes. Use vaults for high-value items and large storage boxes for bulk resources. Label storage containers and group them by resource type to make it easier for tribe members to find what they need. Preserving bins and refrigerators are essential for storing food and keeping it fresh. Consider creating a dedicated crafting area with industrial forges, fabricators, and chem benches to streamline production.

Dinosaur handling is another important aspect. Create a secure dino pen with high walls and gates to protect your tames. Place feeding troughs inside the pen to keep your dinosaurs fed. For added security, use aggressive tames like Rexes or Therizinos to guard the perimeter. Breeding and imprinting high-level dinosaurs can provide powerful allies for both defense and resource gathering.

Resource management is key to maintaining a large base. Assign tribe members specific roles, such as gatherers, crafters, and defenders, to ensure efficient use of resources. Use resource maps to locate the best spots for gathering materials like metal, crystal, and obsidian. Regularly farm these resources and store them in bulk to avoid shortages during raids or large-scale projects.

Common mistakes to avoid include building too close to other tribes, which can lead to conflicts, and neglecting to upgrade structures from wood or stone to metal. Avoid placing all your defenses in one area, as raiders can focus their attacks there. Also, ensure your base is not too spread out, as this can make it harder to defend.

Advanced techniques include using tek structures for added durability and functionality. Tek forcefields can provide an additional layer of defense, while tek teleporters can help tribe members move quickly between bases. Consider building decoy bases or hidden stashes to mislead raiders and protect your most valuable resources.

In summary, a well-designed base for a large tribe in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, strong defenses, efficient resource management, and strategic use of dinosaurs and technology. By following these guidelines, your tribe can create a secure and functional base that supports your survival and progression in the game.