What are the best base designs for cave bases in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Building a cave base in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning and execution due to the unique challenges and opportunities that caves present. Caves are often resource-rich and strategically valuable, but they are also dangerous due to hostile creatures, environmental hazards, and the potential for PvP attacks. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to creating an effective cave base.
First, understand the mechanics of cave building. Caves are typically narrow and have uneven terrain, which limits the types of structures you can place. Some caves also have environmental effects like extreme temperatures or radiation, so you may need to prepare with appropriate gear or structures. Additionally, caves are often contested areas, so your base must be defensible against both creatures and other players.
Start by scouting the cave thoroughly. Identify the most defensible locations, such as narrow choke points or elevated areas that are harder for enemies to reach. Look for natural barriers like rocks or water that can be incorporated into your base design. Once youÔÇÖve chosen a spot, clear the area of hostile creatures. Tamed dinosaurs like Rexes or Allos can help with this, but be cautious of tight spaces where larger dinos might get stuck.
Next, gather the necessary resources. Stone and metal are the best materials for cave bases due to their durability. Wood is too weak and can be easily destroyed. YouÔÇÖll need a lot of stone for foundations, walls, and ceilings, as well as metal for reinforced structures and turrets. Bring a high-level Ankylosaurus for efficient metal gathering and a Doedicurus for stone. Fiber, thatch, and wood are still needed for crafting items like beds, storage, and crafting stations, so donÔÇÖt neglect these resources.
When building, start with foundations to create a stable base. Use pillars and ceilings to extend your base over uneven terrain. Be mindful of the caveÔÇÖs layout and avoid blocking important pathways, as this can make your base harder to navigate. Use walls and gates to create multiple layers of defense. Place turrets at key points to deter intruders, and consider using plant species X for additional area denial. Traps like bear traps or spike walls can also be effective in narrow passages.
Power is essential for advanced defenses and utilities. Use generators to power turrets, lights, and crafting stations. If the cave allows, consider using wind turbines or solar panels for renewable energy. Place your generator in a secure location, as it is a critical component of your base.
Storage and organization are crucial for a functional cave base. Use large storage boxes or vaults to keep your resources safe. Preserving bins and refrigerators are necessary for food storage, especially if you plan to stay in the cave for extended periods. Crafting stations like forges, fabricators, and chem benches should be placed in a central location for easy access.
For tribe considerations, communication and coordination are key. Assign roles to tribe members, such as resource gatherers, builders, and defenders. Use tribe-owned dinosaurs for specific tasks, like a Quetzal for transporting heavy materials or a Therizino for gathering fiber and thatch. Solo players should focus on efficiency and stealth, as maintaining a large cave base alone can be challenging. Use smaller, more hidden bases within the cave to avoid drawing attention.
Common mistakes to avoid include overextending your base, which can make it harder to defend, and neglecting to secure your power supply. Another mistake is underestimating the importance of tamed dinosaurs for both defense and resource gathering. Always have a plan for dealing with raids, such as hidden escape routes or backup bases.
Advanced techniques include using water reservoirs and irrigation systems if the cave has water sources. This allows you to grow crops for food and narcotics. You can also use elevators or zip lines for quick movement within the cave. For PvP, consider using hidden compartments or decoy structures to confuse attackers.
In summary, building a cave base in ARK requires careful planning, resource management, and strategic placement of defenses. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or with a tribe, focus on durability, functionality, and security to create a base that can withstand the challenges of cave life.
First, understand the mechanics of cave building. Caves are typically narrow and have uneven terrain, which limits the types of structures you can place. Some caves also have environmental effects like extreme temperatures or radiation, so you may need to prepare with appropriate gear or structures. Additionally, caves are often contested areas, so your base must be defensible against both creatures and other players.
Start by scouting the cave thoroughly. Identify the most defensible locations, such as narrow choke points or elevated areas that are harder for enemies to reach. Look for natural barriers like rocks or water that can be incorporated into your base design. Once youÔÇÖve chosen a spot, clear the area of hostile creatures. Tamed dinosaurs like Rexes or Allos can help with this, but be cautious of tight spaces where larger dinos might get stuck.
Next, gather the necessary resources. Stone and metal are the best materials for cave bases due to their durability. Wood is too weak and can be easily destroyed. YouÔÇÖll need a lot of stone for foundations, walls, and ceilings, as well as metal for reinforced structures and turrets. Bring a high-level Ankylosaurus for efficient metal gathering and a Doedicurus for stone. Fiber, thatch, and wood are still needed for crafting items like beds, storage, and crafting stations, so donÔÇÖt neglect these resources.
When building, start with foundations to create a stable base. Use pillars and ceilings to extend your base over uneven terrain. Be mindful of the caveÔÇÖs layout and avoid blocking important pathways, as this can make your base harder to navigate. Use walls and gates to create multiple layers of defense. Place turrets at key points to deter intruders, and consider using plant species X for additional area denial. Traps like bear traps or spike walls can also be effective in narrow passages.
Power is essential for advanced defenses and utilities. Use generators to power turrets, lights, and crafting stations. If the cave allows, consider using wind turbines or solar panels for renewable energy. Place your generator in a secure location, as it is a critical component of your base.
Storage and organization are crucial for a functional cave base. Use large storage boxes or vaults to keep your resources safe. Preserving bins and refrigerators are necessary for food storage, especially if you plan to stay in the cave for extended periods. Crafting stations like forges, fabricators, and chem benches should be placed in a central location for easy access.
For tribe considerations, communication and coordination are key. Assign roles to tribe members, such as resource gatherers, builders, and defenders. Use tribe-owned dinosaurs for specific tasks, like a Quetzal for transporting heavy materials or a Therizino for gathering fiber and thatch. Solo players should focus on efficiency and stealth, as maintaining a large cave base alone can be challenging. Use smaller, more hidden bases within the cave to avoid drawing attention.
Common mistakes to avoid include overextending your base, which can make it harder to defend, and neglecting to secure your power supply. Another mistake is underestimating the importance of tamed dinosaurs for both defense and resource gathering. Always have a plan for dealing with raids, such as hidden escape routes or backup bases.
Advanced techniques include using water reservoirs and irrigation systems if the cave has water sources. This allows you to grow crops for food and narcotics. You can also use elevators or zip lines for quick movement within the cave. For PvP, consider using hidden compartments or decoy structures to confuse attackers.
In summary, building a cave base in ARK requires careful planning, resource management, and strategic placement of defenses. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or with a tribe, focus on durability, functionality, and security to create a base that can withstand the challenges of cave life.