What are the best ways to protect my base from Velonasaur in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Protecting your base from Velonasaurs in ARK: Survival Evolved requires a combination of strategic base design, defensive structures, and proper use of tamed creatures. Velonasaurs are dangerous ranged attackers that can deal significant damage to structures and players, especially if they are wild or controlled by enemy tribes. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to defend your base effectively.

First, understand the mechanics of Velonasaurs. These creatures have a ranged attack that fires spines in rapid succession, dealing high damage to both structures and creatures. They are often found in the Extinction map but can be tamed and used by players on other maps. When defending against them, you need to focus on mitigating their ranged damage and preventing them from getting close enough to attack your base.

Start by building your base with strong materials. Stone is the minimum recommended material for walls and structures, as thatch and wood can be easily destroyed by Velonasaurs. However, metal is the best option for maximum durability. Upgrade your walls, ceilings, and foundations to metal as soon as possible. This will significantly reduce the damage Velonasaurs can inflict on your base.

Next, create multiple layers of defense. A single wall is often not enough to stop determined attackers. Build an outer perimeter wall around your base, leaving enough space between the outer wall and your main structures. This creates a buffer zone that forces Velonasaurs to break through multiple layers before reaching your valuable resources and crafting stations. Use gates or doorways with airlocks to control access points and prevent enemies from easily breaching your defenses.

Turret placement is critical for defending against Velonasaurs. Auto-turrets and heavy turrets can target and destroy Velonasaurs before they get close enough to attack. Place turrets on high ground or elevated platforms to maximize their range and coverage. Ensure your turrets are powered by a reliable generator system and have plenty of ammunition. Consider using plant species X turrets as well, as they can slow down and damage Velonasaurs, giving your other defenses more time to eliminate the threat.

Traps can also be effective in deterring Velonasaurs. Place bear traps or large bear traps near entry points to immobilize them temporarily. This gives your turrets or tamed creatures time to focus fire on the trapped Velonasaur. Additionally, consider using spike walls or metal spikes around your base perimeter to deal damage to any creatures that get too close.

Tamed creatures can play a significant role in base defense. Large, tanky dinosaurs like Rexes, Brontos, or Stegos can absorb damage and distract Velonasaurs while your turrets take them out. Alternatively, fast and agile creatures like Raptors or Carnos can be used to chase down and eliminate Velonasaurs before they cause too much damage. If you have access to flying creatures like Wyverns or Argentavis, use them to engage Velonasaurs from the air, where they are less effective.

Resource management is key to maintaining your defenses. Gather large amounts of metal, polymer, and cementing paste to craft turrets, ammo, and metal structures. Farming these resources efficiently will ensure you can repair and upgrade your defenses as needed. Use tamed creatures like Ankylos for metal, Doedicurus for stone, and Beavers or Mammoths for wood to speed up resource gathering.

For solo players, focus on creating a compact and well-defended base. A smaller base is easier to protect and requires fewer resources to maintain. Use chokepoints and funnel Velonasaurs into areas where your turrets can focus fire. For tribes, coordinate with your members to assign roles such as resource gathering, base building, and defense management. A well-organized tribe can quickly respond to threats and repair damage.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the range and damage of Velonasaurs, neglecting to upgrade your structures to metal, and placing turrets in ineffective locations. Always test your defenses by luring a wild Velonasaur to your base to see how well your setup holds up. Make adjustments as needed to improve your defenses.

Advanced techniques include using tek structures and defenses if you have access to them. Tek turrets and force fields provide superior protection and can be powered by tek generators. Additionally, consider using tek saddles on your tamed creatures to enhance their combat capabilities. If you are playing on a PvP server, be aware that enemy players may use Velonasaurs to raid your base. In this case, focus on hidden or underground storage for your most valuable items to prevent them from being destroyed.

In summary, protecting your base from Velonasaurs requires a combination of strong materials, layered defenses, turrets, traps, and tamed creatures. Prioritize upgrading to metal structures, place turrets strategically, and use tamed creatures to support your defenses. Manage your resources efficiently and avoid common mistakes like neglecting turret placement or underestimating Velonasaur damage. With proper preparation and strategy, you can create a base that is well-protected against Velonasaurs and other threats.