How do I craft a water reservoir in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Crafting a water reservoir in ARK: Survival Evolved is an essential step for ensuring a steady supply of water, especially in areas where natural water sources are scarce or inaccessible. Water reservoirs are particularly useful for bases located on high ground, in caves, or in arid biomes like the desert. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to craft and use a water reservoir effectively.

To craft a water reservoir, you first need to unlock its engram. The water reservoir engram becomes available at level 16 and costs 9 engram points to unlock. Once unlocked, you can craft it at a Smithy or Fabricator. The crafting recipe requires 75 wood, 40 thatch, 15 fiber, and 10 metal ingots. These resources are relatively easy to gather, especially in the early to mid-game. Wood and thatch can be collected by hitting trees with a pickaxe, hatchet, or a tamed dinosaur like a Beaver or Mammoth. Fiber is gathered from bushes, and metal ingots are smelted from metal ore in a forge.

Once you have the necessary resources, head to a Smithy or Fabricator to craft the water reservoir. After crafting, you can place it in your base. Placement is crucial because the water reservoir must be connected to a water source to function. This is done by placing water pipes. You will need to craft a Stone Intake Pipe, which can be placed in a nearby water source like a river, lake, or ocean. The intake pipe must be submerged in water to work. From the intake pipe, you can run water pipes to your base, connecting them to the water reservoir. The reservoir will automatically fill with water as long as the intake pipe is properly placed and connected.

One important tip is to ensure that your water pipes are protected from damage. Pipes can be destroyed by wild creatures or other players in PvP, which will cut off your water supply. To prevent this, consider building a small enclosure around your intake pipe or placing it in a less accessible area. Additionally, you can use metal pipes instead of stone pipes for added durability, though they require more resources to craft.

A common mistake players make is placing the water reservoir too far from their base or not connecting it properly to the water source. Always double-check the placement of your intake pipe and pipes to ensure they are correctly linked. Another mistake is forgetting to protect the pipes, which can lead to unexpected water shortages.

For advanced players, optimizing water collection can involve creating multiple reservoirs connected to a single intake pipe. This setup allows you to store more water and ensures a steady supply even during heavy usage. You can also use irrigation systems to distribute water to crop plots, which is essential for growing crops like vegetables and berries. This is particularly useful for sustaining your tribe or yourself with a reliable food source.

In terms of resource management, always keep an eye on your water levels, especially in hot biomes where dehydration can occur quickly. Having multiple reservoirs can help mitigate this issue. Additionally, consider taming dinosaurs like the Castoroides (Beaver) or the Ankylosaurus to gather wood and thatch more efficiently, saving you time and effort.

For solo players, a single water reservoir connected to a well-protected intake pipe should suffice for most needs. However, for tribes, especially larger ones, multiple reservoirs and a more extensive irrigation system may be necessary to meet the increased demand for water. Coordination with tribe members is key to ensuring that resources are gathered and structures are built efficiently.

In specific scenarios, such as building a base in a cave or on a mountain, water reservoirs become indispensable. In these locations, natural water sources are often far away or nonexistent, making the reservoir your primary means of obtaining water. Always plan your base layout with water access in mind, and consider the placement of your reservoir and pipes during the initial stages of base construction.

In conclusion, crafting and using a water reservoir in ARK: Survival Evolved involves careful planning and resource management. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure a reliable water supply for your base, whether you are playing solo or as part of a tribe. Protecting your water infrastructure and optimizing your setup will help you thrive in the gameÔÇÖs challenging environments.