How do I handle tribe-owned creatures during a server crash in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Handling tribe-owned creatures during a server crash in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning and understanding of the game's mechanics. When a server crashes, all creatures and structures remain in the game world, but players are disconnected. This can lead to potential risks, such as creatures wandering off, being attacked by wild predators, or even being stolen by other players in PvP scenarios. To mitigate these risks, you need to take specific steps before and after a server crash.

First, it is essential to understand the mechanics of creature behavior during a server crash. When the server goes down, all creatures remain in their last known state. If they were set to follow a player or were on neutral or aggressive settings, they may move or engage in combat when the server comes back online. Passive creatures will stay in place unless attacked. This means that your tribe's creatures could be vulnerable if not properly managed.

To prepare for a server crash, you should always ensure that your creatures are in a safe location. This means placing them inside a secure base or enclosed area where they cannot wander off or be attacked. If you are in a PvP server, consider using structures like metal gates or walls to protect your creatures from potential raiders. Additionally, set your creatures to passive or neutral to prevent them from engaging in unnecessary combat when the server restarts. Passive is generally safer, as it ensures they will not move unless commanded.

Another important step is to use cryopods or cryofridges. Cryopods allow you to store creatures in a portable state, which can be a lifesaver during a server crash. Before logging off or during times of instability, consider cryopodding your most valuable creatures. This ensures they are safe and can be redeployed once the server is stable. Cryofridges are also useful for storing multiple cryopods, as they prevent the creatures inside from deteriorating over time.

Resource management is crucial when preparing for server crashes. Ensure your tribe has enough materials to rebuild or repair structures if they are damaged during the crash. Stockpile resources like metal, stone, and wood, as well as food for your creatures. This will allow you to quickly recover and secure your base and creatures once the server is back online.

Communication within your tribe is also vital. Make sure all members are aware of the tribe's protocols for handling server crashes. Assign specific roles, such as who will check on the creatures, who will repair structures, and who will gather resources. This ensures that everyone knows their responsibilities and can act quickly to minimize losses.

Common mistakes to avoid include leaving creatures on aggressive settings, which can lead to them attacking other players or creatures when the server restarts. Another mistake is not having a secure base, which can result in creatures being stolen or killed. Additionally, failing to use cryopods or cryofridges can leave your creatures vulnerable during a crash.

Advanced techniques include using turrets and plant species X to defend your base and creatures. These automated defenses can help protect your creatures from wild predators or hostile players. You can also use feeding troughs to ensure your creatures have enough food while you are offline or during a server crash. This prevents them from starving and becoming weak or dying.

In terms of resource requirements, you will need a well-built base with strong walls and gates, cryopods and cryofridges, and a stockpile of food and materials. These resources will help you protect and recover your creatures during and after a server crash.

For solo players, the same principles apply, but you will need to manage everything on your own. This means ensuring your base is secure, your creatures are in a safe location, and you have enough resources to recover from any potential damage.

A specific example scenario would be a tribe on a PvP server experiencing a crash. Before the crash, the tribe leader ensures all valuable creatures are cryopodded and stored in a cryofridge. The base is reinforced with metal walls and turrets, and all remaining creatures are set to passive. When the server restarts, the tribe quickly checks on their base and creatures, repairs any damage, and redeploys their cryopodded creatures. This minimizes losses and ensures the tribe remains strong and prepared for future challenges.

In conclusion, handling tribe-owned creatures during a server crash in ARK: Survival Evolved requires preparation, communication, and resource management. By following these steps and strategies, you can protect your creatures and ensure your tribe remains strong and resilient in the face of server instability.