What are the best locations to build a base near water in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Building a base near water in ARK: Survival Evolved is a strategic decision that offers several advantages, such as easy access to water for drinking, irrigation, and taming aquatic creatures, as well as proximity to valuable resources like fish, pearls, and oil. However, choosing the right location requires careful planning to balance accessibility, safety, and resource availability. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you find and build the best water-adjacent base.
First, consider the map you are playing on. On The Island, for example, the western and southern coasts are popular choices for water-adjacent bases. The western coast near the Footpaw area is beginner-friendly, with relatively low-level creatures and abundant resources like wood, stone, and fiber. The southern coast, particularly around Herbivore Island, is another excellent option due to its isolation and lack of aggressive predators. On other maps like Ragnarok or Valguero, look for areas with flat terrain near rivers, lakes, or the ocean, as these provide both water access and space for expansion.
When selecting a location, prioritize flat or gently sloping terrain to make building easier. Avoid areas with steep cliffs or uneven ground, as these can complicate construction and limit your baseÔÇÖs size. Proximity to key resources is also crucial. Look for spots near metal nodes, crystal deposits, and oil veins, as these materials are essential for mid-to-late-game progression. Additionally, ensure the area has access to wood, stone, and fiber for early-game survival.
Once youÔÇÖve chosen a location, start by gathering the necessary resources. YouÔÇÖll need thatch, wood, and stone for basic structures, as well as fiber for crafting tools and building components. Use a pickaxe to gather stone and flint, and a hatchet for wood and thatch. Early on, focus on building a small, secure shelter to protect yourself from the elements and hostile creatures. A 2x2 or 3x3 foundation with walls, a roof, and a door is a good starting point.
As your base grows, consider adding defensive structures like walls, gates, and turrets to protect against raids and wild creatures. Stone structures are more durable than wood and can withstand attacks from most early-game threats. If youÔÇÖre playing on a PvP server, prioritize metal structures and advanced defenses like auto-turrets and plant species X to deter enemy players.
Water access is a key advantage of coastal or riverside bases, but it also comes with risks. Be mindful of aquatic predators like Megalodons, Piranhas, and Leedsichthys, which can attack you or your tames while youÔÇÖre in or near the water. To mitigate these risks, build a perimeter fence around your base and use tamed creatures like Spinos or Baryonyx to patrol the area and fend off threats.
For advanced players, consider building a water pen or dock to house aquatic tames like Ichthyosaurs, Plesiosaurs, or Mosasaurs. These creatures can be invaluable for exploring underwater caves, gathering resources, and defending your base. Use stone or metal foundations to create a secure enclosure, and add a ramp or platform for easy access.
Resource management is critical when building near water. Ensure you have a steady supply of materials for repairs and upgrades, and consider setting up irrigation systems to grow crops. Use water reservoirs or pipes connected to a nearby water source to automate crop watering and reduce the need for manual labor.
Tribe considerations are also important. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, focus on building a compact, efficient base that you can manage on your own. In a tribe, divide responsibilities among members to streamline resource gathering, construction, and defense. Assign roles like gatherer, builder, and tamer to maximize efficiency and ensure your base is well-maintained.
Common mistakes to avoid include building too close to the waterÔÇÖs edge, which can leave your base vulnerable to flooding or aquatic predators. Additionally, avoid overextending your base early on, as this can make it harder to defend and maintain. Start small and expand gradually as you gather more resources and tames.
In summary, building a base near water in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and defensive strategies. Choose a location with flat terrain, access to key resources, and minimal threats. Start with a small, secure shelter and expand as you progress. Use defensive structures and tames to protect your base, and consider advanced techniques like water pens and irrigation systems to optimize your setup. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, these tips will help you create a thriving water-adjacent base.
First, consider the map you are playing on. On The Island, for example, the western and southern coasts are popular choices for water-adjacent bases. The western coast near the Footpaw area is beginner-friendly, with relatively low-level creatures and abundant resources like wood, stone, and fiber. The southern coast, particularly around Herbivore Island, is another excellent option due to its isolation and lack of aggressive predators. On other maps like Ragnarok or Valguero, look for areas with flat terrain near rivers, lakes, or the ocean, as these provide both water access and space for expansion.
When selecting a location, prioritize flat or gently sloping terrain to make building easier. Avoid areas with steep cliffs or uneven ground, as these can complicate construction and limit your baseÔÇÖs size. Proximity to key resources is also crucial. Look for spots near metal nodes, crystal deposits, and oil veins, as these materials are essential for mid-to-late-game progression. Additionally, ensure the area has access to wood, stone, and fiber for early-game survival.
Once youÔÇÖve chosen a location, start by gathering the necessary resources. YouÔÇÖll need thatch, wood, and stone for basic structures, as well as fiber for crafting tools and building components. Use a pickaxe to gather stone and flint, and a hatchet for wood and thatch. Early on, focus on building a small, secure shelter to protect yourself from the elements and hostile creatures. A 2x2 or 3x3 foundation with walls, a roof, and a door is a good starting point.
As your base grows, consider adding defensive structures like walls, gates, and turrets to protect against raids and wild creatures. Stone structures are more durable than wood and can withstand attacks from most early-game threats. If youÔÇÖre playing on a PvP server, prioritize metal structures and advanced defenses like auto-turrets and plant species X to deter enemy players.
Water access is a key advantage of coastal or riverside bases, but it also comes with risks. Be mindful of aquatic predators like Megalodons, Piranhas, and Leedsichthys, which can attack you or your tames while youÔÇÖre in or near the water. To mitigate these risks, build a perimeter fence around your base and use tamed creatures like Spinos or Baryonyx to patrol the area and fend off threats.
For advanced players, consider building a water pen or dock to house aquatic tames like Ichthyosaurs, Plesiosaurs, or Mosasaurs. These creatures can be invaluable for exploring underwater caves, gathering resources, and defending your base. Use stone or metal foundations to create a secure enclosure, and add a ramp or platform for easy access.
Resource management is critical when building near water. Ensure you have a steady supply of materials for repairs and upgrades, and consider setting up irrigation systems to grow crops. Use water reservoirs or pipes connected to a nearby water source to automate crop watering and reduce the need for manual labor.
Tribe considerations are also important. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, focus on building a compact, efficient base that you can manage on your own. In a tribe, divide responsibilities among members to streamline resource gathering, construction, and defense. Assign roles like gatherer, builder, and tamer to maximize efficiency and ensure your base is well-maintained.
Common mistakes to avoid include building too close to the waterÔÇÖs edge, which can leave your base vulnerable to flooding or aquatic predators. Additionally, avoid overextending your base early on, as this can make it harder to defend and maintain. Start small and expand gradually as you gather more resources and tames.
In summary, building a base near water in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and defensive strategies. Choose a location with flat terrain, access to key resources, and minimal threats. Start with a small, secure shelter and expand as you progress. Use defensive structures and tames to protect your base, and consider advanced techniques like water pens and irrigation systems to optimize your setup. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, these tips will help you create a thriving water-adjacent base.