One of the biggest aspects of ARK: Survival Evolved is building a base that will not only hold all of your supplies but can also withstand attacks from other players and dinosaurs. It can be difficult when you are first starting out to figure out how to design and build it, especially when you have limited supplies and engrams. However, it is easier than you might think and a few tips and tricks are all you need to get started.
It can be overwhelming to look at all of the building supplies and try to come up with something unique, yet sturdy. Just remember to let your creative side out during the process and make it all your own in ARK: Survival Evolved!
Updated July 5, 2021 by Rebecca O’Neill: Ark: Survival Evolved has been around for quite a few years, but that doesn’t mean it has stopped evolving. The newest addition is the Genesis Part 2 DLC which brought a new map, items, and creatures for you to enjoy. Players are also discovering new ways to make the game exciting for themselves by creating and experimenting with everything it has to offer.
There are a few more ways to make the ultimate base even better, such as reinforcing with pillars or focusing more on its design. The possibilities are endless, but with these tips and tricks, your base will be the best on your server in no time.
PVE Versus PVP Design
The type of design you create for your base depends upon the server you decide to play. If you are facing off against other survivors in a PVP server there will be a focus on protecting yourself and your belongings. It might include an intricate design to keep out those who might want to break in and take your things.
However, PVE servers give you more of a creative edge as your main concern is the elements and aggressive creatures. There are really no restrictions to your design, except for maybe a perimeter fence. Your design doesn’t have to be military-grade and you can come up with something truly breathtaking.
Recommended Designs
There are a few recommended designs no matter which way you decide to play. Many have found that for PVP servers the best method is to start with a hexagon and transform it into a dodecagon. It allows for numerous rooms for you to store your items, not to mention it is harder for other survivors to figure out where they should look to attack your base.
PVE servers are more open-minded, as you can use single-player cheat codes, and while there are no truly recommended designs, you can always look online for ideas on what to build. Some choose to create castles, while others decide to build modernized buildings that you will wish existed in the real world.
Location Is Everything
When first starting out, you need to find an area that has your basic resources and isn't filled with blood-thirsty creatures ready to kill you at a moment's notice. You don't want to build your base somewhere where you can't find anything, especially since you can't carry very much weight and it's not like you have anything to defend yourself.
The resources you should have close by include:
- Thatch
- Fiber
- Wood
- Stone
- Water
If you are playing on a self-dedicated server of your own creation then you can basically build wherever you want in the most picturesque locations, but dedicated PVP servers are a different story. Most newbies will create their base right on the beach, but you don't want to be like these players.
Instead, head a bit inland and find a big patch of land that is near a pond or stream and has the resources you need. You also might consider building up against a cliff face for added protection, but make sure to avoid the swamps.
However, make sure that you are not building on land that a tribe has claimed. If you are having trouble finding a place to start then consider switching to a less populated server.
Start With The Basics
When starting out you don't need much more than a basic hut with a foundation, four walls, a ceiling, and a door. You can make these out of thatch to get yourself started, and then later on you can upgrade using different materials. Make sure you leave yourself enough room to expand, and if you plan to have a tribe of your own then you will really need a large amount of space.
Essential Items
Once you have your base set up you will want to craft a variety of basic items that are used to create other more complicated engrams.
The essential items your starter base should have include:
- Simple Bed
- Campfire
- Mortar and Pestle
- Cooking Pot
- Preserving Bin
- Storage Box
- Smithy
- Refining Forge
Upgrade When Possible
When you progress through the game you will gain access to a wide variety of building materials, and you can use these to upgrade your base.
The types of resources you are able to use include:
- Thatch
- Wood
- Stone
- Metal
Metal is obviously the goal as it can withstand everything except for explosives, but it will take time to reach this point. You can start by first adding onto your base with the next best material before going back to replace the pieces that are not as strong.
Reinforce With Pillars
One way to make sure your base is extra safe from survivors is by reinforcing your rooms with pillars. Some even create a multi-level ceiling with pillars in-between to make their base stronger and harder to infiltrate.
The idea is to make your enemy have to use maximum effort to break into your base and using pillars the right way can make it a true challenge for them.
Make Guard Towers
When you choose to start upgrading and expanding, one survival tip is that you might want to consider adding guard towers to your design. It will add a sniper tower of sorts that you can use to rid your base of any attackers before they breach the walls. This will also make you appear as a more formidable opponent as well.
Add A Fence
Once you know the area in which you want your base to sit, and you have all of the starter basics placed, then you want to add a fence in order to survive past your first few days. You need to make sure that it is big enough to encapsulate your base, all of your creatures, and still have room for future tribe members.
The walls should each be four to five pieces high to prevent the biggest creatures from entering. This will protect you from harm though as the creatures have a knack for glitching through walls to hit you, but a fence will make sure you are protected within your base.
Create A Farm
Once you have an established and protected base, you should consider adding a farm by crafting crop plots. You can use these to grow crops that can feed yourself as well as any creatures you have tamed.
It is also recommended you create an irrigation system and a compost bin so your plants are always watered and you have great fertilizer.
Protect Your Items
Protecting your items should be a priority, especially when playing on a PVP server. You don't want other players taking your things so once you craft a door or storage container, you want to lock it and add a pin code that will be hard to guess.
You also want to place all of your storage containers and other essential items indoors, this way there is no way another player can steal them from you.
Care For Your Tamed Creatures
Once you tame a creature they need love in the form of food, so make sure you build a feeding trough. This way you don't have to access each creature's inventory in order to feed it, as this can be a time-consuming process.
However, you might want to put it under a hut of some kind with a window as other players can use flying creatures to swoop down and steal your food.
Don't Be Afraid To Think Outside The Box
After you become a natural at building a base, as it may take a failed base or two to reach this point, don't be afraid to let your creative side run free. You can look online to see what other players have built or even wander around within your own server by using various tamed creatures, like the ones added in Genesis Part 2.
The possibilities are endless, and one tip is to look at real-life buildings for design inspiration. There are no limits and items can often be repurposed for something else in a way that adds your own personal touch to a design.