Ark: Survival Evolved is a challenging survival game that immerses players in a prehistoric world filled with dangers and opportunities. Whether you’re fending off dinosaurs, building shelters, or crafting tools, the game requires skill and strategy. For those new to this harsh environment, we’ve compiled some essential tips to help you get started on your journey.
Key Takeaways
- Crafting weapons and tools is essential for survival and progressing in the game.
- Creating a safe base can protect you from both environmental hazards and hostile creatures.
- Taming creatures not only provides companionship but also aids in gathering resources and defending your base.
1. Crafting Weapons And Tools
Crafting weapons and tools is essential for survival in Ark: Survival Evolved. While the spear you get at the beginning of the game is great for small threats like the Chompy, it won’t work against major predators. Before trying to take on larger predators, try to craft ranged weaponry like the bow. This will allow you to take out creatures that are roaming in the distance.
You will also want to build every tool type. This will let you gather resources, so you can continue to craft items and add on to your base. Getting metal tools should be a very high priority as they will allow you to gather resources much faster. Once you have hit level 20, learn the Refining Forge and the Smithy. These both require a lot of engrams, so it’s advisable not to spend many engrams on level 18 and 19.
The first time you level, you’re going to be prompted to open up your menu and choose how to spend your experience; this is how you learn how to make tools, saddles, and recipes. Once you have some stone, wood, and thatch (from all that punching and collecting you did at the beginning) the first thing you want to make is a stone pick. A hatchet can come afterward.
Crafting Basics
- Stone Pick: Your first tool, used for gathering basic resources like stone, flint, and metal.
- Hatchet: Follows the pick, used for gathering wood and thatch.
- Bow: Essential for ranged attacks, useful for taking down distant threats.
- Refining Forge: Unlocks at level 20, used for smelting metal.
- Smithy: Also unlocks at level 20, used for crafting advanced tools and weapons.
Advanced Tools
- Metal Pick: Upgraded version of the stone pick, gathers resources more efficiently.
- Metal Hatchet: Upgraded version of the hatchet, also more efficient.
- Crossbow: More powerful than the bow, useful for taking down tougher enemies.
- Pike: A stronger melee weapon, useful for close combat.
Repairing Tools
Always carry materials to repair your tools and armor. If they are crafted in a Smithy, consider bringing a pair of Pliers (exclusive to Aberration), or even a Smithy (though the latter is not recommended unless you expect your armor to break and want to save resources). Extra tools and armor, especially if they are crafted in a Fabricator or Smithy, are also essential. Definitely carry multiple Pikes or your primary weapon. Bolas can easily save your life or get you another tame.
2. Creating A Safe Base
Creating a safe base in ARK: Survival Evolved is crucial for your survival. Your base is not just a shelter; it’s a place to store valuable resources, craft essential items, and respawn if things go wrong. Here are some tips to help you build a secure and efficient base.
Location, Location, Location
Choosing the right location for your base is vital. Look for a spot that is rich in resources but also offers natural protection. Avoid building in open areas where you are easily visible and vulnerable to attacks. Instead, opt for hidden locations like cliffs or dense forests.
Basic Structures
Start with basic structures like thatch or wood. These materials are easy to gather and will provide initial protection. As you progress, upgrade to stronger materials like stone or metal to enhance your base’s durability.
Defensive Measures
Implement defensive measures to protect your base from both wild creatures and other players. Place spike walls, turrets, and plant species X around your base to deter intruders. Additionally, having a few strong dinos stationed at your base can provide an extra layer of security.
Storage Solutions
Efficient storage is key to managing your resources. Use storage boxes, vaults, and refrigerators to keep your items organized and safe. Remember, your inventory physically exists in the world, so secure it well.
Backup Plans
Always have a backup plan. Build secondary bases in hidden locations and make use of Cryopods to store your valuable tames. This way, if your main base is compromised, you have a fallback option.
A well-planned base is your sanctuary in the harsh world of Ark. Take the time to build it right, and it will serve you well in your survival journey.
3. Taming Your First Creatures
Taming creatures in Ark: Survival Evolved is a game-changer. These creatures can help you gather resources and defend your base. To tame a creature, you first need to knock it out. This is easier for passive creatures, but some may fight back. Once the creature is unconscious, you can feed it to begin the taming process. Different creatures require different foods, so make sure you have the right supplies.
Learn to Use Tame Groups
Using tame groups can significantly streamline your gameplay. You can assign creatures to specific groups, which then respond to unique whistles. This allows you to organize your tamed creatures efficiently, whether for gathering resources or defending your base.
Best First Creatures to Tame
At the start, you won’t be able to tame many creatures. The Dodo is a great first tame. These flightless birds are common in starting areas and aren’t too difficult to tame. They can help you gather basic resources and provide some defense.
Organizing Tame Groups
Once you have a few creatures, organizing them into tame groups can be very beneficial. For example, you can have a group of Raptors defending a Doedicurus while it gathers stone. Learning how to use and organize tame groups will have a dramatic impact on your gameplay.
Taming creatures early on can make a huge difference in your survival. Start with easier creatures and work your way up to more challenging ones. This strategy will help you build a strong foundation for your adventures on the Ark.
4. Best Creatures To Tame
Not every creature is equal; some make for better tames than others, especially at the start of the game. Below, you can learn some of the best creatures to tame, as well as why.
5. Farming
Farming in Ark: Survival Evolved is essential for long-term survival and resource management. It provides a steady supply of food, Kibble for taming, and ingredients for crafting various items. Here are some key aspects to consider when setting up your farm.
Gathering Seeds
To start farming, you’ll need to gather seeds from wild vegetation. These seeds can be planted in crop plots to grow various fruits and vegetables. Explore different areas to find rare seeds with powerful properties.
Setting Up Crop Plots
Create crop plots and place them in a well-lit area. There are three types of crop plots: Small, Medium, and Large. Each type can hold different kinds of plants, so choose accordingly.
Irrigation
Water is crucial for your crops. Set up an irrigation system using pipes and reservoirs to ensure a constant water supply. You can also use a Waterskin or Water Jar to manually water your plants.
Fertilization
Crops need fertilizer to grow efficiently. Use Feces or Compost to create fertilizer. Some fertilizers are more effective than others, so experiment to find the best options for your farm.
Crop Maintenance
Regularly check your crops for water and fertilizer levels. Harvest them when they are fully grown to get the best yield. Tending to your crops will ensure a continuous supply of resources.
Benefits of Farming
- Provides a steady food supply
- Produces Kibble for taming creatures
- Supplies ingredients for crafting recipes and tonics
- Allows for non-violent gameplay options
Farming is not just about growing food; it’s about creating a sustainable lifestyle in the harsh world of Ark. With the right setup, you can thrive without constantly hunting for resources.
6. Building Shelters
Building a shelter in Ark: Survival Evolved is crucial for your survival. It provides protection from the elements, predators, and other players. Here are some tips to help you build an effective shelter.
Choosing the Right Location
When selecting a location for your shelter, avoid building too close to the water. Sea dinosaurs can easily destroy early shelters. Instead, opt for a spot that is hidden and away from the beach to reduce the chances of being spotted by other players and to be closer to essential resources.
Upgrading Your Shelter
You can upgrade your shelter parts by placing new materials over the old ones. For example, you can replace thatch walls with wood walls. The old parts will be destroyed, but you’ll get some resources back. This method is efficient and helps you gradually improve your shelter’s durability.
Building Techniques
- Wall Direction: Use the E key to toggle the direction the wall is facing. This can help you align your walls properly and make your shelter more aesthetically pleasing.
- Reinforcement: Structures have a load system, so if enough support is destroyed, the building will collapse. Reinforce your shelter to prevent this from happening.
- Beds: Build multiple beds in your shelter. This allows you to respawn at your base if you die, making it easier to continue your progress.
Pro Tip: Stay away from the beach when building a long-term shelter. You’re less likely to be spotted and more likely to be near essential resources.
Temperature Control
Shelters help in controlling the temperature, which is vital for survival. Build a fire inside your shelter to keep warm during cold nights. Additionally, crafting customizable clothing and armor can help protect you against extreme temperatures.
Customization
All structures and items can be painted to customize the look of your home. You can also place signs, billboards, and other decorative objects to make your shelter unique.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to building a secure and efficient shelter in Ark: Survival Evolved.
7. Researching Technologies
Researching technologies in Ark: Survival Evolved is a crucial aspect of advancing your gameplay. By unlocking new engrams, you can craft advanced items and structures that will aid in your survival and dominance on the island. Here’s a breakdown of how to effectively research technologies in the game.
Understanding Engrams
Engrams are essentially blueprints that allow you to craft items without needing a physical blueprint. As you level up, you earn engram points which can be spent to unlock these blueprints. It’s important to choose your engrams wisely as you won’t have enough points to unlock everything.
Leveling Up
Gaining experience points (XP) is key to leveling up and unlocking more engrams. You can earn XP through various activities such as crafting, harvesting, and combat. The higher your level, the more advanced engrams you can unlock.
Crafting Stations
Certain advanced items require specific crafting stations. For example, to craft metal tools and weapons, you’ll need a smithy. Similarly, for more complex items, you might need a fabricator or a chemistry bench. Make sure to set up these stations in your base to streamline your crafting process.
Explorer Notes
Scattered across the island are Explorer Notes left by previous survivors. These notes not only provide lore but also give you a temporary XP boost when discovered. This can be a great way to level up quickly and unlock more engrams.
Tek Tier
Once you reach the endgame, you can start unlocking Tek Tier items. These are highly advanced technologies that require element, a resource obtained from defeating bosses. Tek items include powerful weapons, armor, and structures that can give you a significant advantage.
Remember, if a tech has been available as a research option as part of the last choice, then its total weight will be halved in the coming choice. The table denotes the …
Tips for Efficient Research
- Prioritize essential engrams: Focus on unlocking engrams that are crucial for survival and base building first.
- Use XP boosts: Take advantage of Explorer Notes and other XP boosts to level up faster.
- Join a tribe: Being part of a tribe can help you share engrams and resources, making it easier to progress.
- Plan your engrams: Think ahead about what engrams you’ll need and plan your points accordingly.
By following these tips and understanding the mechanics of researching technologies, you’ll be well on your way to mastering Ark: Survival Evolved.
8. Harvesting Resources
Harvesting resources in Ark: Survival Evolved is a fundamental aspect of gameplay. To efficiently gather materials, you need the right tools and knowledge of where to use them. A hatchet and a pick are essential for collecting different types of resources. For instance, using an axe on a tree will yield wood, while a pick will give you thatch. Similarly, hitting rocks with a hatchet will get you stone, whereas using a pick will get you flint.
Essential Tools
- Hatchet: Best for collecting wood from trees and stone from rocks.
- Pick: Ideal for gathering thatch from trees and flint from rocks.
- Sickle: Useful for harvesting fiber from plants.
- Chainsaw: Great for quickly collecting large amounts of wood and other resources from Tek Parasaurs.
Key Resources
- Thatch: Collected from trees using a pick or by punching them.
- Wood: Gathered from trees using a hatchet.
- Stone: Found on the ground or mined from rocks using a hatchet.
- Flint: Mined from rocks using a pick.
- Fiber: Harvested from plants by hand or using a sickle.
Advanced Techniques
To maximize your resource collection, consider the following tips:
- Use the right tool for the job: Different tools yield different resources from the same source.
- Explore different biomes: Some resources are more abundant in specific areas.
- Tame creatures: Certain creatures can help you gather resources more efficiently.
- Upgrade your tools: Higher quality tools will increase the amount of resources you collect.
Efficient resource gathering is crucial for survival and progression in Ark. Make sure to always have the right tools and know where to find the resources you need.
9. Exploring Caves
Exploring caves in Ark: Survival Evolved is an exhilarating yet challenging endeavor. Caves are home to some of the most valuable resources and artifacts in the game, but they are also filled with dangerous creatures and environmental hazards. Here are some tips to help you navigate these treacherous environments.
Preparation is Key
Before entering a cave, make sure you are well-prepared. Bring plenty of food, water, and medical supplies. Equipping yourself with the right gear, such as a strong weapon and durable armor, is essential. Don’t forget to bring a reliable light source, like a torch or a headlamp, as caves can be extremely dark.
Know Your Enemy
Caves are inhabited by a variety of hostile creatures, including bats, spiders, and scorpions. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare better. Consider bringing a tame that can help you in combat, such as a strong carnivore.
Map and Compass
Navigating caves can be confusing due to their complex layouts. A map and compass can be invaluable tools to help you keep track of your location and find your way back out. Some caves also have unique landmarks that can serve as reference points.
Environmental Hazards
Be aware of environmental hazards such as poison gas, lava, and deep water. These can quickly end your adventure if you’re not careful. Bring appropriate gear to counter these hazards, like gas masks or scuba gear.
Team Up
Exploring caves with a team can make the experience much safer and more enjoyable. Having multiple players allows you to cover more ground and handle threats more effectively. Plus, it’s always good to have someone watching your back.
Collecting Artifacts
Caves often contain valuable artifacts that are required for summoning bosses. These artifacts are usually located in the deepest parts of the cave, guarded by the toughest creatures. Be prepared for a tough fight if you want to claim these rewards.
Exit Strategy
Always have an exit strategy. Know the quickest way out of the cave in case things go south. Having a grappling hook or a parachute can be a lifesaver in emergency situations.
Exploring caves is not for the faint of heart, but the rewards can be well worth the risk. With the right preparation and strategy, you can conquer these underground challenges and reap the benefits.
10. Managing Inventory
Managing your inventory efficiently in Ark: Survival Evolved is crucial for survival and progression. Learning how to manage or sort your inventory can help you in the long run. Here are some essential tips to keep your inventory in check and make your gameplay smoother.
Conclusion
Embarking on your journey in Ark: Survival Evolved can be both thrilling and challenging. By following the tips outlined in this article, beginners can significantly improve their chances of survival and success. From gathering essential resources and building a secure base to taming your first creatures and understanding the game’s mechanics, these foundational strategies will set you on the right path. Remember, the world of Ark is unforgiving, but with preparation and perseverance, you can thrive and dominate the island. Happy surviving!
