Understanding the Basics of Ark: Survival Evolved
Before you embark on your thrilling adventure, it's important to grasp the fundamental mechanics of the game. Ark: Survival Evolved is primarily about survival, and you'll need to manage your health, stamina, food, and water levels while fending off hostile creatures and other players.
Game Mechanics
1. Health: Your health can be depleted by taking damage from enemies, environmental hazards, or starvation.
2. Stamina: Engaging in activities such as sprinting, swimming, or climbing consumes stamina, which will need to be replenished.
3. Food: Keeping your character fed is crucial. You can gather food from berries, hunting animals, or farming.
4. Water: Staying hydrated is essential. Look for freshwater sources like rivers or lakes.
Creating Your Character
When you first start the game, you'll have the opportunity to create your character. Customizing your character’s appearance is fun, but don't forget to consider the following attributes:
Character Attributes
- Health: Invest points here if you plan to engage in combat.
- Stamina: Important for exploration and evasion.
- Oxygen: Necessary if you intend to spend time underwater.
- Food and Water: Boost these if you prefer a more sustainable approach to survival.
- Weight: Increases your carrying capacity, crucial for resource gathering.
- Melee Damage: Enhances your combat effectiveness.
- Movement Speed: Allows for quicker travel and better evasion.
Beginning Your Adventure
After character creation, you will spawn on the island. Your immediate goal is to survive the first few days. Here are some essential steps to take:
Gathering Resources
Start by gathering basic resources:
1. Collect Wood: Punch trees to gather wood.
2. Harvest Stone: Hit rocks to collect stone.
3. Get Thatch: Use your hands or tools to gather thatch from trees.
4. Collect Fiber: Punch bushes to collect fiber.
These resources will allow you to craft essential tools and weapons.
Crafting Your First Tools
Once you have gathered enough resources, head to your inventory to craft your first items. Essential tools to craft include:
- Stone Axe: Useful for gathering wood and thatch faster.
- Pickaxe: Ideal for harvesting stone and metal.
- Spear: A basic weapon for defense and hunting.
Building a Shelter
Creating a shelter is crucial for protecting yourself from the elements and predators. Follow these steps to build your first base:
Selecting a Location
- Near Resources: Choose a spot with easy access to water, wood, and stone.
- Safety First: Avoid areas heavily populated with dangerous creatures.
Basic Shelter Construction Steps
1. Craft a Campfire: This will provide warmth, light, and a way to cook food.
2. Build a Foundation: Use wood or thatch to create a sturdy base.
3. Construct Walls and a Roof: Protect yourself from predators and environmental elements.
4. Add a Door: Ensure you can enter and exit your shelter safely.
Taming Dinosaurs
One of the most exciting aspects of Ark: Survival Evolved is taming dinosaurs. Tamed creatures can serve various purposes, from transportation to combat support.
Steps to Tame a Dinosaur
1. Find a Suitable Dinosaur: Start with smaller creatures like Dodos or Parasaures.
2. Knock It Out: Use a club or tranquilizer arrows to incapacitate the creature.
3. Feed the Dinosaur: Place food in its inventory. Different dinosaurs prefer different foods (e.g., meat, berries).
4. Wait for Taming: Monitor the taming progress and ensure the dinosaur remains unconscious.
Exploring and Leveling Up
As you progress, exploring the island and leveling up your character will be vital for long-term survival. Here are some tips:
Exploration Tips
- Map Your Surroundings: Keep an eye on your surroundings and the map to avoid getting lost.
- Look for Supply Drops: These provide valuable loot and resources.
Leveling Up
- Complete Tasks: Engage in activities like crafting, hunting, and building to earn experience points (XP).
- Upgrade Skills: Invest your level-up points into skills that suit your playstyle.
Dealing with Threats
In Ark: Survival Evolved, threats come in various forms, including hostile dinosaurs, environmental hazards, and other players. Here’s how to handle them:
Combat Strategies
- Use Ranged Weapons: When possible, attack from a distance using bows and arrows or firearms.
- Avoid Confrontation: If a dinosaur is too powerful, try to evade rather than engage.
- Team Up: Partnering with other players can increase your chances of survival against tough foes.
Advanced Tips for Beginners
As you begin to master the basics, consider these advanced strategies:
1. Join a Tribe: Collaborating with other players can enhance your survival experience.
2. Farm Resources: Establish a sustainable resource farm to ensure a steady supply of food and materials.
3. Learn to Use the Engram System: This allows you to unlock recipes and blueprints for advanced structures and items.
4. Explore Different Biomes: Each area of the island has unique resources and challenges, so explore them for variety.
Conclusion
The world of Ark: Survival Evolved is vast and filled with challenges. By following this beginner guide, you will gain a solid foundation to start your survival journey. Remember that practice makes perfect, and don’t hesitate to learn from your mistakes. Whether you’re taming dinosaurs, building a shelter, or exploring the lush landscapes, the adventure awaits. Enjoy your time in Ark, and may your survival skills grow as you conquer the wild!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first thing I should do when starting in Ark: Survival Evolved?
When you first start, prioritize gathering basic resources like wood, thatch, and stone to craft essential tools and a shelter to protect yourself from the elements and predators.
How do I tame my first dinosaur?
To tame your first dinosaur, find a low-level creature like a Dodo or a Parasaur, knock it out using a slingshot or a club, and then feed it its preferred food until it is tamed.
What role does food play in Ark: Survival Evolved?
Food is crucial for survival; it restores health and stamina and helps prevent starvation. Learn to cook and gather a variety of foods to maintain your health and energy.
What are the best beginner-friendly dinosaurs to tame?
Some beginner-friendly dinosaurs include the Parasaur for transportation, the Dodo for eggs, and the Triceratops for gathering berries and defense.
How can I find a safe area to build my base?
Look for locations that are away from large predators, have access to water, and are near resources like trees and rocks. Coastal areas often provide a good balance of safety and resources.
What is the significance of leveling up my character?
Leveling up your character increases your health, stamina, and weight capacity, as well as allows you to unlock engrams to craft better tools, weapons, and structures.
How do I protect my base from other players or dinosaurs?
To protect your base, build strong walls and gates, place traps, and consider taming aggressive dinosaurs to guard your area. Regularly check and repair your structures.
What should I focus on in the early game to prepare for the mid to late game?
Focus on gathering resources, taming a few reliable dinosaurs, leveling up your character, and unlocking essential engrams like storage boxes, better tools, and a cooking pot to prepare food.
