Getting Started in Ark Survival Evolved
As a beginner in Ark Survival Evolved, your first steps will be crucial. Here’s how to set the groundwork for your survival:
Character Creation
When you first enter the game, you will be prompted to create your character. You can customize various aspects including:
- Appearance: Choose your character's gender, skin tone, hair, and other physical features.
- Attributes: While you can’t adjust attributes during character creation, understanding them later will help you make informed decisions as you level up.
Choosing Your Spawn Location
Ark features several different maps, each with unique environments and challenges. When you spawn, you will be able to choose from several locations. Here are some popular beginner-friendly areas:
1. South Zone 1: This area is generally safe and has abundant resources.
2. North Zone 1: While it offers more resources, be cautious of the colder climate and aggressive creatures.
3. The Island: A well-rounded map that is ideal for beginners.
Understanding the terrain and the dangers associated with each spawn area is essential for survival.
Gathering Resources
Once you've spawned, your next step is to gather resources. Resources are crucial for crafting items, building shelter, and taming creatures. Here are the primary resources you will need:
Basic Resources
- Wood: Gathered from trees. Use your hands or a primitive tool like a hatchet to collect.
- Stone: Found on the ground or by breaking rocks. Essential for crafting tools.
- Fiber: Collected from grass and certain plants. Necessary for crafting clothing and tools.
- Thatch: Obtained by hitting trees with your hands or a tool. Used for building.
Crafting the Essentials
With your initial resources collected, you can start crafting essential items. Here’s a list of beginner items you should prioritize:
1. Stone Pick: Used for gathering more resources efficiently.
2. Stone Hatchet: Allows you to gather wood and thatch more effectively.
3. Campfire: Vital for cooking food and providing warmth.
4. Clothes (Fiber Armor): Offers basic protection from the elements and predators.
Building Your First Shelter
Establishing a safe place to call home is crucial in Ark. Here’s how to build a basic shelter:
Choosing a Location
Select a location that offers:
- Resource Availability: Proximity to trees, rocks, and water.
- Safety: Avoid areas with high predator activity.
Basic Shelter Blueprint
To create a simple shelter, you will need:
- Foundations: Create a square or rectangular base using wood or thatch.
- Walls: Construct walls to enclose your space.
- Roof: Add a roof to protect against the elements.
Enhancing Your Shelter
Once you’re comfortable, consider upgrading your shelter with:
- Doors: Provide secure entry points.
- Windows: Allow for visibility and ventilation.
- Storage Boxes: Store your items safely.
Taming Creatures
One of the most exciting aspects of Ark Survival Evolved is taming creatures. Tamed creatures can help you gather resources, defend your base, and provide transportation. Here’s how to get started:
Understanding the Taming Process
To tame a creature, you generally need to:
1. Knock it Out: Use weapons like a slingshot or tranquilizer arrows to incapacitate the creature.
2. Feed it: Once it’s unconscious, feed it the appropriate food based on the creature type.
3. Wait: The creature will take some time to be tamed. Keep an eye on its torpor (unconsciousness level) and feed it narcotics if necessary.
Best Creatures for Beginners
Consider taming these beginner-friendly creatures:
- Dodo: Easy to tame, good for practice.
- Parasaur: Fast and can help gather berries.
- Triceratops: Excellent for gathering resources and has decent protection.
Leveling Up Your Character
As you play, your character will gain experience points (XP) through various activities such as:
- Gathering Resources: Collecting wood, stone, and other materials.
- Crafting Items: Creating tools, weapons, and buildings.
- Taming Creatures: Successfully taming animals rewards XP.
Understanding Engram Points
As you level up, you will earn Engram Points that can be spent on learning new crafting recipes. Focus on:
- Essential Tools: Prioritize engrams for better tools and weapons.
- Building Structures: Learn to build stronger shelters.
Survival Tips for Beginners
To improve your chances of survival, keep these tips in mind:
- Stay Hydrated and Fed: Monitor your hunger and thirst levels regularly.
- Use the Map: Familiarize yourself with the map to avoid dangerous areas.
- Join a Tribe: Playing with others can enhance your experience and survival chances.
- Be Cautious: Avoid aggressive creatures until you are well-equipped.
- Learn from Others: Watch tutorials and read community guides to expand your knowledge.
Conclusion
Embarking on your journey in Ark Survival Evolved can be challenging yet rewarding. By following this Ark Survival Evolved beginners guide, you’ll gain the foundational knowledge needed to thrive in this dynamic world. Remember to adapt, learn from your experiences, and most importantly, have fun! The world of Ark is vast, filled with adventures, and waiting for you to explore. Happy surviving!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best starting location for beginners in Ark: Survival Evolved?
A good starting location for beginners is the 'South Zone 1' or 'South Zone 2' as they are generally safer with fewer aggressive dinosaurs and abundant resources.
How do I gather resources effectively in Ark?
To gather resources effectively, start by punching trees for wood, collecting stones from the ground, and harvesting berries from bushes. Use tools like a pickaxe for stone and flint, and a hatchet for more wood and thatch.
What are the essential items I should craft first?
As a beginner, you should prioritize crafting a pickaxe, a hatchet, a spear for defense, and a campfire for cooking food. Building a simple shelter is also crucial for protection against the elements.
How can I tame my first dinosaur?
To tame your first dinosaur, start with a low-level herbivore like a Dodo or a Triceratops. Use food such as berries and a slingshot or tranquilizer arrows to knock it out, then place food in its inventory to tame it.
What should I do if I encounter a hostile dinosaur?
If you encounter a hostile dinosaur, try to avoid it by running away or climbing to higher ground. If you're equipped, use a ranged weapon, or throw a spear to defend yourself, but always prioritize escape over confrontation.
How important is it to build a base early on?
Building a base early on is crucial for survival, as it provides shelter from predators, a safe place to store resources, and a spot to respawn if you die. Start with a simple thatch hut and upgrade as you gather more materials.
What are the benefits of leveling up my character?
Leveling up your character allows you to increase your health, stamina, weight capacity, and crafting skills. This enhances your survival chances and enables you to craft better items and equipment.
How can I find food and water in the game?
You can find food by foraging for berries, hunting small animals, or cooking meat in a campfire. Water sources like rivers and lakes are abundant; simply walk into the water to drink, or use a water skin to carry it.
