Getting Started in Ark: Survival Evolved
When you first enter the world of Ark, the overwhelming number of choices and mechanics can be daunting. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get your bearings.
1. Choose Your Server
Before diving into gameplay, you must select a server. Ark offers various types of servers, including:
- Official Servers: Managed by the developers, these are the most stable but can have many players.
- Unofficial Servers: These are player-hosted and can have custom settings, mods, and rules.
- Single Player: Great for practicing without the pressure of other players.
2. Character Creation
Once you've chosen a server, you can create your character. Customize your appearance to your preference, but remember that your character's attributes can significantly affect your gameplay. Focus on:
- Health: Essential for survival.
- Stamina: Important for running and fighting.
- Oxygen: Crucial if you plan to explore underwater.
3. The Starting Area
After character creation, you’ll spawn on the island. Pay attention to your surroundings and select a suitable area to start building your base. Some popular starting locations include:
- The Beach: Safe, with easy access to resources.
- The Forest: Rich in wood and stone, but be wary of predators.
Basic Survival Tips
Survival in Ark demands a mix of resource management, exploration, and defense. Here are some essential tips:
Gathering Resources
At the start, focus on gathering essential resources:
- Wood: Obtain from trees; you'll need it for crafting.
- Stone: Found on the ground; useful for tools.
- Fiber: Harvest from bushes; required for clothing and tools.
- Thatch: Collect from trees; used in early building.
Crafting Essentials
Crafting is critical for survival. Make sure to create:
- Tools: Start with a Stone Pick and Stone Hatchet to gather resources more efficiently.
- Weapons: A Spear is a good early-game weapon for defense.
- Shelter: Build a thatch hut to protect yourself from the elements and predators.
Food and Water
Your character will need to eat and drink regularly. Here’s how you can manage your sustenance:
- Foraging: Collect berries (such as Tintoberries and Azulberries) for immediate food.
- Hunting: Kill small animals like Dodos for meat. Cook the meat on a campfire for better health recovery.
- Water: Find freshwater sources like rivers or lakes. Avoid drinking seawater, as it will harm your character.
Taming and Breeding Dinosaurs
One of the most exciting aspects of Ark is taming dinosaurs. Here’s how to get started:
Taming Basics
To successfully tame a dinosaur:
1. Knock it Out: Use weapons like a slingshot or tranquilizer arrows to knock the creature unconscious.
2. Feed it: Once down, place food in its inventory. Different creatures prefer different foods (e.g., Carnivores prefer meat, Herbivores prefer berries).
3. Wait: Taming takes time; monitor its torpor (unconsciousness level) to ensure it doesn’t wake up.
Breeding Dinosaurs
Once you have a few tamed creatures, you can breed them to produce offspring. Key points to remember:
- Mating Pair: Ensure you have a male and female of the same species.
- Gestation: Depending on the species, gestation times can vary.
- Care for Offspring: Baby dinosaurs require special care, including feeding and protection.
Building Your Base
Creating a solid base is crucial for your survival. Here are some tips for effective base building:
Location
Choose a location that offers:
- Resources: Proximity to trees, rocks, and water.
- Defensibility: Natural barriers like cliffs or water bodies.
- Accessibility: Easy access to important areas for resource gathering.
Base Design
Consider the following elements while designing your base:
- Walls and Gates: Protect your base from predators and other players.
- Storage: Build storage boxes to keep your resources organized.
- Crafting Stations: Create areas for crafting tools, weapons, and structures.
Exploring the World of Ark
As you become more comfortable with survival, you’ll want to explore the vast world of Ark. Here are a few tips for safe exploration:
Gear Up
Before heading out:
- Armor: Craft basic armor to protect yourself from attacks.
- Weapons: Ensure you have a reliable weapon and healing items.
- Dino Companions: Take a tamed dinosaur for added protection.
Know Your Environment
Familiarize yourself with different biomes and their dangers:
- The Jungle: Rich in resources, but home to dangerous predators.
- The Snow Biome: Offers unique resources but requires warm clothing.
- The Desert: Harsh environment; be prepared for dehydration.
Advanced Gameplay: Raiding and PvP
Once you’ve established a solid foundation, you may want to engage in raiding or player-versus-player (PvP) scenarios. Here are some strategies:
Raiding Tips
- Scout the Area: Always scout the target base before raiding to understand the defenses.
- Bring Allies: Team up with friends for better chances of success.
- Use Tamed Creatures: Rely on your dinosaurs to help you break through defenses.
PvP Strategies
- Hide Your Base: Build in a less conspicuous location to avoid being targeted.
- Defensive Structures: Set up turrets and traps around your base for added security.
- Resource Management: Always keep a stockpile of supplies for defense and attack.
Conclusion
Surviving in Ark: Survival Evolved takes skill, patience, and strategy. With this comprehensive guide, you should be well-equipped to embark on your journey through the island. Remember to gather resources, tame dinosaurs, build a sturdy base, and explore the diverse landscapes. Whether you’re playing solo or with friends, the world of Ark offers endless opportunities for adventure and excitement. So gear up, and may your survival journey be thrilling and rewarding!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best beginner tips for playing Ark: Survival Evolved?
Start by gathering basic resources like wood and stone, find a safe area to build your first base, prioritize crafting a campfire for food, and tame a low-level dinosaur for protection and transportation.
How can I effectively tame dinosaurs in Ark?
Use tranquilizer arrows or a slingshot to knock out the dinosaur, then feed it its preferred food, such as berries, meat, or kibble, while keeping it unconscious. Use narcotics to keep it asleep longer.
What are the most useful dinosaurs to tame early in the game?
The Triceratops for gathering berries, the Parasaur for scouting and storage, and the Raptor for speed and combat are excellent early-game tames.
What resources should I prioritize for building a base?
Focus on gathering wood, thatch, stone, and fiber initially. As you progress, aim for metal and crystal to upgrade your base to stronger materials.
How do I find and collect rare resources in Ark?
Explore caves for rare resources like crystal and metal; use a pickaxe on metal nodes; harvest specific trees for sap, and look for beacons that may contain valuable loot.
What are the best strategies for surviving in Ark's harsh environments?
Build sheltered bases to protect against weather elements, wear appropriate armor for heat or cold, and stay hydrated by drinking from water sources or crafting waterskins.
How can I effectively level up my character in Ark?
Engage in combat with wild creatures, gather resources, complete missions, and tame dinosaurs to gain experience points. Focus on activities that yield high XP, like crafting and building.
What are some common mistakes to avoid in Ark: Survival Evolved?
Avoid building too close to dangerous areas, taming high-level dinosaurs without preparation, not using a sleeping bag or bed for respawn points, and neglecting food and water needs.
How do I join or create a tribe in Ark?
To join a tribe, approach a player and request to join through the tribe menu. To create a tribe, access the tribe menu from the inventory and select 'Create Tribe,' then customize your tribe settings.
