What is the best way to build a base in the Scorched Earth map in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Building a base in the Scorched Earth map of ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning and adaptation to the harsh desert environment. The map is filled with extreme heat, sandstorms, and dangerous creatures, making survival and base construction more challenging than in other maps. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you build a secure and functional base in Scorched Earth.

First, you need to understand the mechanics of base building in ARK. Structures are built using materials like thatch, wood, stone, and metal, each offering increasing levels of durability and protection. In Scorched Earth, stone and metal are highly recommended due to the presence of aggressive creatures like Rock Elementals and Wyverns, which can easily destroy weaker materials. You will also need to consider the heat and sandstorms, which can drain your water and stamina. Building in shaded areas or using adobe structures can help mitigate these effects, as adobe provides insulation against the heat.

To start, gather essential resources like stone, wood, fiber, and thatch. Use a pickaxe for stone and a hatchet for wood. Fiber can be collected from plants, and thatch is obtained by hitting trees with a pickaxe. Early on, focus on building a small, temporary shelter to protect yourself from the elements and predators. A simple 2x2 stone hut with a bed, storage box, and campfire is a good starting point. Place water reservoirs or water jars nearby to ensure you have a steady supply of water, as dehydration is a constant threat.

Once your basic shelter is set up, expand your base by adding walls, ceilings, and a gate. Stone walls are a good choice for early defense, but upgrading to metal as soon as possible is advisable. Use foundations to create a stable base and snap walls, ceilings, and other structures to them. Make sure to leave space for crafting stations like a smithy, fabricator, and cooking pot. A preserving bin is also essential for storing food, as the heat spoils meat quickly.

Defense is critical in Scorched Earth. Build a perimeter wall around your base to keep out hostile creatures. Use stone or metal walls and add a gate for entry. Place turrets or plant species X around the perimeter to deter attackers. Tamed dinosaurs like Carnos or Raptors can also serve as guards. Be cautious of Rock Elementals, which can destroy stone structures. If you encounter one, use ranged weapons or tamed creatures to take it down from a distance.

Resource management is key to maintaining your base. Set up storage boxes or vaults to organize your materials. Use a generator to power advanced structures like refrigerators and electric lights. Wind turbines are particularly useful in Scorched Earth, as they provide a steady source of power without fuel. Place them in open areas to maximize efficiency.

For solo players, focus on building a compact, well-defended base. Prioritize essential structures and avoid overextending. In a tribe, divide tasks among members to speed up construction and resource gathering. Assign roles like builder, gatherer, and defender to ensure efficiency.

Common mistakes include building in open areas without shade, using weak materials like thatch or wood, and neglecting water sources. Avoid these by choosing a shaded or elevated location, using stone or metal, and setting up multiple water reservoirs. Advanced techniques include using adobe structures for heat insulation, building multiple layers of walls for added defense, and creating hidden storage areas to protect valuable items.

In summary, building a base in Scorched Earth requires careful planning, resource management, and defense strategies. Start with a small shelter, expand with stone or metal structures, and defend your base with walls, turrets, and tamed creatures. Manage resources efficiently and adapt to the harsh environment by using adobe and wind turbines. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, these steps will help you create a secure and functional base in the challenging world of Scorched Earth.