How do I create a secure entrance for my base in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Creating a secure entrance for your base in ARK: Survival Evolved is a critical aspect of base building, as it ensures that your resources, tames, and crafting stations are protected from both wild creatures and hostile players. The mechanics involved in building a secure entrance revolve around using the right materials, designing a layout that minimizes vulnerabilities, and incorporating defensive structures to deter intruders. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you achieve this.

First, you need to decide on the material for your entrance. The three primary materials are thatch, wood, and metal, with metal being the most durable and secure. Thatch is the weakest and should only be used in the early game when resources are scarce. Wood is a mid-tier option that provides decent protection but can be destroyed by stronger creatures or players with tools. Metal is the best choice for a secure entrance, as it is resistant to most attacks and requires explosives or high-tier tools to break. To gather metal, you will need to mine metal nodes found in mountainous areas or riverbeds using a pickaxe or a metal hatchet. Smelt the metal ore in a forge to create metal ingots, which are used to craft metal structures.

Once you have the materials, the next step is to design the entrance. A common mistake is to create a single door or gate, which can be easily breached. Instead, consider building an airlock system. An airlock consists of two gates or doors with a small enclosed space between them. This design ensures that even if an intruder breaks through the first gate, they are still trapped in the enclosed space and cannot access your base. To build an airlock, place two gates or doors with a gap of at least two foundations between them. Surround the gap with walls and a ceiling to create the enclosed space. This setup is particularly effective in PvP scenarios, as it buys you time to respond to an attack.

Another important consideration is the placement of defensive structures around the entrance. Turrets, both auto and plant species X, can be placed near the entrance to deter intruders. Auto turrets require electricity and ammunition, so ensure you have a generator and a steady supply of bullets. Plant species X turrets are easier to maintain, as they only require water and fertilizer. Place these turrets in elevated positions to maximize their range and effectiveness. Additionally, consider placing spike walls or bear traps around the entrance to slow down or damage intruders.

For solo players, managing resources and defenses can be challenging, so prioritize building a secure entrance early in the game. Focus on gathering metal and setting up basic defenses like spike walls and plant species X turrets. As you progress, upgrade to auto turrets and more advanced defenses. For tribes, coordination is key. Assign roles to tribe members, such as resource gatherers, builders, and defenders, to ensure that the entrance is built and maintained efficiently. Tribes can also benefit from having tamed dinosaurs like Rexes or Carnos stationed near the entrance to provide additional protection.

Advanced techniques include using behemoth gates for larger entrances, which are ideal for bases with large tames or multiple players. Behemoth gates require more resources but provide a wider and more secure entrance. You can also incorporate hidden or secondary entrances to confuse intruders. These entrances should be less obvious and well-defended to prevent them from becoming a weak point. Additionally, consider using keypads or pin codes on doors to restrict access to authorized players only.

Resource requirements for a secure entrance depend on the size and complexity of your design. For a basic airlock system with metal gates, you will need approximately 200 metal ingots, 100 cementing paste, and 50 wood or thatch for the walls. For advanced defenses like turrets, you will need additional resources such as electronics, polymer, and bullets. Always gather extra materials to account for potential upgrades or repairs.

In summary, creating a secure entrance in ARK: Survival Evolved involves using durable materials like metal, designing an airlock system, and incorporating defensive structures like turrets and traps. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, prioritize resource gathering and coordination to ensure your base remains safe. Avoid common mistakes like using weak materials or relying on a single entrance, and consider advanced techniques like behemoth gates and hidden entrances for added security. With careful planning and execution, your base entrance will be a formidable barrier against any threat.