How do I build a hidden base in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Building a hidden base in ARK: Survival Evolved is a critical strategy for survival, especially in PvP environments or when playing on servers with aggressive tribes. The goal is to create a base that is difficult for other players or creatures to find, while still being functional and secure. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

First, you need to understand the mechanics of base building and how to exploit the environment to your advantage. ARKÔÇÖs world is vast and filled with natural features like cliffs, caves, dense forests, and underwater areas that can be used to conceal your base. The key is to choose a location that is not easily accessible or visible. For example, building in dense forests can obscure your base from view, while constructing inside caves or underwater can make it nearly impossible for others to stumble upon it without prior knowledge.

To start, scout the map for a suitable location. Look for areas that are off the beaten path, such as remote islands, deep forests, or hidden caves. Avoid high-traffic areas like resource-rich zones or near popular spawn points. Once youÔÇÖve found a location, gather the necessary resources. YouÔÇÖll need materials like wood, stone, and metal, depending on the type of base you want to build. Early on, wood is the easiest to gather, but itÔÇÖs also the least durable. Stone is a better option for hidden bases as it provides more protection and blends better with the environment. Metal is the most durable but harder to gather and more conspicuous.

When building, keep your structures low-profile. Avoid tall or wide buildings that can be easily spotted from a distance. Instead, build small, compact structures that fit naturally into the environment. Use natural terrain features like rocks, trees, and cliffs to camouflage your base. For example, you can build a small hut nestled between large rocks or hidden under dense tree canopies. If youÔÇÖre building in a cave, use the caveÔÇÖs natural walls and ceilings to your advantage, minimizing the need for additional structures.

One effective strategy is to use foundations sparingly. Foundations can make your base more visible, so consider building on uneven terrain without them. Instead, use pillars and ceilings to create a stable structure. This method allows you to build in areas where foundations wouldnÔÇÖt normally fit, such as on cliffs or inside caves. Additionally, avoid using bright or unnatural colors when painting your structures. Stick to earthy tones like brown, green, and gray to help your base blend in with the surroundings.

Resource management is crucial when building a hidden base. Since youÔÇÖll likely be in a remote location, youÔÇÖll need to plan your resource gathering carefully. Set up small outposts or storage areas near resource-rich zones to minimize travel time. Tame dinosaurs like the Ankylosaurus for metal and stone, or the Beaver for wood, to make resource gathering more efficient. Keep your storage organized and hidden to avoid drawing attention.

Defense is another important consideration. Even though your base is hidden, you should still prepare for the possibility of being discovered. Use natural barriers like cliffs or water to limit access points. Place defensive structures like spike walls or plant species X around your base to deter intruders. If youÔÇÖre in a cave, use turrets or traps to guard the entrance. Tame dinosaurs like the Rex or Spino for added protection, but keep them hidden to avoid drawing attention.

Common mistakes to avoid include building too close to popular areas, using too many structures, and neglecting defense. Even a well-hidden base can be discovered if itÔÇÖs too close to a high-traffic zone. Overbuilding can also make your base more visible, so keep it simple and compact. Neglecting defense can leave you vulnerable if your base is discovered, so always have a plan for protecting your resources and tames.

Advanced techniques include using underwater bases or building in hard-to-reach locations like the tops of tall trees or deep within caves. Underwater bases are particularly effective as they are difficult to find and raid. Use scuba gear or tame aquatic dinosaurs like the Megalodon to access and build these bases. Another advanced technique is to use multiple small bases instead of one large one. This makes it harder for raiders to find all your resources and tames.

For tribes, coordination is key. Assign roles to tribe members, such as resource gatherers, builders, and defenders. Use tribe logs to track resource usage and base activity. Solo players should focus on small, easily defendable bases and prioritize stealth over size.

In conclusion, building a hidden base in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and strategic use of the environment. Choose a remote location, build low-profile structures, and use natural features to your advantage. Manage your resources efficiently, prepare for defense, and avoid common mistakes. With these strategies, you can create a hidden base that will keep you safe and secure in the dangerous world of ARK.