Introduction
Venturing into the prehistoric world of ARK: Survival Ascended is an exhilarating journey filled with mystery, danger, and boundless opportunities for discovery. Whether you’re a newcomer to the ARK universe or transitioning from ARK: Survival Evolved, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and strategies needed to survive and thrive. ARK: Survival Ascended is more than just a game; it’s an immersive experience that demands skill, strategy, and a bit of luck. Let’s dive in!
Understanding the Basics
Welcome to the Wild
ARK: Survival Ascended begins with you regaining consciousness on a mysterious island, equipped with nothing but an inexplicable implant in your arm. The island is teeming with prehistoric creatures and diverse biomes, each presenting unique challenges. Your immediate goal is survival, which requires quick thinking and resourcefulness. As you look around, you’ll see stones, branches, and berries scattered about—these are your initial lifelines.
In the beginning, every small action counts. You’ll need to gather resources by hand, using stones and branches to craft basic tools. These tools, a pickaxe and a hatchet, are essential for collecting more advanced resources. The pickaxe is excellent for gathering flint from rocks, while the hatchet is better for harvesting wood and thatch from trees. Crafting these tools will streamline your resource collection and make the first few hours of gameplay much more manageable.
Building Your First Shelter
Why Shelter is Important
Shelter is crucial in ARK: Survival Ascended, offering protection from the elements, predators, and even other players in multiplayer mode. Constructing a shelter should be one of your top priorities. The process involves gathering enough materials to create a safe haven where you can store resources, craft items, and respawn if you meet an untimely demise.
Step-by-Step Guide to Building
- Gathering Resources: Start by collecting thatch, wood, and fiber. These materials are plentiful in the environment and form the foundation of your first shelter.
- Crafting Components: Using your harvested materials, craft essential building components: a foundation, walls, a door frame, a door, and a roof.
- Choosing a Location: Select a flat, resource-rich area with easy access to water. Avoid spots heavily populated by aggressive dinosaurs.
- Constructing Your Shelter: Lay down your foundation first. Next, add the walls, door frame, door, and roof, ensuring your structure is fully enclosed to protect against external threats.
Building a secure shelter is a fundamental step towards establishing a stable base of operations. This initial construction will serve as your home and a safe retreat as you gather strength and resources for more ambitious projects.
Staying Fed and Hydrated
Food Sources
Sustenance is a constant concern in ARK: Survival Ascended. Initially, you’ll rely on berries and small animals for food. Blueberries (Azulberries) are particularly useful as they also hydrate you. However, your diet will expand as you progress. Hunting larger animals and fishing can provide more substantial nourishment, essential for maintaining your stamina and health.
As you gather more resources, consider setting up a simple farm. Planting berries and other crops can provide a steady food supply. Additionally, cooking meat over a fire improves its nutritional value and extends its shelf life, reducing the risk of spoilage.
Water Sources
Hydration is equally important. Your proximity to a fresh water source can mean the difference between life and death. Rivers, lakes, and streams are excellent sources of fresh water. You can drink directly from these sources or craft a waterskin to carry water with you on longer journeys. Be mindful of the dangers lurking near water sources, including predators and environmental hazards.
Taming Dinosaurs
Why Tame Dinosaurs?
One of the most exciting features of ARK: Survival Ascended is the ability to tame and ride dinosaurs. These creatures can serve various roles, from transport and resource gathering to combat and companionship. Each dinosaur has unique abilities that can significantly enhance your gameplay experience.
How to Tame a Dinosaur
- Selecting a Dinosaur: Start with easier-to-tame creatures like the Dodo or Parasaur. These provide valuable early-game benefits without requiring extensive resources or effort.
- Knocking It Out: To tame a dinosaur, you must first render it unconscious without causing fatal harm. Use a club or slingshot to deliver non-lethal blows.
- Feeding the Dinosaur: Once the dinosaur is unconscious, access its inventory and place its preferred food inside. Herbivores typically eat berries, while carnivores prefer raw meat.
- Monitoring the Process: Keep an eye on the dinosaur’s torpor level to ensure it remains unconscious until the taming bar is filled. You may need to administer narcotics or narcoberries to maintain its unconscious state.
- Naming Your New Companion: After taming, you can name your dinosaur and begin utilizing its unique abilities. This could involve riding it, using it to transport resources, or having it assist in defending your base.
Crafting and Building
Advanced Crafting
As you gather more resources and level up, you’ll unlock advanced crafting recipes (engrams). These include better weapons, armor, and more complex building materials. Focus on crafting items that will enhance your survival, such as stronger weapons for defense and durable materials for constructing more robust shelters.
Expanding Your Base
Once your initial shelter is secure, consider expanding your base. Build storage boxes to keep your items organized and safe. Craft a bed for a permanent respawn point within your base. Additionally, construct defensive structures like walls, spikes, and turrets to protect against aggressive wildlife and potential attacks from other players in multiplayer mode.
Exploration and Progression
Exploring the Island
Exploration is a cornerstone of ARK: Survival Ascended. Venturing into uncharted territories can yield valuable resources, new creatures to tame, and hidden loot. Use your tamed dinosaurs for transport and protection as you explore further from your base. Be prepared for the dangers that come with exploration, including hostile creatures and harsh environmental conditions.
Progressing Through the Game
Progression in ARK: Survival Ascended is marked by unlocking new technologies and expanding your capabilities. As you gain experience and level up, allocate skill points to attributes such as health, stamina, weight capacity, and crafting speed. Unlocking new engrams allows you to craft more advanced tools, weapons, and structures, enhancing your survival prospects.
Surviving and Thriving
Dealing with Threats
Predators and Environmental Hazards
The island is fraught with danger. From aggressive predators to environmental hazards such as extreme weather and natural disasters, survival requires constant vigilance. Always carry weapons and be ready to defend yourself and your tamed creatures. Learn to recognize the signs of hazardous areas and avoid them when possible.
Multiplayer Interaction
ARK: Survival Ascended can be played solo or with others. In multiplayer mode, interacting with other players adds a layer of complexity. You can form alliances, trade resources, or engage in PvP combat. Cooperation can be highly beneficial, but always be wary of potential betrayals. Establishing clear communication and mutual goals with your allies can lead to powerful partnerships that enhance your survival chances.
Conclusion
ARK: Survival Ascended offers a rich, immersive experience that challenges your survival skills and strategic thinking. By following this comprehensive beginner’s guide, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the island’s challenges, build a secure base, and tame the magnificent creatures that inhabit this world. Remember, adaptability and preparedness are key to thriving in this dynamic environment. So gear up, explore, and enjoy the adventure that ARK: Survival Ascended has to offer!