“ARK: Survival Evolved” is a thrilling action-adventure survival game that challenges players to survive in a world filled with dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. While the multiplayer aspect of the game is popular, many players prefer to start with the single-player mode to learn the basics and explore the game at their own pace. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to get started in the single-player mode of “ARK: Survival Evolved.”
Setting Up Your Single Player Game
Choosing the Right Map
The first step in starting your single-player adventure is selecting the right map. “ARK: Survival Evolved” offers several maps, each with unique landscapes, resources, and challenges. For beginners, it’s recommended to start with “The Island,” the original map, as it provides a balanced experience with a variety of biomes and resources.
To begin, launch the game and select the “Host/Local” option from the main menu. From there, you can choose your desired map and adjust various settings to tailor the game to your preferences. Some key settings to consider adjusting include:
- Difficulty Level: Lowering the difficulty can make the game more manageable for beginners.
- Resource Gathering Rate: Increasing the rate can help you gather materials more quickly.
- Taming Speed: Adjusting this can reduce the time it takes to tame creatures.
These settings can be modified to create a more enjoyable and accessible experience as you learn the ropes.
Customizing Your Character
Once you’ve selected your map and adjusted the settings, it’s time to create your character. “ARK: Survival Evolved” offers a robust character customization system, allowing you to tweak various physical attributes. While the appearance of your character doesn’t affect gameplay, it’s an opportunity to personalize your in-game avatar.
After customizing your character, you’ll need to choose a spawn location. For beginners, it’s advisable to select a relatively safe area, such as the “South Zone” on “The Island.” These areas typically have fewer aggressive creatures and more abundant resources, making them ideal for new players.
Early Game Survival Tips
Gathering Resources
Upon spawning, your first priority should be gathering basic resources. Punching trees will yield thatch and wood, while picking up stones from the ground will provide you with the materials needed to craft your first tools. The initial tools you’ll want to craft are a pickaxe and a hatchet. The pickaxe is useful for gathering flint from rocks and thatch from trees, while the hatchet is better for collecting wood and stone.
Crafting Essential Items
With your basic tools in hand, you can start crafting essential items to aid in your survival. Some of the first items you’ll want to craft include:
- Campfire: This allows you to cook raw meat, which is essential for maintaining your health and stamina.
- Spear: A basic weapon for defending yourself against smaller predators and hunting for food.
- Clothing: Simple cloth armor provides basic protection from the elements and minor injuries.
As you gather more resources and gain experience, you’ll unlock additional crafting recipes (known as engrams) that will expand your capabilities.
Building Your First Shelter
Finding a Suitable Location
Building a shelter is crucial for protecting yourself from the elements and dangerous creatures. Look for a flat area near water and abundant resources. Avoid building too close to large predators or aggressive creatures that could destroy your shelter.
Constructing the Shelter
Start with a simple thatch hut, which requires basic materials like thatch, wood, and fiber. Once you have the necessary resources, follow these steps:
- Craft Thatch Foundations: These form the base of your shelter.
- Add Walls and a Doorframe: These provide the structure and entry point.
- Place a Roof: This completes your basic hut.
As you progress, you can upgrade your shelter to wood or stone, offering better protection and durability.
Taming Your First Dinosaur
Choosing the Right Dinosaur
Taming dinosaurs is a core mechanic in “ARK: Survival Evolved” and provides numerous benefits, including transportation, resource gathering, and defense. For beginners, it’s best to start with a relatively easy-to-tame herbivore, such as a Triceratops or a Parasaur.
Taming Process
The taming process involves knocking out the dinosaur and feeding it its preferred food until it becomes your ally. Here’s a basic outline of the taming process:
- Knock Out the Dinosaur: Use a club or tranquilizer arrows to render the dinosaur unconscious.
- Feed the Dinosaur: Place the preferred food (berries for herbivores, meat for carnivores) in its inventory.
- Protect the Dinosaur: Ensure no predators attack the unconscious dinosaur during the taming process.
Once tamed, you can equip your dinosaur with a saddle and use it for various tasks, significantly enhancing your survival capabilities.
Exploring and Expanding
Venturing Further
As you become more comfortable with the game mechanics, start exploring beyond your initial spawn area. Discover new biomes, gather rare resources, and encounter different creatures. Each biome offers unique challenges and rewards, encouraging you to adapt your strategies.
Expanding Your Base
As you gather more resources and tame additional dinosaurs, consider expanding your base. Build larger structures, create storage solutions, and establish defenses to protect against more significant threats. A well-fortified base serves as a safe haven and a hub for your operations.
Conclusion
Starting a single-player game in “ARK: Survival Evolved” can be a rewarding and immersive experience. By carefully selecting your map, customizing your settings, and following these early-game tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the basics of survival. As you progress, you’ll encounter new challenges and opportunities, making each playthrough a unique adventure. So, gather your resources, build your shelter, and embark on your journey to conquer the world of ARK.
