ARK: Survival Evolved Mobile - Tips & Tricks

Hey everyone, are you ready to dive headfirst into the prehistoric world of ARK: Survival Evolved Mobile? This game is a wild ride, and trust me, there's a lot to learn if you want to survive. Whether you're a seasoned veteran of the PC or console versions or a fresh-faced survivor on mobile, this guide is your go-to resource. We'll cover everything from the basics of staying alive to mastering the art of taming dinosaurs and building your own base. So, grab your virtual pickaxe, and let's get started!

Getting Started: The Essentials for New Survivors

So, you've spawned into a world teeming with dinosaurs, hostile creatures, and fellow survivors. Now what? First things first, you need to survive. This means finding food, water, and shelter. Let’s break it down:

• Finding Food and Water: The most immediate threats are hunger and thirst. Look for berries in bushes – they're your primary food source early on. You can also punch trees to collect thatch (for building) and wood (for fuel). Water is found in rivers, lakes, and oceans. Just approach the water's edge and drink. Be mindful of your surroundings, though, as many creatures would love to make you their next meal.
• Crafting Your First Tools: You start with nothing but your bare hands, but thankfully, you can craft some essential tools pretty quickly. First, gather stone by picking up rocks. You'll need it to craft a pickaxe, which allows you to gather resources like wood and flint more efficiently. Use the menu to craft these tools. The crafting interface can seem a bit daunting at first, but it quickly becomes second nature.
• Building a Shelter: A basic shelter is crucial. It protects you from the elements and offers a safe place to sleep (and log out when you're done playing). Start with a simple thatch structure. It’s cheap to build and offers some basic protection. As you gather more resources, you can upgrade to wood, stone, and eventually metal structures for better defenses.
• Understanding the UI: The user interface (UI) is your lifeline. Pay attention to your health, stamina, food, water, and oxygen levels. These are displayed prominently on the screen. Also, familiarise yourself with the crafting menu and the inventory management system. Knowing where to find information and how to use the menus will dramatically improve your survival chances. The game will prompt you on how to craft items, so pay attention.

Survival in ARK: Survival Evolved Mobile is a constant learning process. Don’t be afraid to experiment, die a few times (we all do!), and learn from your mistakes. The game's harsh environment will force you to adapt, and that’s part of the fun. Always be aware of your surroundings and the time of day. Nighttime brings dangerous predators, so find shelter or a safe spot before darkness falls.

Taming Dinosaurs: Your Prehistoric Companions

One of the most exciting aspects of ARK: Survival Evolved Mobile is taming dinosaurs. Having a dinosaur at your side offers protection, transportation, and resource gathering capabilities. But it's not as simple as walking up and saying, “Hey, let's be friends.” Here’s how to do it effectively:

• Choosing the Right Dino: Start with easier-to-tame dinosaurs, such as the Dodo or the Parasaur. These are herbivores, and their taming process is less risky. As you progress, you can take on more challenging creatures like the Triceratops or even the mighty Argentavis.
• Knocking Them Out: Most dinosaurs need to be knocked unconscious before you can tame them. You can use a club, slingshot, or tranq arrows (crafted later) to knock them out. Be careful not to kill them! The goal is to lower their health without killing them. The knockout effectiveness (torpor) gradually decreases, so you will need to knock it again after a certain period of time.
• Gathering the Right Food: Each dinosaur has a preferred food. Research online or use the game's resources to learn what each dino likes. Herbivores typically prefer berries, while carnivores want meat. High-quality food tames them faster and increases the effectiveness of the tame, resulting in higher stats on the tamed creature.
• Force-Feeding: Once unconscious, put the preferred food into the dinosaur's inventory and force-feed it. You can do this by selecting the food and pressing the “Use” button. Keep an eye on the taming progress bar. It shows how close you are to taming the dino. Also, pay attention to the torpor level of the dino, and force-feed narcotics (crafted from narcotics, a result from the spoiled meat) to keep them unconscious.
• Protecting Your New Friend: While the dino is taming, stay nearby and protect it from predators. A single bite can ruin your progress. Build a temporary pen to keep other creatures away. The taming process can take a while, depending on the dino and the food you’re using, so be patient. Once tamed, the dino will be loyal to you, and it's a huge step toward conquering the ARK: Survival Evolved Mobile world.

Taming can be a time-consuming and sometimes frustrating process, but the rewards are well worth the effort. There’s nothing quite like riding a massive Brontosaurus into battle or soaring through the skies on a Pteranodon. Once you've successfully tamed a creature, make sure to name it for a more personal experience.

Building and Base Construction: Securing Your Territory

Building a base is essential for long-term survival in ARK: Survival Evolved Mobile. It provides protection from the elements, a place to store your resources, and a safe haven from wild creatures and other players. Here's how to build a strong and effective base:

• Choosing the Right Location: Consider factors such as resource availability, defensive capabilities, and access to water. Coastal areas offer plenty of fish but are also exposed to ocean-dwelling predators. The base must have a lot of space for storage and taming. A good location provides a blend of resources, security, and convenience. Look for a location with limited access points to make defense easier.
• Starting Small, Building Up: Begin with a simple thatch base. Once you gather enough resources, upgrade to wood, then stone, and finally, metal structures. Each upgrade provides greater protection. Metal structures are very durable and are difficult to destroy, even by the most powerful dinos.
• Essential Structures: Key structures include a crafting bench, smithy, storage boxes, and sleeping bags or beds. You’ll need a smithy to craft metal tools and weapons. Sleeping bags allow you to respawn at your base if you die, while storage boxes keep your items safe.
• Defensive Measures: Build walls, gates, and turrets to protect your base. Spike walls deter most creatures, while turrets can be used to automatically attack any threats. Position your turrets strategically to cover all access points. You can also tame defensive creatures like Carnos or Rexes and station them around your base.
• Expanding Your Base: As you progress, expand your base to accommodate more crafting stations, storage, and even dino pens. Plan your base layout carefully to maximize efficiency and defense. Ensure there is enough space to move around and place crafting stations, storage, and other essential items. A well-organized base is easier to manage and defend.

Building a successful base in ARK: Survival Evolved Mobile is a rewarding experience. Your base will be your haven in a dangerous world, so take the time to build a strong, secure, and functional base. Don't be afraid to experiment with different layouts and designs to find what works best for you. Also, remember that base-building is an ongoing project. You can always improve and expand your base as you gather more resources and learn new techniques.

Advanced Strategies: Tips for Thriving in the ARK

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it's time to dive into some advanced strategies to excel in ARK: Survival Evolved Mobile:

• Resource Management: Efficient resource management is critical. Understand which resources are most valuable and where to find them. Learn to balance your resource gathering efforts to meet your needs. Don’t waste resources. Recycle old structures and tools to gain back a portion of the materials. Set up specific dinos for specific tasks, such as gathering wood, stone, or metal.
• Breeding: Breeding is an excellent way to get high-stat dinos. Once you have a breeding pair, you can start the process. Building a dedicated breeding area is recommended, so you can control the conditions and protect the eggs. Breeding will require a lot of patience, and you will need to keep the process monitored, so you don't lose any eggs or hatchlings.
• Combat Tactics: Learn how to effectively use your weapons and dinos in combat. Understand the strengths and weaknesses of different creatures. Practice your aim and learn the attack patterns of wild dinos. Knowing the right time to attack and when to retreat can mean the difference between life and death. Always bring backup.
• Explore the Map: ARK has a vast and varied map. Spend time exploring. Discover new locations, gather resources, and uncover hidden areas. Each area of the map contains different resources, challenges, and creatures. Knowing the terrain and the resources available can give you an edge over other survivors.
• Joining a Tribe: Joining a tribe can make survival much easier. Tribes allow you to share resources, work together, and defend your base more effectively. You can learn from more experienced players and have someone to watch your back. Teamwork makes the dream work!

Mastering these advanced strategies will help you not only survive but thrive in ARK: Survival Evolved Mobile. The game is always evolving, so there’s always something new to learn and discover. So, keep experimenting, keep exploring, and enjoy the journey!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even the best survivors run into problems. Here's a look at some common issues and how to fix them in ARK: Survival Evolved Mobile:

• Lag and Performance Issues: Performance can vary depending on your device. Lower the graphics settings to improve performance. Close unnecessary apps running in the background. Make sure you have a stable internet connection if playing online. Restarting your device can sometimes help clear temporary issues.
• Game Crashes: Game crashes can occur. Save your progress regularly to avoid losing your work. If crashes persist, try reinstalling the game or contacting the game developers for support.
• Lost Items: Unfortunately, sometimes items can be lost due to glitches or death. Always keep your inventory organized and stored in secure containers. Learn the game mechanics to know how to retrieve your items on death. If you have been disconnected or experiencing issues, reach out to the customer service.
• Taming Issues: Ensure you're using the correct food and have enough narcotics to keep the dino unconscious. Watch the taming progress closely. If you are having issues, try taming in a more protected area.

If you encounter any problems, always consult online resources, such as the official game forums or YouTube videos. The ARK: Survival Evolved Mobile community is generally very helpful and can provide solutions. Sometimes, restarting the app or your device can resolve minor glitches. If all else fails, contact customer support for further assistance.

Final Thoughts: Becoming an ARK Legend

Surviving in ARK: Survival Evolved Mobile takes time, patience, and a willingness to learn. This game is a marathon, not a sprint. Embrace the challenge, enjoy the journey, and never give up. By following these tips and strategies, you’ll be well on your way to becoming an ARK legend. Remember to have fun, experiment, and most importantly, survive! Good luck, survivors! Now go out there and dominate the prehistoric world!