New ARK: Survival Ascended - Ultimate Guide

by Jhon Lennon 44 views

Hey guys! Ready to dive into the wild world of New ARK: Survival Ascended? This guide is your ultimate companion, packed with everything you need to know to survive and thrive. We're talking gameplay, updates, and all the juicy details to make you a master of this prehistoric playground. Let's get started!

What is New ARK: Survival Ascended?

New ARK: Survival Ascended is a reimagining of the original ARK: Survival Evolved, rebuilt from the ground up using Unreal Engine 5. This means stunning visuals, enhanced gameplay mechanics, and a whole new level of immersion. If you loved the original, prepare to have your mind blown. If you’re new to the ARK universe, get ready for an unforgettable adventure filled with dinosaurs, crafting, and survival!

Key Features

  • Unreal Engine 5: Experience the game like never before with breathtaking graphics and realistic environments.
  • Cross-Platform Modding: Unleash your creativity with full cross-platform modding support, allowing for endless customization and community-driven content.
  • Revamped Gameplay: Enjoy refined mechanics, improved AI, and a more engaging survival experience.
  • All-New Content: Discover new creatures, items, and challenges that will keep you hooked for hours on end.

The upgrade to Unreal Engine 5 isn't just about making the game look pretty, though it really does. It's about creating a richer, more interactive world. Imagine lush forests that sway in the wind, dynamic weather systems that affect your gameplay, and dinosaurs that look more lifelike than ever before. Plus, with the enhanced modding capabilities, the possibilities are truly endless. You can add new creatures, build custom structures, and even create entirely new game modes. It's like having a sandbox where your imagination is the only limit!

But it's not just about the visuals and modding. The core gameplay has been revamped to be more intuitive and engaging. The AI of the creatures has been improved, making them more challenging to hunt or tame. The crafting system has been streamlined, making it easier to create the tools and structures you need to survive. And with the addition of new content, there's always something new to discover, whether it's a hidden cave, a rare resource, or a fearsome new dinosaur. New ARK: Survival Ascended is a fresh take on a classic, and it's sure to captivate both veteran players and newcomers alike.

Getting Started: Basic Survival Tips

Alright, so you've spawned on the island. Now what? Survival is the name of the game, and here are some essential tips to get you started in New ARK: Survival Ascended:

Gathering Resources

  • Punch Trees: Yep, start by punching trees to gather wood. It’s the most basic way to get the resources you need early on.
  • Pick Up Stones: Look around for small stones on the ground. These are crucial for crafting basic tools.
  • Craft a Pickaxe and Axe: As soon as you have enough wood and stone, craft a pickaxe and axe. These tools will significantly speed up your resource gathering.

Building a Shelter

  • Find a Safe Spot: Look for a relatively flat area away from aggressive dinosaurs.
  • Craft Thatch Foundations and Walls: Start by crafting thatch foundations and walls. These will provide basic protection from the elements and predators.
  • Add a Door and Roof: Don’t forget to add a door and a roof to complete your shelter. This will keep you safe at night and during storms.

Taming Dinosaurs

  • Start with Passive Tames: Begin by taming passive creatures like the Lystrosaurus or Dodo. These are easy to tame and can provide useful buffs or resources.
  • Use Berries or Crops: Offer berries or crops to the dinosaur you want to tame. Each species has its preferred food, so do a little research beforehand.
  • Keep Them Safe: Once tamed, protect your new companion from predators. They’ll be a valuable asset to your survival.

Resource gathering is the backbone of your survival in New ARK. Mastering this early on will set you up for success. Don't underestimate the power of a good pickaxe and axe. These tools will not only help you gather resources faster, but they'll also allow you to harvest more advanced materials like metal and crystal. Building a shelter is equally important. It's not just about having a place to sleep; it's about creating a safe haven where you can craft, store your resources, and plan your next move. A well-built shelter can be the difference between life and death, especially during those harsh nighttime hours when predators are on the prowl.

Taming dinosaurs is where New ARK really shines. These creatures are not just pets; they're powerful allies that can help you gather resources, defend your base, and even transport you across the island. Start with the easy tames like the Lystrosaurus, which can provide a useful XP buff, or the Dodo, which can lay eggs for food. As you progress, you'll be able to tame more powerful creatures like the Triceratops, which can help you gather berries, or the Raptor, which can provide protection and speed. Remember, each dinosaur has its own preferred method of taming and its own set of skills, so do your research and choose wisely. With a little patience and strategy, you'll be able to build a formidable team of dinosaurs that will help you conquer the island.

Advanced Strategies for Thriving

So, you've mastered the basics. Now it's time to take your game to the next level. Here are some advanced strategies for thriving in New ARK: Survival Ascended:

Base Building

  • Strategic Placement: Choose a location that offers natural defenses, such as a cliffside or an island. This will make it harder for enemies to raid your base.
  • Fortification: Use strong materials like stone or metal to build your base. Add defensive structures like walls, turrets, and traps to deter attackers.
  • Organization: Keep your base organized to maximize efficiency. Designate areas for crafting, storage, and breeding.

Resource Management

  • Automated Gathering: Use dinosaurs like the Argentavis or Quetzal to transport large amounts of resources. Set up automated mining operations to gather resources while you’re away.
  • Efficient Crafting: Optimize your crafting process by using crafting stations and blueprints. This will reduce the time and resources required to create items.
  • Resource Preservation: Store perishable resources in refrigerators or preserving bins to extend their lifespan.

Taming Powerful Creatures

  • Prepare for the Tame: Before attempting to tame a powerful creature, gather the necessary resources and equipment. This may include tranquilizer darts, narcotics, and high-quality food.
  • Use Traps: Build traps to immobilize the creature and make it easier to tame. A simple box trap can be effective for smaller creatures, while larger creatures may require more elaborate traps.
  • Protect the Tame: Once you’ve started the taming process, protect the creature from predators. Use defensive dinosaurs or build a temporary shelter to keep it safe.

Base building is more than just throwing up some walls and a roof. It's about creating a fortress that can withstand the challenges of the ARK. Strategic placement is key. Look for locations that offer natural defenses, such as a high cliff or a secluded island. Fortify your base with strong materials like stone or metal, and add defensive structures like walls, turrets, and traps to deter raiders. And don't forget about organization. A well-organized base will allow you to craft, store resources, and breed dinosaurs more efficiently. Think of your base as your sanctuary, your workshop, and your dinosaur stable all rolled into one.

Resource management is another critical skill for thriving in New ARK. As you progress, you'll need to gather increasingly large amounts of resources to craft advanced items and build complex structures. Automate your resource gathering by using dinosaurs like the Argentavis to transport large amounts of materials, or set up automated mining operations to gather resources while you're away. Optimize your crafting process by using crafting stations and blueprints, which will reduce the time and resources required to create items. And don't forget to preserve your resources. Store perishable items in refrigerators or preserving bins to extend their lifespan, and use dedicated storage containers to keep your base organized.

Taming powerful creatures is the ultimate goal for many players in New ARK. These creatures can provide unparalleled strength, speed, and utility, but they also require significant preparation and skill to tame. Before attempting to tame a powerful creature, gather the necessary resources and equipment, such as tranquilizer darts, narcotics, and high-quality food. Use traps to immobilize the creature and make it easier to tame. A simple box trap can be effective for smaller creatures, while larger creatures may require more elaborate traps. And once you've started the taming process, protect the creature from predators. Use defensive dinosaurs or build a temporary shelter to keep it safe. Taming powerful creatures is a challenging but rewarding experience, and it will open up new possibilities for exploration, combat, and resource gathering.

Mods and Customization

One of the coolest things about New ARK: Survival Ascended is the extensive modding support. Here’s how you can make the most of it:

Finding and Installing Mods

  • In-Game Mod Browser: Use the in-game mod browser to find and install mods directly from the main menu. This is the easiest way to get started with modding.
  • Steam Workshop: Browse the Steam Workshop for a wider selection of mods. Subscribe to the mods you want to use, and they’ll automatically download and install.
  • Mod Configuration: Some mods may require additional configuration. Check the mod’s description for instructions on how to configure it.

Popular Mods

  • Structures Plus (S+): Adds a variety of new building structures and features, making base building easier and more customizable.
  • Awesome Spyglass: Enhances the spyglass with additional information about creatures and resources.
  • Dino Storage: Allows you to store and manage your dinosaurs more efficiently.

Creating Your Own Mods

  • ARK Dev Kit: Download the ARK Dev Kit from the Epic Games Launcher. This kit provides the tools and resources you need to create your own mods.
  • Learn the Basics: Start by learning the basics of modding, such as creating new items, creatures, and structures.
  • Share Your Mods: Once you’ve created a mod, share it with the community by uploading it to the Steam Workshop.

Mods are the secret sauce that can transform your New ARK experience from awesome to legendary. They allow you to customize the game to your liking, adding new features, creatures, and gameplay mechanics. Finding and installing mods is easy. The in-game mod browser is a great place to start, offering a curated selection of mods that are compatible with the game. The Steam Workshop provides an even wider selection of mods, ranging from simple tweaks to complete overhauls. Just browse the Workshop, subscribe to the mods you want to use, and they'll automatically download and install.

Some popular mods can dramatically improve your gameplay. Structures Plus (S+) adds a variety of new building structures and features, making base building easier and more customizable. Awesome Spyglass enhances the spyglass with additional information about creatures and resources, helping you make informed decisions about taming and hunting. Dino Storage allows you to store and manage your dinosaurs more efficiently, reducing the clutter in your base. These are just a few examples of the many amazing mods that are available for New ARK. Experiment with different mods to find the ones that best suit your playstyle.

If you're feeling ambitious, you can even create your own mods. The ARK Dev Kit provides the tools and resources you need to bring your creative visions to life. Start by learning the basics of modding, such as creating new items, creatures, and structures. There are plenty of tutorials and resources available online to help you get started. Once you've created a mod, share it with the community by uploading it to the Steam Workshop. Who knows, your mod might become the next big thing in the New ARK universe!

Staying Updated: Patches and News

Keeping up with the latest updates is crucial. Here’s how to stay informed about patches, news, and community events in New ARK: Survival Ascended:

Official Channels

  • ARK Community Forums: Visit the official ARK Community Forums for announcements, discussions, and support.
  • Social Media: Follow the official ARK social media accounts on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for the latest news and updates.
  • Steam News: Check the Steam News page for announcements and patch notes.

Community Resources

  • ARK Wiki: Consult the ARK Wiki for detailed information about creatures, items, and gameplay mechanics.
  • YouTube and Twitch: Watch ARK content creators on YouTube and Twitch for tips, tutorials, and gameplay footage.
  • Discord Servers: Join ARK Discord servers to connect with other players, share tips, and participate in community events.

Staying updated is essential for mastering New ARK: Survival Ascended. The developers are constantly releasing patches and updates to improve the game, add new content, and fix bugs. By staying informed about these changes, you can ensure that you're always playing the best version of the game and that you're taking advantage of the latest features and improvements. The official ARK Community Forums are a great place to find announcements, discussions, and support. You can also follow the official ARK social media accounts on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for the latest news and updates. And don't forget to check the Steam News page for announcements and patch notes.

In addition to the official channels, there are also many community resources that can help you stay informed. The ARK Wiki is a comprehensive source of information about creatures, items, and gameplay mechanics. YouTube and Twitch are great platforms for watching ARK content creators, who often provide tips, tutorials, and gameplay footage. And Discord servers are a great way to connect with other players, share tips, and participate in community events. By taking advantage of these resources, you can stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the New ARK community and learn from the experiences of other players.

Conclusion

New ARK: Survival Ascended is an incredible adventure waiting to be explored. With stunning graphics, enhanced gameplay, and endless customization options, it’s a game that will keep you hooked for hours on end. So, gear up, gather your tribe, and dive into the ultimate survival experience! Happy surviving!