Welcome, fellow Ark survivors! If you’re like me, you don’t just want to survive in Ark Survival Evolved – you want to thrive! What better way to do that than to make your base as beautiful and unique as possible? In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about decorations in Ark, from crafting ideas to practical tips that I’ve learned through my own adventures. So grab your favorite drink, and let’s dive in!
Understanding the Importance of Decorations in Ark
Decorations might seem frivolous in a game centered around survival and combat, but they play a crucial role in making your base feel like home. They add personality and can even boost your morale during long days of grinding.
Why Decorate Your Base?
- Creates a Unique Identity: Customizing your space allows you to express your style.
- Improves Morale: A beautiful base makes surviving feel more rewarding.
- Functionality: Some decorations can also serve a purpose, such as storage.
Essential Decoration Categories
Ark provides a myriad of decoration options, and understanding these categories will help you plan your decorating strategy.
1. Furniture
Furniture items are a staple of any good Ark base. They can be purely decorative or serve a functional purpose.
Common Furniture Items
| Item | Use | Crafting Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Saddle | Riding your tames | Various Resources |
| Chair | Resting and aesthetics | Thatch, Wood, Fiber |
| Table | Dining and aesthetics | Thatch, Wood, Fiber |
2. Lights
Lighting can dramatically change the ambiance of your base, making it look inviting and homely.
Best Lighting Options
- Torches: Simple and effective light sources.
- Electrical Lights: Requires a generator but offers vast lighting options.
- Campfires: Good for both lighting and cooking.
3. Decorative Items
From paintings to rugs, decorative items enhance the aesthetic appeal of your surroundings.
Popular Decorative Items
- Wall Paintings
- Banners
- Statues
Crafting the Perfect Decoration
Now that we understand the different decoration categories, let’s look at how you can craft these items.
Getting Started with Crafting
To craft decorations, you’ll need to gather resources. Here’s a quick list of essential resources:
- Wood
- Thatch
- Fiber
- Metal
- Polymer
Make sure you have varied tools for resource gathering, like axes for wood and picks for metal.
Step-by-Step Crafting Guide
- Collect Resources: Gather the necessary materials.
- Choose a Crafting Table: Use a Smithy or Fabricator as required.
- Select Decoration: Access the crafting menu and select your desired item.
- Craft and Place: Once crafted, place the item in your base for optimal decoration.
Personalizing Your Base: Tips and Tricks
As an avid player, I’ve developed several tips for personalizing your base effectively.
Incorporate Themes
Choose a theme for your decorations. It could be rustic, modern, or even a fantasy-based theme. Having a consistent theme will give your base a polished look.
Mix and Match Styles
Don’t be afraid to mix different styles! Combining modern and rustic elements can create a unique atmosphere.
Utilizing Vertical Space
Consider building upwards! You can place shelves and decorative items on walls, optimizing your space.
Comparison of Top Decoration Items
Here, we’ll compare some of the most popular decoration items based on their use and aesthetic value.
| Item | Aesthetic Value | Functionality | Crafting Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Painting | High | None | Easy |
| Chair | Medium | Resting | Easy |
| Statue | Very High | None | Medium |
| Lighting | High | Illumination | Medium |
Pros and Cons of Decorations in Ark
Like everything else in Ark, decorations come with their own set of pros and cons.
Pros
- Enhances Base Aesthetics
- Improves Player Morale
- Can Serve Functional Purposes
Cons
- Resource Intensive: Some decorations require a lot of resources.
- Can Increase Base Vulnerability: An extravagant base may attract unwanted attention from hostile players.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the best decoration items for beginners in Ark Survival Evolved?
Beginners should start with basic furniture items like chairs and tables, as well as simple wall decorations such as paintings and torches.
How can I make my base more secure while decorating?
Use walls, turrets, and spikes around your base to secure it, and use decorations that do not obstruct your view.
Are there any unique decorations exclusive to certain maps in Ark?
Yes, some maps have exclusive decorations that reflect their unique environments, such as the snow-themed decorations in Ragnarok.
Can I customize the colors of decorations?
Yes! Many decorations allow for color customization using dyes, enabling you to personalize your base further.