Embarking on a journey in the vast, watery world of ARK: Survival Evolved, one might find themselves wondering about the best ways to utilize water as a resource and a terrain. Water, after all, is not just a necessity for survival but also a crucial element in taming, farming, and even building in this prehistoric world. Let’s dive into some water-based ideas that can enhance your ARK experience.
Water, being a fundamental resource, is scattered across the map in various forms – rivers, lakes, oceans, and even underground water sources. Understanding how to harness and manipulate these water bodies can open up a plethora of strategic advantages and creative possibilities.
Water as a Resource
Water is essential for hydration, cooking, and breeding creatures. However, managing this resource efficiently is key to survival. Setting up water collection systems, such as rain collectors or underground water wells, can ensure a steady supply. Moreover, understanding the different types of water sources and their uses can help optimize resource management.
For instance, rivers and lakes are ideal for fishing, providing a steady supply of food. Oceans, on the other hand, offer access to unique creatures and resources, but require advanced navigation skills. Underground water sources, while harder to access, can provide a hidden, secure water supply.
Water Purification
Not all water sources are safe for consumption. Some may contain harmful elements like radiation or disease-causing bacteria. Setting up a water purifier can ensure clean, safe drinking water. This not only prevents health issues but also saves on food supply, as purified water can be used to cook food without the need for additional water.
Water purifiers can be crafted using various materials, with the most basic requiring only a thatching, a stone, and a bucket. More advanced purifiers, like the Water Purifier (Advanced), require additional resources but offer higher purification rates and can be powered by electricity.
Water Transport
Transporting water from one location to another can be challenging, especially in large quantities. However, it’s crucial for setting up bases near water sources or for supplying water to remote locations. The Water Jar is a simple, craftable item that can carry a significant amount of water. For larger quantities, the Water Tank is a more efficient solution.
Water can also be transported using pipes, which can be connected to water sources, purifiers, and other structures. This creates a closed-loop system that can supply water to multiple locations simultaneously. Pipes require the Plumbing Pipe Kit to set up and can be powered by electricity to increase their efficiency.
Water in Taming and Farming
Water plays a significant role in taming and farming in ARK. Many creatures require water to be tamed or to breed. Understanding these requirements can help optimize your taming and farming strategies.
For instance, some creatures, like the Pteranodon, require water to be tamed. Keeping them near a water source can speed up the taming process. Similarly, many creatures, such as the Stego and the Achatina, require water to breed. Setting up a water source near their pens can encourage breeding and increase the yield of their offspring.
Underwater Farming
ARK’s underwater world offers unique farming opportunities. The Deep Sea Farm can be used to grow underwater plants, providing a steady supply of food for aquatic creatures and a unique source of food for survivors. Underwater farms also offer protection from certain threats, as many hostile creatures cannot access them.
Setting up an underwater farm requires a good understanding of ARK’s underwater ecosystem. Certain plants and creatures thrive in specific underwater environments, so it’s essential to choose the right location for your farm. Additionally, underwater farms require a constant supply of light, which can be provided by the Underwater Light or the Deep Sea Light.
Water-Based Structures
Water can also be used to build unique structures in ARK. The Water Tower, for instance, can store a large amount of water and can be used to supply water to nearby structures. The Waterfall, on the other hand, can be used to create a decorative water feature or to generate electricity using the Water Turbine.
Water-based structures require careful planning and management. They must be placed near a water source and can be affected by changes in water levels. However, they offer unique advantages, such as the ability to generate electricity or to provide a constant supply of water.
In the vast, ever-changing world of ARK, water is a dynamic and versatile resource. Whether you’re using it to survive, to tame creatures, or to build unique structures, understanding and harnessing the power of water can greatly enhance your ARK experience. So, grab your diving gear and start exploring the watery depths of ARK – who knows what you might discover?
