Ark: Survival Evolved offers an expansive open-world experience filled with opportunities for creativity and survival. Players can construct bases, create settlements, and build impressive structures using the game’s vast array of building materials. Among these structures, tree platforms stand out due to their unique advantages, allowing you to create bases in the canopy of the lush environment. In this ultimate guide, we will explore how to effectively connect tree platforms in Ark, providing valuable tips, techniques, and considerations to enhance your gameplay.
Understanding Tree Platforms in Ark
Tree platforms serve as a vital building and survival tool, offering multiple benefits:
- Elevation: Building high off the ground helps protect you from predators while offering a panoramic view of the surroundings.
- Mobility: Connecting various tree platforms can create a multi-level network, allowing easy travel and strategic placement of resources or defenses.
- Environmentally Friendly: Building in trees preserves the natural beauty of the surroundings and reduces environmental impact on the ground.
Before learning how to connect them, it’s essential to understand the basic types and features of tree platforms available in Ark.
The Different Types of Tree Platforms
Tree platforms come in several varieties, each designed for unique biome conditions and player needs. Here are the most common ones:
- Tree Platform (Redwood Forest): A large structure providing plenty of space for building and resource storage.
- Tree Platform (Swamp): Smaller but equipped with features that complement swamp survival.
Preparing to Connect Your Tree Platforms
Before you set off to build and connect tree platforms, proper preparation is crucial to ensure a seamless construction process. Here are the steps to get you started:
Gathering Resources
To create and connect tree platforms, you’ll need to gather essential resources. Plan accordingly and collect the following materials:
- Wood
- Thatch
- Fiber
- Stone
- Metal (if upgrading)
These resources are necessary for crafting not only the tree platforms but also any additional structures or aesthetics you may want to add.
Choosing Your Location
Selecting an optimal location for your tree platforms is vital for both strategic defense and resource management. Consider the following factors:
- Tree Gap Width: Ensure the trees are close enough to connect your platforms.
- Defensive Positioning: Look for areas that give you an advantage over potential threats.
- Resources Availability: Stay near water sources and gatherable resources to minimize travel time.
Building and Connecting Tree Platforms
Now, let’s dive into the actual process of building and connecting your tree platforms.
Step-by-Step Construction Guide
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Select the Appropriate Tree: When you’ve found a tree that meets your criteria, approach it, and open your build menu.
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Craft the Tree Platform: Navigate to the crafting tab and select the tree platform that fits your needs. Make sure you have adequate resources.
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Place the First Tree Platform:
- Align the platform’s base with the trunk of the selected tree.
- Rotate it to face the desired direction.
- Confirm placement when you are satisfied with the positioning.
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Building Upwards: After placing your first tree platform:
- Add Foundations: You can build a foundation on the tree platform, which further allows you to construct walls, ceilings, and other structures.
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Enhance with Access Points: Building ramps or ladders can provide access to other tree platforms.
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Connecting Multiple Platforms: To connect multiple tree platforms:
- Use Catwalks: One of the most reliable ways to connect platforms is by using wooden or metal catwalks. To do this:
- Select the catwalk from your building menu.
- Place them between the platforms, ensuring they link securely.
- Create a Bridge Configuration: By placing catwalks from one platform to another, you can create a bridge that provides access between different tree heights.
The Importance of Stability
Using stable connections is crucial to prevent structural failure. Ensure that your catwalks have proper support underneath and avoid overextending, as this may lead to inter-structural issues.
Enhancing Your Tree Platform Network
Once you have established your initial connections, it’s time to expand and enhance your network.
Adding Functional Structures
Consider building functional structures that enhance your tree platforms, such as:
- Storage Units: Create dedicated areas for storage, ensuring your resources are safely tucked away in your elevated base.
- Defensive Structures: Consider adding fences or walls to protect yourself from predators and other players in PvP settings.
- Living Quarters: Set up sleeping bags or beds for quick respawns, ensuring you have a home base to return to after adventures.
Utility Features
You can also incorporate other utility features into your tree platforms, such as:
- Planting Gardens: Utilize crop plots to grow food, enhancing your sustainability within the treetops.
- Waterworks: Creating a water source can be convenient; consider building bases close to rivers or lakes.
Strategic Tips for an Efficient Tree Platform Network
To maximize the effectiveness of your tree platforms, here are some strategic tips:
Utilizing Reconnaissance
Using your platforms for reconnaissance can give you a strategic advantage:
– Scout for Resources: Since you have a bird’s-eye view from your platforms, keep an eye on resource spawn locations.
– Observe Predators: Watch for enemy players or aggressive creatures in the vicinity to avoid ambushes.
Incorporating Mobility Alternatives
To further enhance your network, you may want to consider alternative mobility options like:
- Zip Lines: If available in your version of Ark, zip lines can create swift transit between platforms.
- Gliding: If your character has access to gliding gear, it makes for a fun and speedy way to travel between distant platforms.
Conclusion: Creating Your Tree Platform Legacy
In summation, connecting tree platforms in Ark: Survival Evolved is not just about building; it’s about establishing a sustainable and defensive network that enhances your survival experience. By understanding the types of platforms available, gathering necessary resources, and employing strategic construction techniques, you will find your tree platforms becoming a foundational part of your Ark journey.
Embark on your adventure, build your canopy network, and embrace the thrill of survival high above the ground. The sky is truly the limit when it comes to your creativity and defense in Ark. Happy building!
What are tree platforms in Ark and how do they work?
Tree platforms in Ark are structures that players can build on large trees, providing a unique vantage point and a strategic location for defense or resource gathering. They allow players to create bases that are elevated off the ground, which can be beneficial for avoiding ground-based threats. Tree platforms can be found in specific biomes where large trees are prevalent, typically in areas like the Redwoods.
To use a tree platform, you’ll first need to gather the necessary materials to craft it. Once you’ve crafted the platform, you must locate a suitable tree to place it upon. After placing the tree platform, you can connect it to other structures or build additional facilities on top of it, making it a versatile option for building bases in Ark.
How do I gather resources to build a tree platform?
Gathering resources for tree platforms involves collecting wood, thatch, fiber, and various other items depending on your desired structure. You’ll primarily need to harvest wood from trees, which can be done effectively with a hatchet. Thatch and fiber can be acquired from bushes and smaller trees. It’s a good practice to have plenty of tools on hand to maximize your gathering efficiency.
Additionally, consider looting supply crates or exploring areas populated by certain creatures that drop useful items. As you advance in levels, you’ll unlock more crafting recipes that may require specific resources. Check your inventory regularly to ensure you have all the required materials to construct your tree platform without interruption.
Can I connect other structures to my tree platform?
Yes, connecting other structures to your tree platform is one of the key features that enhances its functionality. You can build walls, ceilings, and even additional floors to create a more extensive base. To maintain structural integrity, ensure that these connections are made properly, aligning them with the tree platform’s existing framework.
Additionally, use foundation pieces to support new structures when needed. This allows you to create staircases, bridges, or other connecting elements that can link multiple platforms together, effectively expanding your base into a more complex network. This interconnected design can provide a robust defensive layout against enemies.
What creatures can I use to enhance my tree platform experience?
Several creatures in Ark can complement your tree platform experience. Flyers, like the Argentavis or Pteranodon, can easily land on your platform, providing a quick escape route or a place to store your tamed creatures. Utilizing these flyers adds mobility and makes it easier to retrieve resources or scout your surroundings from above.
Additionally, consider having tamed creatures that can aid in defense. For instance, a creature like a Compy or Raptor can patrol the area around your tree platform, alerting you to incoming threats. You can also opt for larger creatures that can be transported to your platform, ensuring you have powerful allies at your disposal when exploring or defending your territory.
Are there any disadvantages to using tree platforms?
While tree platforms offer several advantages, they also come with some disadvantages. One significant drawback is their visibility; they are often more noticeable to enemies compared to ground bases, making them targets during raids. It’s essential to camouflage your platform or build it in a less conspicuous area to minimize the risk of attacks.
Moreover, tree platforms may have limitations based on the trees’ location. If the tree you’ve chosen for your platform is too close to other players’ bases or frequently traveled paths, you may face unwanted encounters. Understanding the environment and selecting your location carefully can help mitigate these risks, ensuring a safer living space in the game.
How can I protect my tree platform from enemy raids?
To protect your tree platform from enemy raids, implementing defensive measures is crucial. This includes building sturdy walls and ceilings, or using reinforced materials to enhance the durability of your structure. You can also install traps or defense turrets at strategic points to deter attackers from getting too close.
In addition to physical defenses, consider forming alliances with other players to bolster your protection. Having friends or allies nearby can provide extra support during raids or help you work together to fortify your structures. Communication and coordination are key in defending your tree platform effectively against both NPCs and rival players.
Can I relocate my tree platform after building it?
Unfortunately, once a tree platform is placed, you cannot relocate it to another tree or area without demolishing it first. If you find that your chosen tree platform location is unfavorable or too exposed, you will need to dismantle the platform and gather the resources again for a new build. This can be time-consuming but is sometimes necessary to ensure better safety and functionality.
However, once you demolish your tree platform, you will receive some of the resources back, which can help you in rebuilding. Planning ahead and carefully choosing your initial location will save you the hassle of relocating later. Always assess your surrounding environment and potential threats before committing to a location for your tree platform.
What advanced techniques can I use with tree platforms?
Advanced techniques for effectively utilizing tree platforms can involve building multi-level bases or creating intricate connection systems with other platforms. You can use ramps, ladders, or zip-lines to enhance mobility between platforms, allowing for seamless travel and increasing your operational area. Experimenting with different configurations can yield creative structures tailored to your gameplay style.
Additionally, integrating tree platforms with other structures, like lookout towers or farm areas, can improve your base’s efficiency and utility. Utilizing creative design elements and strategic placements can give you a tactical edge, making it difficult for enemies to target key resources and enhancing your overall survivability within the game.