Top ARK: Survival Ascended PvP Base Spots On The Island
Hey ARK players! Ready to dominate the PvP scene in ARK: Survival Ascended on The Island? Choosing the right base location is absolutely crucial for success. It can be the difference between a thriving tribe and a quick wipe. That's why I'm here to break down some of the best PvP base locations on The Island, considering factors like defense, resource accessibility, and overall strategic advantage. Let's dive in and find your next PvP stronghold!
Why Location Matters in ARK PvP
Before we jump into specific locations, let's chat about why the base location is such a big deal. In ARK PvP, you're constantly fighting for survival against other players and their tribes. A well-chosen base location provides several key advantages:
- Defense: A naturally defensible location can make it much harder for enemies to raid you. Think cliffs, narrow entrances, and locations with limited access points.
- Resource Gathering: Being close to essential resources like metal, crystal, obsidian, and oil is a massive time-saver. You'll spend less time traveling and more time crafting, taming, and preparing for raids.
- Strategic Control: Certain locations give you control over key areas of the map, allowing you to dominate trade routes, access to important resources, or chokepoints that can be used to funnel enemies.
- Stealth and Camouflage: Some locations offer natural cover, making it harder for enemies to spot your base, giving you a stealth advantage.
- Early Game Protection: In the initial stages of the game, a secure base location can help protect you from other players who are looking for an easy raid.
Failing to consider these factors can leave your base vulnerable, making you an easy target for experienced raiders. You'll quickly learn that a good base location is your first and most important line of defense.
Top PvP Base Locations on The Island
Alright, let's get into some specific locations on The Island that are prime real estate for PvP.
1. The Volcano
Located in the northeast corner of the map, the Volcano offers incredible defensive advantages. Its steep cliffs and limited access points make it extremely difficult to raid. Here's why the Volcano is awesome:
- Natural Defense: The sheer cliffs provide a built-in defense against ground attacks. Enemies will need to use flyers or grappling hooks to reach your base.
- Resource Rich: The Volcano is close to obsidian and crystal, essential for crafting high-tier gear and ammo. Metal is also nearby.
- Limited Access: The Volcano has fewer access points, meaning you can focus your defenses on specific areas.
- High Ground: Being on high ground gives you a tactical advantage. You can see approaching enemies and rain down fire from above.
However, the Volcano has its downsides. The lava and heat can be a problem, requiring you to build inside a cave or structure. The location is far from the central area of the map, and it's also a hotspot for high-level dinos, including fire and magma creatures. This area is more suited for experienced tribes. Despite the downsides, its defensive capabilities make it a strong option for PvP.
2. Hidden Lake (Central Cave)
Found in the center of the map, this underwater cave presents an interesting PvP opportunity. Here's why it is great:
- Stealth: Being underwater makes it challenging for enemies to spot your base. You can hide your base well.
- Resource-Rich: It is located near various resources that you will need.
- Chokepoints: The cave's narrow tunnels and entrances create natural chokepoints, making raids more difficult. You can focus on fortifying a specific area.
- Central Location: Being near the map's center makes it easier to access different parts of the island.
But keep in mind that this is a high-risk, high-reward location. You'll need to deal with underwater creatures and the risk of being ambushed by other tribes. Construction can be tricky underwater. The terrain is more difficult to navigate and build on.
3. The Redwoods
The Redwoods are an exciting and challenging place for base-building. The massive trees offer great defensive possibilities. Here's why it is good for PvP:
- Tree Platforms: You can build tree platforms high up in the Redwood trees, making it difficult for ground-based attackers to reach you.
- Camouflage: The dense foliage can help conceal your base and make it harder for enemies to spot you.
- Resources: There are plenty of resources in the area, and with the recent ARK updates, the Redwoods have become an even more viable location for a base.
- Aerial Advantage: The high canopy offers an advantage in aerial combat, allowing you to spot enemies.
The Redwoods aren't without their dangers. The ground is patrolled by aggressive creatures such as Gigantosaurus, which are a major threat. Building and maintaining a base high in the trees can be tricky. You also need to be wary of other tribes, and raiding from the ground.
4. Underwater Bases (Various Locations)
Building an underwater base, in general, has its own set of advantages. Underwater base locations can provide a stealthy defense. Here's why it is good for PvP:
- Stealth: Underwater bases are often difficult to detect unless they are built close to the surface, and are very challenging to raid.
- Resource Access: Underwater locations give you easy access to resources like silica pearls and oil.
- Difficult Raids: Attacking an underwater base requires specialized equipment, like underwater vehicles and weaponry.
However, there are also some disadvantages: Building an underwater base is more complex and requires more advanced resources and planning. You need to defend against aggressive underwater creatures, as well as enemy raids. Visibility underwater can also be a challenge, making it difficult to spot attackers.
5. Mountain Peaks
Mountains on The Island offer a range of advantages for PvP bases. Here's why they can be a great place to build:
- Natural Defense: Mountains provide a very solid natural defense with cliffs and limited access routes, which can make a base very difficult to attack from the ground.
- High Ground: Building your base at high altitudes gives you the advantage of spotting incoming enemies from afar.
- Strategic Location: Mountains often offer a great vantage point of strategic locations across the map.
However, building on a mountain has its challenges, with resources being more difficult to get to, and more exposed to aerial attacks. Weather conditions may also vary in this location.
Tips for Choosing a PvP Base Location
- Scout the Area: Before settling on a location, spend time scouting the area. Look for potential weaknesses, resource availability, and the presence of dangerous creatures.
- Consider Your Tribe's Playstyle: Think about your tribe's strengths and weaknesses. Do you prefer a defensive playstyle or a more aggressive approach? This will influence your choice of location.
- Fortify Your Defenses: No matter where you build, prioritize strong defenses. This includes turrets, walls, traps, and a well-designed base layout.
- Manage Resources: Always have a plan for resource gathering and storage. You'll need a steady supply of resources to maintain your base and craft gear.
- Be Prepared to Adapt: The PvP landscape in ARK is always changing. Be prepared to adapt your base and strategies as needed.
Conclusion: Build Smart, Survive Long
Choosing the best PvP base location on The Island in ARK: Survival Ascended is about balancing defense, resource accessibility, and strategic advantage. The Volcano, Hidden Lake, The Redwoods, and Underwater Bases all offer unique advantages, but the