ARK: Survival Evolved, released in 2017, has captivated gamers with its unique blend of survival mechanics, open-world exploration, and prehistoric adventure. This blog post will delve into the intricacies of the game, providing a thorough understanding of its features, gameplay mechanics, and Ark: survival evolved (2017) game icons banners, along with insights into its visual elements like icons and banners.
Introduction to ARK: Survival Evolved
ARK: Survival Evolved is an action-adventure survival game developed and published by Studio Wildcard, along with partners Instinct Games, Efecto Studios, and Virtual Basement. The game was first released in June 2015 and has since garnered a substantial following due to its immersive gameplay and expansive world.
Overview
ARK: Survival Evolved is set in a vast, open-world environment teeming with prehistoric creatures, ancient mysteries, and complex survival challenges. Players start with minimal resources on a mysterious island called ARK, where they must harness their wits, gather resources, and forge alliances to survive against the elements and a host of dangerous creatures, including dinosaurs and other prehistoric beasts.
The game is designed for both single-player and multiplayer experiences, offering a rich sandbox environment where players can explore, tame, and battle for dominance. The island setting is only one part of a larger ARK universe, which includes various additional maps and Ark: survival evolved (2017) game icons banners that introduce new environments and gameplay elements.
Development and Release
“ARK: Survival Evolved” was officially announced in June 2015 and was developed using the Unreal Engine 4. The development team, Studio Wildcard, aimed to create a game that combined elements of survival, exploration, and adventure in a detailed prehistoric world. The game was initially released in early access format, allowing players to provide feedback and help shape the game’s development.
The early access period lasted from June 2015 to August 2017, during which the developers regularly updated the game with new features, fixes, and content based on community input. The official full release came on August 29, 2017, marking the transition from early access to a completed game. Since then, the game has seen numerous expansions, updates, and additional content, including new maps, creatures, and gameplay features.
The development process was marked by a series of ambitious goals, including the creation of a vast, open world with a diverse ecosystem and a complex crafting system. The success of “ARK: Survival Evolved” is partly attributed to its extensive community engagement and the team’s commitment to expanding and refining the game based on player feedback.
Game Mechanics
“ARK: Survival Evolved” incorporates a range of game mechanics that contribute to its depth and replayability. These mechanics are centered around survival, crafting, exploration, and combat, creating a dynamic and immersive experience for players.
- Survival Mechanics: At the core of the game is the survival aspect, where players must manage various survival needs such as hunger, thirst, and health. The environment plays a significant role in this, as players must contend with extreme weather conditions, dangerous wildlife, and the need for shelter and sustenance.
- Exploration: The game features a vast open world with diverse biomes, including forests, deserts, and tundras. Players can explore these areas to discover resources, hidden secrets, and ancient ruins, which often provide valuable rewards and new challenges.
- Combat: Combat in “ARK” is multifaceted, involving both melee and ranged weaponry. Players must defend themselves from hostile creatures and other players in PvP (Player versus Player) environments, while also engaging in strategic battles against powerful bosses.
- Taming and Breeding: One of the unique features of “ARK” is the ability to tame and breed prehistoric creatures. Players can use these creatures for various purposes, including combat, resource gathering, and transportation.
Survival Elements
The survival elements in “ARK: Survival Evolved” are integral to the gameplay experience, requiring players to constantly adapt to their environment and manage their resources effectively.
- Basic Needs: Players must maintain their character’s basic needs, such as food and water. Failure to meet these needs can result in health degradation and eventually death, requiring players to regularly hunt, gather, and manage resources.
- Health and Stamina: Players must monitor their health and stamina levels. Health can be affected by injuries, environmental hazards, and combat, while stamina is crucial for activities like running, swimming, and climbing.
- Temperature Management: The game features a dynamic weather system that affects temperature. Players must manage their clothing and shelter to avoid hypothermia or heatstroke, adding another layer of strategy to survival.
- Crafting and Resource Management: Gathering resources from the environment and crafting tools, weapons, and structures are essential for survival. Players must collect resources from various sources and use crafting stations to create items that improve their chances of survival.
Crafting System
The crafting system in “ARK: Survival Evolved” is robust and central to the gameplay, allowing players to create a wide range of items and structures.
- Crafting Recipes: Players can craft items using materials collected from the environment. Crafting recipes are discovered through exploration or unlocked through progression, and they range from basic tools to advanced technology.
- Blueprints: Blueprints are special items that players can find or unlock, which provide detailed recipes for advanced items and structures. Blueprints can be upgraded and customized, offering a wide array of crafting options.
- Crafting Stations: Different crafting stations are used for creating various items, such as a smithy for weapons and armor or a fabricator for advanced technological items. These stations require specific resources to build and use.
- Upgrading and Repairing: Items can be upgraded or repaired to maintain their effectiveness. Players can use resources to improve the quality of their gear and fix damaged equipment.
Building Structures
Building structures is a key aspect of “ARK: Survival Evolved,” allowing players to create safe havens and develop their in-game bases.
- Base Building: Players can construct a variety of structures, from simple shelters to elaborate fortresses. Building materials range from thatch and wood to stone and metal, with each material offering different levels of durability and protection.
- Building Components: The building system includes a range of components such as walls, floors, roofs, and doors. Players can design and customize their structures to suit their needs, whether for defense, storage, or living space.
- Automation and Technology: Advanced building options include automation and technology, such as electrical systems and automated turrets. These features allow players to create complex and functional bases.
- Community and PvP Bases: In multiplayer modes, building structures can also involve creating collaborative bases with other players or defending against rival tribes. Base design becomes a strategic element in both cooperative and competitive play.
Exploration and Environment
“ARK: Survival Evolved” offers a richly detailed world for players to explore, with a variety of biomes, dynamic weather systems, and a day-night cycle that influence gameplay. Understanding these aspects is crucial for survival and success in the game.
Diverse Biomes
“ARK: Survival Evolved” features a vast and varied world divided into multiple biomes, each with unique characteristics, resources, and challenges. These biomes provide different environments where players can explore, gather resources, and encounter diverse wildlife.
- Forest Biome:
- Description: Dense forests with tall trees, undergrowth, and frequent wildlife.
- Features: Rich in resources like wood and berries. Ideal for early game survival due to moderate danger and abundant resources.
- Flora and Fauna: Home to herbivores like Triceratops and Stegosaurus, and predators like Raptors and Carnotaurus.
- Desert Biome:
- Description: Arid, sandy environments with sparse vegetation.
- Features: Extreme temperatures with scorching days and freezing nights. Limited water sources and resources.
- Flora and Fauna: Hostile creatures such as Sabertooths and Deathworms. Resources include metal ores and cacti.
- Snow Biome:
- Description: Icy landscapes with snow-covered terrain.
- Features: Extremely cold temperatures and frequent blizzards. Resources are scarce, and survival is challenging.
- Flora and Fauna: Includes large predators like the Mammoth and the Yeti. Players can find rare resources like crystal.
- Swamp Biome:
- Description: Murky waters, dense vegetation, and humid conditions.
- Features: Home to dangerous creatures and diseases. Rich in resources like narcoberries.
- Flora and Fauna: Includes creatures like the Titanoboa and the Sarco. Resources like rare mushrooms and leeches are found here.
- Volcano Biome:
- Description: Rugged terrain with active volcanic activity.
- Features: High risk due to lava flows and volcanic eruptions. Abundant resources but dangerous.
- Flora and Fauna: Features creatures like the Magmasaur and resources like obsidian.
- Ocean Biome:
- Description: Expansive bodies of water with underwater environments.
- Features: Unique aquatic creatures and resources. Players need specialized equipment for deep-sea exploration.
- Flora and Fauna: Includes creatures like the Mosasaurus and resources like pearls and oil.
Day-Night Cycle and Weather Conditions
The day-night cycle and weather conditions in “ARK: Survival Evolved” add a dynamic element to the game, affecting gameplay and survival strategies.
- Day-Night Cycle:
- Description: The game features a 24-hour cycle with day and night phases.
- Daytime: Provides visibility and opportunities for gathering resources and exploring.
- Nighttime: Darker conditions increase the challenge of navigating and defending against nocturnal creatures.
- Weather Conditions:
- Rain: Can help with hydration but may also lead to increased exposure to certain dangers.
- Storms: Thunderstorms can cause damage and affect visibility. Players must seek shelter to avoid lightning strikes.
- Blizzards and Heatwaves: Extreme weather conditions that can affect health and require players to manage their temperature effectively.
Creatures and Taming
One of the core features of “ARK: Survival Evolved” is the interaction with the diverse array of creatures inhabiting the world. These creatures can be tamed, utilized for various purposes, and even bred for specific traits.
Dinosaur Taming
Dinosaur taming is a central gameplay mechanic in “ARK: Survival Evolved,” allowing players to form bonds with prehistoric creatures for companionship, combat, and utility.
- Taming Methods:
- Tranquilizing: Using tranquilizer arrows or darts to incapacitate the dinosaur. Once unconscious, players feed it specific foods to tame it.
- Passive Taming: Approaching and feeding a creature without causing harm. This method is used for creatures that do not become aggressive.
- Knockout Taming: Involves using weapons or traps to knock out the dinosaur before taming it.
- Food and Care:
- Preferred Foods: Different dinosaurs require specific foods for taming, such as meat, berries, or kibble.
- Taming Efficiency: The effectiveness of taming can be influenced by the type of food used and the taming method. Higher efficiency results in better stats for the tamed creature.
Other Prehistoric Creatures
Beyond dinosaurs, “ARK: Survival Evolved” features a variety of other prehistoric creatures that players can interact with.
- Prehistoric Mammals:
- Examples: Woolly Mammoth, Saber-Toothed Cat.
- Roles: Provide resources, aid in combat, or serve as mounts.
- Reptiles and Amphibians:
- Examples: Giant Tortoise, Sarcosuchus.
- Roles: Offer unique abilities, such as underwater navigation or defensive capabilities.
- Avian Species:
- Examples: Argentavis, Pteranodon.
- Roles: Serve as aerial transportation, scouting, and combat support.
Breeding Mechanics
The breeding mechanics in ARK: Survival Evolved add depth to creature management and allow players to selectively breed animals for desired traits.
- Mating Pairs:
- Description: Players can pair two compatible creatures to initiate the breeding process.
- Process: Creatures must be in close proximity, and the female will lay eggs or give birth to offspring.
- Genetics and Traits:
- Inheritance: Offspring inherit traits from their parents, including appearance, stats, and abilities.
- Selective Breeding: Players can selectively breed creatures to enhance specific traits, such as higher health or increased damage.
- Raising Offspring:
- Care Requirements: Offspring require food and attention to grow into adults. Players must manage their care during the maturation process.
Combat and Weapons
Combat in “ARK: Survival Evolved” is a multifaceted experience, with a variety of weapons and defensive strategies available for players to master.
Melee and Ranged Weapons
Combat in “ARK: Survival Evolved” is rich and diverse, featuring a variety of weapons and combat strategies.
- Melee Weapons:
- Types: Swords, axes, pikes, and clubs.
- Uses: Effective for close combat, resource gathering, and creature taming. Each weapon has different stats and uses, such as high damage output or increased harvesting efficiency.
- Crafting: Melee weapons can be crafted using resources like metal, wood, and hide. Upgrades and repairs require specific materials.
- Ranged Weapons:
- Types: Bows, guns, and crossbows.
- Uses: Suitable for engaging enemies from a distance. Ranged weapons include simple bows for early game and advanced firearms for endgame content.
- Crafting: Requires components like metal ingots and gunpowder. Upgrades and ammunition are crucial for maintaining effectiveness.
Defensive Strategies
Defensive strategies are essential for protecting yourself, your base, and your creatures in “ARK: Survival Evolved.”
- Base Defense:
- Structures: Building walls, turrets, and traps to protect against intrusions and attacks.
- Traps: Setting up traps like bear traps or spike walls to defend against creatures and players.
- Personal Defense:
- Armor: Crafting and wearing armor to reduce damage from attacks.
- Shelters: Constructing safe spaces and fortifications to avoid environmental hazards and enemy assaults.
- Tamed Creatures:
- Defense Roles: Using tamed creatures as guards, attackers, or deterrents against enemies.
- Patrols and Defenses: Organizing creatures to patrol the perimeter or stand guard against potential threats.
- Community Defense:
- Tribes: Forming alliances with other players to strengthen defenses and coordinate attacks.
- Defensive Raids: Engaging in or defending against organized raids in multiplayer scenarios.
Multiplayer and Community
“ARK: Survival Evolved” offers a rich and varied multiplayer experience that allows players to collaborate, compete, and build communities. The multiplayer aspects of the game are essential for a full experience, offering diverse ways to interact with others and explore the game’s world.
Online Multiplayer Modes
In “ARK: Survival Evolved,” players can choose from several online multiplayer modes, each offering different experiences and challenges.
- Official Servers:
- Description: These are the standard servers managed by Studio Wildcard. They have set rules and regular updates.
- Features: Players encounter a variety of gameplay styles from PVE (Player vs. Environment) to PVP (Player vs. Player). Official servers have balanced settings and standard progression.
- Unofficial Servers:
- Description: These servers are run by private individuals or communities and offer customized rules and settings.
- Features: Unofficial servers can have unique mods, adjusted rates for resource gathering, and varied gameplay rules. This mode offers a wide range of server experiences, from hardcore survival to relaxed, casual play.
- PVE Servers:
- Description: Focused on cooperation rather than conflict. Players work together to survive against the environment and complete objectives.
- Features: Combat between players is disabled, promoting a more collaborative experience. Raiding and player killing are not permitted.
- PVP Servers:
- Description: Players can engage in combat with other players, including raiding bases and participating in battles.
- Features: High-stakes environment where players can attack, raid, and form alliances with other players.
- PVPVE Servers:
- Description: A hybrid mode that includes elements of both PVP and PVE.
- Features: Players can engage in combat with each other, but there are also PVE elements where players must contend with environmental hazards and creatures.
Tribes and Alliances
Tribes are a key feature of the multiplayer experience in “ARK: Survival Evolved,” allowing players to band together for survival and progression.
- Creating a Tribe:
- Description: Players can form or join tribes to share resources, build bases, and collaborate on objectives.
- Features: Tribes have a shared inventory, collective experience points, and can set permissions for tribe members.
- Tribe Management:
- Roles: Tribes have different roles such as Tribe Leader, Officers, and Members, each with specific permissions and responsibilities.
- Features: Tribe leaders can promote or demote members, manage tribe settings, and organize tribe-wide events or strategies.
- Alliances:
- Description: Tribes can form alliances with other tribes for mutual benefits.
- Features: Alliances enable players to coordinate attacks, share resources, and support each other. Diplomacy is crucial for successful alliances.
- Tribe Warfare:
- Raids: Tribes can raid each other’s bases to gather resources or eliminate rivals.
- Defense: Tribes must build and manage defenses to protect their bases from other tribes.
Community Servers
Community servers offer a more personalized multiplayer experience and are often run by dedicated players or gaming communities.
- Types of Community Servers:
- Dedicated Servers: Hosted by players or communities with custom settings and mods.
- Public Community Servers: Open to anyone and often have specific rules or themes.
- Private Community Servers: Require an invitation or application to join, offering a more controlled environment.
- Server Customization:
- Settings: Community servers can have modified settings for resource rates, experience gain, and game difficulty.
- Mods: Many community servers use mods to enhance gameplay, offering features like new creatures, items, or gameplay mechanics.
Game Modes
“ARK: Survival Evolved” offers several game modes catering to different playstyles and preferences.
- Single Player:
- Description: Players experience the game alone, managing all aspects of survival without the need for other players.
- Features: Players can pause the game, use console commands, and focus on personal goals.
- Multiplayer:
- Description: Players can join servers with other players, experiencing the game in a shared environment.
- Features: Multiplayer mode includes cooperative and competitive interactions, from team-building to raiding.
- Primitive Plus:
- Description: A specialized expansion that introduces a more primitive gameplay experience.
- Features: Focuses on early-game survival with limited technology and a more challenging experience.
Expansions and DLCs
“ARK: Survival Evolved” has several expansions and downloadable content (DLC) packs that expand the game’s universe and introduce new content.
Scorched Earth
- Overview:
- Description: Set in a vast desert world with harsh environmental conditions.
- Features: New biomes, creatures, and resources. Introduces a unique storyline and new challenges.
- Creatures: Features new creatures like the Phoenix, Wyvern, and Mantis.
- Gameplay Elements: Includes a focus on survival in extreme heat, resource scarcity, and the need for unique survival strategies.
- New Features:
- Artifacts: Unique artifacts tied to the storyline and boss fights.
- Bosses: New bosses like the Manticore challenge players with complex battle strategies.
Aberration
- Overview:
- Description: Takes place in a subterranean environment with bioluminescent flora and unique biomes.
- Features: Introduces new environmental hazards, such as radiation and earthquakes.
- Creatures: New creatures like the Rock Drake, Nameless, and the Reaper.
- New Features:
- Gameplay Mechanics: Emphasizes exploration in a cavernous, visually distinct environment with bioluminescence and environmental dangers.
- Artifacts: New artifacts tied to the Aberration storyline.
Extinction
- Overview:
- Description: Set in a post-apocalyptic Earth overrun by giant robots and corrupted creatures.
- Features: Introduces the concept of a dying world with new challenges and objectives.
- Creatures: Features new creatures like the Titans, which are massive, world-altering entities.
- New Features:
- Gameplay Mechanics: Includes new mechanics such as corrupted zones and the Titan boss battles.
- Artifacts: New artifacts and lore connected to the Extinction storyline.
Genesis
- Overview:
- Description: Divided into two parts: Genesis Part 1 and Genesis Part 2. Set in simulated environments with varied biomes.
- Features: Offers new adventures, creatures, and a broad range of gameplay experiences.
- Creatures: New creatures like the Astrocetus, Ferox, and the Shadowmane.
- New Features:
- Gameplay Mechanics: Features simulation-based gameplay with distinct biomes and story-driven quests.
- Artifacts: Includes new missions and artifacts tied to the Genesis storyline.
Modding Community
The modding community is a vibrant part of the “ARK: Survival Evolved” experience, offering players the chance to enhance and customize their gameplay.
Popular Mods
- Structures Plus (S+):
- Description: Enhances building mechanics with new features and quality-of-life improvements.
- Features: Adds advanced building tools, improved structure management, and enhanced building options.
- ARK Additions – The Collection:
- Description: Introduces new creatures and items into the game.
- Features: Adds a range of new creatures with unique abilities and roles in the game.
- The Center:
- Description: A popular custom map offering new biomes and gameplay experiences.
- Features: Expands the game’s world with new environments and challenges.
- Primal Fear:
- Description: Adds new creatures and bosses to the game.
- Features: Features powerful new enemies and allies, increasing the game’s difficulty and variety.
How to Install Mods
- Through Steam Workshop:
- Description: Many mods are available on the Steam Workshop. Players can subscribe to mods directly from the Workshop.
- Steps: Navigate to the Steam Workshop page for ARK, find the desired mods, and click the “Subscribe” button. The game will automatically download and update these mods.
- Manual Installation:
- Description: Some mods require manual installation.
- Steps:
- Download the mod files from a trusted source.
- Extract the files to the ARK\ShooterGame\Content\Mods folder.
- Launch the game and enable the mod through the “Mods” menu.
- Server-Side Mods:
- Description: For mods on community servers, server administrators need to install the mod and ensure that all players have the mod installed.
- Steps: Download and install the mod on the server, then players will need to subscribe to or manually install the mod.
Ark: survival evolved (2017) game icons banners
In ARK: Survival Evolved, visual elements such as Ark: survival evolved (2017) game icons banners play a crucial role in enhancing the user experience. These graphical assets not only contribute to the game’s aesthetic appeal but also serve functional purposes, aiding in navigation, identification, and personalization within the game world.
Design and Functionality of Ark: survival evolved (2017) game icons banners
Ark: survival evolved (2017) game icons banners are meticulously designed to be both visually appealing and highly functional. Each icon represents a specific item, creature, action, or status effect, providing players with quick and intuitive visual cues. For instance, icons for different resources like wood, stone, and metal are distinct and easily recognizable, helping players manage their inventory efficiently.
Categories of Icons
- Resource Icons: Represent materials like wood, stone, fiber, metal, and crystals. These icons are crucial for crafting and building.
- Item Icons: Include tools, weapons, armor, and consumables. Each icon helps players quickly identify the items in their inventory.
- Creature Icons: Used in the taming interface and creature inventories. These icons depict various dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures, making it easier for players to manage their tamed animals.
- Status Effect Icons: Indicate different buffs and debuffs affecting the player or their creatures, such as hunger, thirst, temperature, and stamina levels.
Here are some of top ark: survival evolved (2017) game icons banners:
Customization and Modding
One of the unique aspects of ARK is its support for mods, which allows players to introduce custom icons into the game. The modding community has created numerous icon packs that enhance or replace the default icons, providing a fresh visual experience. These custom icons can range from more detailed and realistic designs to stylized and thematic sets.
Banner Design and Usage
Purpose and Significance
Ark: survival evolved (2017) game icons banners serve multiple purposes, from marking territories and identifying tribes to decorating bases and personalizing the game environment. They are a vital aspect of player expression and community building within the game.
Types of Banners
- Tribe Banners: Used to represent different tribes within the game. These banners often display custom logos and colors, helping to establish tribe identity and presence on the server.
- Territory Markers: Placed around a tribe’s base or claimed land to indicate ownership. These banners help prevent unauthorized access and raids from rival players.
- Decorative Banners: Used for aesthetic purposes to enhance the visual appeal of bases. Players can create custom designs to personalize their living spaces and showcase their creativity.
Customization Options
ARK provides robust customization options for banners. Players can design their Ark: survival evolved (2017) game icons banners using in-game tools or import custom images and designs. This level of customization allows for endless creativity, enabling players to create unique and meaningful symbols that reflect their tribe’s identity and achievements.
Creating Custom Banners
- In-Game Painting: Players can use the in-game painting tool to design banners. This tool allows for freehand drawing and color selection, offering a straightforward way to create custom designs.
- Image Importing: More advanced players can import images from external graphic design software. This method involves creating a design using software like Photoshop or GIMP, then uploading the image into the game. This approach allows for intricate and detailed banner designs that can include tribe logos, artwork, or even screenshots.
Displaying Banners
Ark: survival evolved (2017) game icons banners can be displayed in various ways within the game environment:
- Flagpoles: Banners can be attached to flagpoles placed around bases, serving as prominent markers of territory and tribe identity.
- Wall Mounts: Smaller banners can be mounted on walls inside bases, adding to the interior decoration and showcasing tribe symbols.
- Vehicles: Players can also attach banners to vehicles like rafts and land-based platforms, turning them into mobile representations of their tribe.
Strategic Use of Banners
Beyond their decorative and symbolic roles, banners can also serve strategic purposes:
- Warning Signs: Banners can be used to post warnings or messages for other players, such as “Keep Out” or “Trespassers Will Be Shot,” adding an extra layer of communication and strategy to base defense.
- Rally Points: In large tribe operations, banners can mark rally points or meeting spots, helping to organize tribe members during raids or explorations.
Graphics and Sound Design
ARK’s graphics are stunning, with detailed environments, realistic creature models, and dynamic lighting effects. The visual design enhances the immersive experience, making exploration and survival visually engaging.
The game’s soundtrack and sound effects contribute significantly to the atmosphere. From the roars of dinosaurs to the ambient sounds of nature, the audio design adds depth to the gameplay experience.
Tips and Tricks for New Players
New players should focus on gathering essential resources, building a basic shelter, and learning the crafting system. Taming small, useful creatures early on can provide significant advantages.
Experienced players can benefit from advanced strategies like efficient resource farming, breeding high-level creatures, and mastering complex building techniques for better defense and functionality.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Players often face challenges such as resource scarcity, environmental hazards, and aggressive creatures. Overcoming these challenges requires strategic planning, adaptability, and cooperation with other players.
Like many complex games, ARK can have technical issues such as performance optimization and bugs. Staying updated with patches and seeking community help can mitigate these problems.
Conclusion on Ark: survival evolved (2017) game icons banners
ARK: Survival Evolved has made a significant impact on the survival game genre, offering a unique blend of exploration, crafting, and creature taming. Its engaging gameplay and active community continue to attract new players.
With ongoing updates, expansions, and a dedicated player base, ARK’s future looks promising. The game’s potential for growth and innovation ensures that it will remain a beloved title in the gaming community for years to come.