Beacons in ARK: 50 Useful Tricks & Tips for Survivalists

Introduction

Beacons are invaluable tools in ARK: Survival Evolved, providing essential navigational and communication capabilities. This comprehensive guide will delve into 50 practical tricks and tips to help you master the use of beacons for enhanced survival and gameplay.

Tricks for Effective Navigation

1. Use Beacons as Waypoints: Place beacons along your journey to mark key locations and avoid getting lost.
2. Color-Code Beacons: Assign different colors to beacons based on their purpose (e.g., resource nodes, safe zones, enemy camps).
3. Create a Grid Network: Establish a network of beacons to cover a large area, making navigation easier and faster.
4. Utilize Coordinates: The beacon's coordinates (displayed in the radial menu) can be used to precisely locate it.
5. Use the Beacon's Range: Beacons have a limited range (100 meters for Survival Beacons and 2000 meters for Metallurgical Forge Beacons). Consider this when placing them.
6. Mount Beacons on Structures: Place beacons on tall structures or on top of mountains for increased visibility and range.
7. Use the Dino Tracker Beacon: This beacon transmits a signal that reveals the location of tamed dinosaurs within its radius.
8. Avoid Placing Beacons in Water: Beacons placed in water are difficult to locate and may experience signal interference.
9. Signal Duration and Refreshment: Beacons have a signal duration of 10 minutes. Refresh the signal by interacting with the beacon to extend its lifespan.
10. Anti-Griefing Measures: Place beacons in hidden or well-protected areas to prevent destruction by hostile players.

Tips for Communication and Collaboration

11. Use Beacons for Communication: Beacons can be used to send messages to nearby players by placing signs with text messages on top of them.
12. Establish Communication Hubs: Designate specific beacons as communication centers where players can gather and exchange information.
13. Utilize Tribal Beacons: Tribal Beacons allow all tribe members to access and manipulate beacons, regardless of ownership.
14. Coordinate Raid Attacks: Place beacons around enemy bases to coordinate raid attacks and plan invasion strategies.
15. Beacon Alarms: Use beacons to create alarm systems by setting up triggers that activate a signal when an intruder is detected.
16. Emergency Beacons: Place beacons at strategic locations as emergency distress signals for when you need immediate assistance.
17. Use Beacons for Hunting: Place beacons near animal dens or water sources to mark potential hunting grounds.
18. Beacon Markers for Resource Gathering: Place beacons near resource nodes to indicate their locations and facilitate efficient harvesting.
19. Community Beacons: Establish beacons in communal areas, such as meeting points or trade zones, to foster player interaction and cooperation.
20. Beacons for PvP Warfare: Use beacons to mark objectives, establish defensive perimeters, or signal for reinforcements during PvP encounters.

Advanced Applications of Beacons

21. Beacon-Enabled Structures: Combine beacons with other structures to enhance functionality, such as using beacons to power the illumination range of light structures.
22. Automated Beacon Arrays: Set up arrays of beacons connected to timers to create a rotating grid network that covers a vast area.
23. Mobile Beacon Systems: Mount beacons on movable platforms or aircraft to create portable navigational aids.
24. Immersive Storytelling: Use beacons to create immersive adventure quests or storytelling experiences by marking key locations or providing clues.
25. Beacon-Triggered Events: Set up beacons to trigger custom events or effects when players interact with them, creating dynamic and interactive environments.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

26. Beacon Spamming: Avoid placing an excessive number of beacons, as this can create clutter and make navigation confusing.
27. Unprotected Beacons: Secure beacons with walls or other structures to prevent destruction by enemy players or creatures.
28. Ignoring Beacon Limits: Remember that beacons have a limited range and signal duration, so plan accordingly.
29. Signal Interference: Avoid placing beacons near large metal structures or other obstructions that may interfere with their signal.
30. Misuse of Colors: Use beacon colors consistently to avoid confusion and ensure effective communication.

Step-by-Step Approach to Using Beacons

31. Craft a Beacon: Acquire the necessary resources (Crystal, Metal Ingot, Electronic Circuit, or Element Dust) and use a fabricator or smithy to craft a beacon.
32. Place the Beacon: Choose a suitable location and place the beacon on the ground or on a structure.
33. Configure the Beacon: Open the beacon's radial menu and customize its settings, including color, signal range, and signal duration.
34. Activate the Beacon: Activate the beacon by supplying it with fuel (Element Dust or Charcoal).
35. Mark the Beacon's Location: Place a sign on top of the beacon to indicate its purpose or provide additional information.
36. Share the Beacon's Coordinates: Communicate the beacon's coordinates to other players so they can locate and interact with it.
37. Monitor the Beacon's Signal: Regularly check the beacon's signal to ensure it is active and the range is sufficient.
38. Modify the Beacon's Settings: Adjust the beacon's settings as needed, including its range, duration, or color, to optimize its effectiveness.
39. Deactivate or Destroy the Beacon: Disable the beacon when it is no longer needed or destroy it if it has been compromised.
40. Use Beacons Creatively: Explore unconventional uses for beacons to enhance your gameplay and create innovative solutions.

Additional Tips for Advanced Users

41. Combine Beacon Types: Use different types of beacons (Survival Beacon, Metallurgical Forge Beacon, Dino Tracker Beacon) to achieve specific navigation or communication goals.
42. Use Beacon Clusters: Place multiple beacons in close proximity to increase their signal range and visibility.
43. Leverage Beacon Customization: Utilize the radial menu to customize beacon settings, such as signal range, duration, and color, to suit specific needs.
44. Monitor Beacon Health: Beacons can be damaged by enemy attacks or environmental factors, so regularly repair or replace them to ensure continuous functionality.
45. Use Beacons for Reconnaissance: Deploy beacons in strategic locations to gather information about enemy movements or resource availability.
46. Beacon-Based Trading Systems: Establish beacons at designated trading hubs to facilitate player-to-player exchanges and promote a thriving economy.
47. Mobile Beacon Networks: Mount beacons on movable vehicles or creatures to create a portable navigational system for exploration or raiding.
48. Cross-Platform Beacon Connectivity: Beacons can be used to connect players across different platforms, enabling cross-platform communication and collaboration.
49. Beacon-Enabled Modding: Utilize the modding community to create custom beacons with unique functionalities or aesthetics.
50. Future Applications: Consider the potential of beacons for future ARK expansions or spin-off titles, including underwater beacons for ocean exploration or portable beacons for nomadic gameplay.

Conclusion

Beacons are versatile tools that can revolutionize your ARK: Survival Evolved experience. Mastering their diverse applications can enhance navigation, communication, and gameplay strategies. By implementing these 50 tricks and tips, you will become a beacon of knowledge and survival in the unforgiving ARK landscape.