Getting Started in Ark Survival

Ark Survival is a super fun game, but there's a pretty steep learning curve for beginners.  Hang in there, it's so worth it.

Lagging?
Because it's such a new game (released June 2015) nothing has been optimized yet, so your computer may run slow.  If it does this guy has some good tips on how to improve your performance.  Performance will improve as the game progresses.

Using the Interface:
Ark is a crafting/survival game, so the interface is pretty complicated.  Here's a good video to cover the basics:

Basic Tips:
Navigate Using WASD
Press "enter" to see global chat or to open a chat window
Press "insert" to chat locally
Press "'b" to use voice chat
Don't worry about dying at first.  It's super easy to re-equip
Don't go in the water higher than your knees.  There  are nasty things in the water.
If it says you're cold--hold your torch for warmth.
Forage with the "E" key (look for the hand symbol)
Punch or use tools with the Left Mouse Button

Where to Spawn
We use The-OC-OfficialServer129

You can see who's currently playing on the server here.

You'll be given a choice of locatons to spawn in, choose South Zone 3.  On the map below, you'll spawn in the pink dot.  You want to make your way along the beach to the Red X which is the base.


Our tribe is called "O'Brien's Raiders" for Willis O'Brien,  who made the first Dinosaur Movie.




For More Tips On Navigation Got To This Page

Beginning: Marking Your Map

At first it's a bit hard to get around in Ark Survival.  Later on you'll get a GPS but in the beginning all you have is a map.  You make the map as you go along so only places you've been will show up.

The Obelisks

Ark has 3 giant obelisks in the sky (red, blue and green) whose purpose isn't entirely understood but are clearly seen from most points on the island.  Generally speaking the Red Obelisk is North West, The Green Obelisk is South West and the Blue Obelisk is South East.  On a clock dial, the Blue Obelisk is 4:00, the Green Obelisk is 7:00 and the Red Obelisk is 10:00.

When navigating around the map remember that the Sun and Moon rise in the East and set in the West, just like in the real world.  Between that and the three towers you should be able to find your way around.  The towers show up best at night.

Marking Your Map

Open your Map by pressing "M"
Make Markers On Your Map By Pressing "P"

Enter These Coordinates Into Your Map

Blue Tower  58.9  72.2
Green Tower 79.8  17.4
Red Tower  25.5  25.6

Cave  80.2,53.5

I changed the Obelisk to "tower" because Obelisk Wouldn't Fit.

When you're done it should look something like this: