Mastering Fast Travel in ARK: Survival Evolved – A Comprehensive Guide
In the vast and immersive world of ARK: Survival Evolved, survival is not just about combat and crafting—it’s about strategy, efficiency, and mastering the tools available to you. One of the most crucial mechanics in the game is fast travel, a feature that allows players to traverse the map quickly, saving time and resources. Whether you’re a seasoned survivor or a new player, understanding how to use fast travel effectively can make a significant difference in your gameplay experience. This guide will dive into the mechanics, strategies, and best practices for using fast travel in ARK, ensuring you can explore, build, and thrive in the game like a pro.
What is Fast Travel in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Fast travel in ARK is a mechanic that enables players to teleport from one location to another instantly, provided they have access to the right structures. This system is designed to help players save time when traversing the massive map, which can otherwise be a time-consuming process, especially on foot or by tamer.
The primary structures that facilitate fast travel in ARK are:
Obelisks: These are tall, stone structures scattered across the map. They are unlocked as you progress through the game and are available on most official maps.
Beacons: These are smaller, more portable structures that can be placed by players to create fast travel points.
Gateways: Introduced in later updates, gateways are part of the Tekgram system and offer advanced fast travel options.
Each of these structures has its own requirements and limitations, which we’ll explore in detail below.
How to Use Fast Travel in ARK
Using fast travel in ARK is straightforward, but it requires some setup. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Unlock the Fast Travel Engrams:
Before you can use fast travel, you need to unlock the engrams for obelisks, beacons, or gateways. These engrams are typically unlocked as you level up and progress through the game. For example, the obelisk engram becomes available at level 50.
Build or Locate a Fast Travel Structure:
Once you’ve unlocked the engram, you can build an obelisk or beacon. Alternatively, you can locate existing obelisks on the map, which are often found near major landmarks or biomes.
Activate Fast Travel:
To use fast travel, approach the structure and interact with it. This will open a menu showing all available fast travel points. Select your destination, and you’ll teleport instantly.
Tips and Strategies for Effective Fast Travel
While fast travel is a powerful tool, it’s important to use it wisely. Here are some tips to help you make the most of this mechanic:
1. Plan Your Network
The key to efficient fast travel is building a well-connected network of obelisks and beacons. By placing these structures strategically across the map, you can create a web of fast travel points that allow you to move quickly between your bases, resource-rich areas, and exploration zones.
2. Use Beacons for Flexibility
Beacons are smaller and more portable than obelisks, making them ideal for temporary or remote locations. For example, if you’re exploring a new area and find a valuable resource node, you can place a beacon to create a fast travel point for future use.
3. Protect Your Structures
Fast travel structures are valuable assets, and other players (especially on PvP servers) may target them to disrupt your operations. Make sure to build defenses around your obelisks and beacons to protect them from raiders.
4. Consider the Costs
While fast travel is convenient, it does come with costs. Building and maintaining fast travel structures requires resources, and teleporting can consume a significant amount of Element (the game’s primary currency). Be mindful of your resource expenditure and use fast travel only when necessary.
5. Explore Before You Fast Travel
Before relying on fast travel, take some time to explore the map on foot or by tamer. This will help you discover new locations, resources, and potential base sites that you might otherwise miss.
The Risks of Fast Travel
While fast travel is incredibly useful