“ARK: Survival Evolved (2017)” is an adventure that throws players into a vast open world filled with dinosaurs, mythical creatures, and the struggle to survive against harsh conditions. For seasoned players and newcomers alike, one of the most fascinating aspects of this incredible game is its use of game icons and banners. The elements of [ARK: Survival Evolved (2017) game icon banners] aren’t just aesthetics—they represent progression, pride, and the character of tribes. In this long-form article, we’ll dive into the importance, uniqueness, and visual appeal of the game icons and banners that make “ARK” so visually striking.
The World of ARK: An Overview
Before we dig into [ARK: Survival Evolved (2017) game icons banners], it’s essential to understand the overall setting of ARK: Survival Evolved. Imagine waking up stranded on a mysterious island, surrounded by dinosaurs and prehistoric dangers. You have only your wits to help you survive, craft tools, and tame creatures. This open-world survival game, developed by Studio Wildcard, emphasizes exploration, resource gathering, and the creation of a thriving base—all while maintaining a balance with nature.
Icons and banners are key to communicating player identity and team cohesion in this dynamic landscape. They often act as rallying symbols for tribes and reflect their achievements.
The Significance of Game Icons and Banners
In “ARK: Survival Evolved” (2017), game icons and banners hold a deeper purpose beyond being pretty visuals. They are critical in conveying player status, tribe identity, and accomplishments. Players often underestimate how much the game icons and banners mean to tribe morale and gameplay.
Here’s why they matter:
- Identity: Game icons and banners help players and tribes establish a unique identity. In a game where several tribes coexist and compete for survival, a unique banner can set your group apart.
- Communication: Banners, like marking territories or communicating warnings, can also be used strategically. An intimidating banner might send intruders a clear “stay away” message.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Let’s face it, part of the fun of survival in ARK is building bases that look incredible. Game icons and banners add that perfect touch, letting players create something aesthetically pleasing, whether a small hut or a sprawling fortress.
Evolution of ARK Icons and Banners
The style and diversity of [ARK: Survival Evolved (2017) game icon banners] have evolved from its initial release to its various expansions. The game started with a relatively simple set of icons and banners. Still, as the player base grew, Studio Wildcard expanded on these designs to reflect the ever-growing complexity of the game world.
- Early Design: Initially, the icons and banners were straightforward and used earthy tones that blended into the prehistoric environment. The simplicity was effective and aligned with the survival theme.
- Expansion Packs: With DLCs like “Scorched Earth,” “Aberration,” and “Extinction,” banners and icons were introduced that were uniquely tailored to the expansions. For example, “Aberration” features neon colors and alien symbols that distinguish it from “The Island ” ‘s more natural feel.”
- User-Created Content: The community has also played a massive role in developing icons and banners and creating mods that include fan-made designs. This flexibility to customize helped players invest in their tribes and personal symbols, making their survival adventure all the more meaningful.
Key Icons and Their Meanings
The icons used in [ARK: Survival Evolved (2017) game icons banners] carry a lot of weight—sometimes literally! Look at some of the most crucial icons you’ll encounter in the game.
Resource Icons
- Wood, Stone, Thatch: These resource icons are used extensively throughout the game, representing basic materials needed to craft structures, tools, and other items. Each icon’s unique texture and color help players easily differentiate between resources.
- Metal and Obsidian: These resources are a bit more advanced, and their icons reflect this by appearing more refined. Metal has a shiny appearance, while obsidian looks polished and dark.
Creature Icons
- Taming Icons: When taming creatures, icons help indicate the animal’s status, such as its current torpor level or how close it is to being tamed. This allows players to manage resources and strategy during taming.
- Remarkable Creatures: Unique icons for extraordinary creatures, such as wyverns, reapers, or gigas, create excitement. These icons often have exaggerated features, emphasizing the creature’s power or mythical nature.
Status Effect Icons
- Buffs and Debuffs: ARK has numerous status effects, from being poisoned to under the impact of a speed boost. Icons for these effects are vital for survival, giving players immediate visual cues about what’s happening to their character.
- Weather Effects: Icons for extreme temperatures or natural phenomena let players adapt to harsh conditions. If you see a frost icon, it’s time to head to a campfire!
Crafting Your Own Tribe Banner
One of the standout features of [ARK: Survival Evolved (2017) game icon banners] is the ability to design a banner for your tribe. Crafting a banner is a beautiful way to express creativity, but it also has practical implications in the game. Here’s how you can create a standout banner:
- Select a Color Palette: Colors are the most essential part of a banner. They should be bold and easily recognizable. You may opt for reds and blacks to convey power, while blues and greens might represent tranquility.
- Symbolism: Choose symbols that represent your tribe’s identity. Crossed spears, dinosaur heads, or abstract shapes can all be powerful statements about your tribe’s mission.
- Placement: Where you place your banners also matters. Ideally, they should be at strategic points around your base—such as entrances or high vantage points—where they’re visible.
Table: Materials for Crafting Banners in ARK
Material NameDescriptionUse in Banner Crafting
Fiber Plant material Used as the primary crafting base
Hide Animal skin Used to create a durable fabric
Paint Natural pigments to add color to the banner
Wood Basic building material Frame for hanging the banner
Banners as a Form of Player Expression
The freedom to create unique banners means that [ARK: Survival Evolved (2017) game icon banners] are one of the primary methods players use to express themselves. Whether it’s a small tribe of close friends or a mega-tribe of dozens of players, each group can leave their mark on the server.
- Roleplay: Many players use banners to immerse themselves more deeply into the roleplay aspect of ARK. A pirate-themed tribe might use skull-and-crossbones banners to signify their intentions, while a peaceful farming tribe might have a banner featuring crops or animals.
- Competitive Edge: In PvP (Player vs. Player) scenarios, banners can also be used as psychological warfare. A fierce-looking banner with threatening symbols can be enough to dissuade smaller tribes from initiating conflict.
Iconic Banners in ARK Expansions
When we talk about [ARK: Survival Evolved (2017) game icon banners], it’s impossible not to mention some of the most iconic banners that have appeared across the various expansions.
- Scorched Earth: The banners here often feature desert motifs—such as cacti or the blazing sun—to reflect the harsh environment.
- Aberration: Banners in this expansion are vibrant and glowing, reflecting the bioluminescent environment and unique creatures.
- Genesis: The Genesis expansion features futuristic banners filled with circuit-like patterns and bright neon colors, reflecting the advanced tech available in this biome.
Designing Icons: How to Stand Out
Aside from banners, icons also allow for a level of personalization. Players can create custom icons using dyes and paints, which can be used to mark containers, storage, and even tamed creatures.
- Storage Icons: For organization lovers, painting unique icons on storage boxes helps identify what’s inside without opening them. For example, drawing a berry icon on a box of berries makes gathering resources easier.
- Creature Markings: Icons can be used to differentiate between tamed creatures, which is particularly helpful in large bases. Players often use icons to indicate a creature’s role—such as a paw for attack dinos or a feather for those used for scouting.
Tips for Creating Amazing ARK Banners
If you want your tribe’s banner to truly shine in [ARK: Survival Evolved (2017) game icons banners], keep the following tips in mind:
- Keep It Simple: The best banners are readily recognizable at a distance. Avoid overly complicated designs and stick to bold shapes and colors.
- Coordinate With Your Base: Make sure your banner colors don’t clash with your base. Coordinating the banner with the architecture of your structures creates a cohesive look.
- Use Contrasting Colors: This helps the banner stand out, especially in a busy environment. Contrasting colors make the design pop, even from far away.
Community Contribution: ARK’s Modding Community
Another unique aspect of [ARK: Survival Evolved (2017) game icons banners] is the contribution of the modding community. Fans have created countless mods that add more customization options, from new icon designs to various banners. The community’s creativity has enhanced ARK’s personalization features.
- Popular Mods: Some popular mods allow players to import custom graphics to use as banners, opening up endless possibilities. Want a banner that features your tribe’s emblem from another game? Mods make that possible.
- Collaborative Art: Large tribes often have players specializing in art and designing custom banners for the whole tribe. This has led to some incredible creations that make the game even more immersive.
How to Craft and Use Banners in ARK
Crafting banners in ARK is simple but requires a few essential materials. Once you’ve gathered what you need, you can easily craft a banner using a smithy or even a crafting station.
- Step 1: Gather resources like fiber, hide, wood, and paint.
- Step 2: Use a crafting station or smithy to create the base of the banner.
- Step 3: Add paint to customize your banner to your liking.
- Step 4: Place your banner strategically around your base to maximize visibility.
Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of ARK’s Icons and Banners
[ARK: Survival Evolved (2017) game icon banners] have impacted the player experience. More than just decorative pieces, these elements provide identity, enhance creativity, and offer a method of communication in a world full of challenges. Whether you’re a solo player trying to make a mark or part of a large tribe with a unified goal, the game’s icons and banners give you the power to tell your story and stand out.
So, as you continue your adventure in ARK, remember that every icon and every banner you create has the potential to shape your legacy in the game. Craft them well, and let them tell the story of your journey—a journey of survival, courage, and triumph.
Get out there, gather your resources, and create a banner that makes your tribe shine! After all, survival isn’t just about staying alive—it’s about making your mark. Happy taming and crafting!