The thrill of starting fresh in Ark: Survival Evolved is undeniable. A server wipe presents a unique opportunity to rebuild your base, tame new creatures, and compete for dominance on a level playing field. This guide will cover everything you need to know about PS4 server wipes for Ark: Survival Evolved, from understanding the wipe schedule to preparing for a fresh start.
Understanding Ark PS4 Server Wipes
Ark server wipes are periodic resets of game servers, deleting player-created structures, tames, and items. This ensures fairness and prevents established players from dominating indefinitely. There isn't a publicly available, fixed schedule for PS4 server wipes announced by Studio Wildcard. Wipe schedules are often determined by individual server hosts (official or unofficial) and can vary considerably.
Official vs. Unofficial Servers: A Key Difference
The frequency of wipes differs drastically between official and unofficial servers.
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Official Servers: Wildcard, the developer of Ark, typically wipes official PS4 servers less frequently. These wipes are usually announced in advance, giving players ample time to prepare or transfer valuable items to another server. The goal is to maintain a balanced gameplay experience without constantly resetting progress.
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Unofficial Servers: Unofficial servers, hosted by individuals or communities, have far more variable wipe schedules. Some might wipe weekly, others monthly, or even less often. Always check the server's description or rules for information on their wipe schedule and policies. Many unofficial servers advertise their wipe schedule directly on their server listing.
Preparing for a PS4 Ark Server Wipe
Knowing a wipe is imminent allows for strategic preparation. While you can't save your progress directly, you can take steps to minimize the impact:
1. Breed and Transfer High-Level Dinos:
Breeding exceptional dinosaurs takes time and resources. Before a wipe, transferring your best creatures to a different server that's not scheduled for a wipe is highly recommended.
2. Gather Valuable Resources:
Stockpile essential resources such as stone, wood, metal, and thatch. These materials are crucial for rebuilding after the wipe. Focusing on easily obtained resources like stone and wood will give you a good early-game advantage.
3. Secure Important Items:
If the server allows it, store important items such as high-level gear, saddles, and blueprints in a safe location.
4. Back up Your Character Data (if possible):
While not directly possible within the game, some third-party methods or community tools (used at your own risk) might allow for backing up character data. It’s important to exercise caution and only utilize trusted sources.
Finding PS4 Server Wipe Information
Locating information on upcoming PS4 Ark server wipes requires proactive searching.
- Check the Server's Description: For unofficial servers, the description within the server list usually contains wipe information.
- Join the Server's Community: Many unofficial servers have Discord groups or forums where wipe announcements are posted. This often provides opportunities for discussions with other players.
- Monitor Ark Forums and Social Media: Keep an eye on the official Ark forums and social media pages for announcements regarding official server wipes, though this is less reliable for unofficial server information.
Post-Wipe Strategies for Success
Successfully navigating a server wipe requires a smart approach.
- Prioritize Basic Needs: Focus on building a basic shelter, gathering resources, and taming early-game creatures.
- Explore and Claim Territory: Scout for advantageous locations and secure a suitable area for building your base.
- Team Up (or Strategically Compete): Alliances can boost efficiency in the early game, or you can strategically outmaneuver others.
The Ark PS4 server wipe experience can be challenging but incredibly rewarding. By understanding the wipe schedules and employing the right strategies, you can maximize your chances of thriving after the reset. Remember to always double-check server information for specific wipe timelines and rules before embarking on your post-wipe survival journey.
