ARK: Survival Evolved (2017) throws you into a prehistoric world teeming with dinosaurs, breathtaking landscapes, and fierce survival challenges. But beyond the taming, crafting, and epic battles lies a layer of customization that allows you to express yourself – icons and banners. These visual elements personalize your online presence and foster a sense of community within the game.
Understanding ARK’s Icons and Banners
- Icons: These small images represent your character or tribe in various menus and interfaces throughout the game. They offer a quick visual cue to identify yourself and your fellow survivors.
- Banners: These larger banners act like flags for your tribe, displayed proudly on structures you claim. They serve multiple purposes:
- Denoting Territory: Banners visually mark your claimed land, acting as a deterrent to potential invaders.
- Tribe Identification: They showcase your tribe’s emblem, fostering a sense of unity and allowing other players to recognize your tribe from afar.
- Rallying Point: Banners can serve as a visual beacon, helping tribe members locate your base or gathering points within the vast ARK world.
Finding ARK: Survival Evolved Icons and Banners
There are several ways to acquire these customization options:
- Downloadable Content: Online communities dedicated to ARK often share custom-made icons and banner packs. Explore forums, modding websites, and social media groups to discover downloadable content that suits your style.
- In-Game Unlocks: Certain in-game achievements or events might reward you with unique icons or banners. These serve as a badge of honor and showcase your dedication to the game.
- Embrace Your Creativity: For the artistically inclined, ARK allows you to design your own icons and banners using image editing software. The game provides specific size requirements, so ensure your creations adhere to these specifications.
Equipping Your Custom Icons and Banners
Equipping your newfound icons and banners is a relatively simple process:
- Downloaded Content: Downloaded icons and banners typically come with installation instructions. These often involve copying files to designated folders within your ARK: Survival Evolved directory.
- Custom Creations: If you create your own icons and banners, locate the appropriate folders within the game’s directory and replace the default files with your creations. Consult online resources or modding guides for specific instructions.
Tips for Designing Stellar ARK Icons and Banners
- Clarity is Key: For icons, prioritize a clear and recognizable design, especially considering their small size. Opt for bold outlines and avoid excessive detail.
- Embrace Color: Colors can set the tone for your tribe. Vibrant colors might represent a playful or energetic group, while darker tones can portray a more serious or intimidating vibe.
- Channel Your Inner Artist: Incorporate elements that reflect your tribe’s identity. This could include referencing your favorite dinosaurs, crafting materials, or even humorous inside jokes.
- The Power of Symbolism: Explore the use of symbols that resonate with your tribe’s values or playstyle. A pack of raptors might represent a focus on hunting, while a towering fortress symbolizes a strong emphasis on base building.
Beyond Customization: Building a Community
ARK’s icons and banners serve a greater purpose than mere aesthetics. They foster a sense of community and allow players to connect on a deeper level. Here’s how:
- Tribal Identity: Icons and banners visually represent your tribe, creating a sense of belonging and camaraderie among members.
- Non-Verbal Communication: These elements act as a visual language, allowing you to communicate dominance, peace offerings, or warnings to other tribes without needing words.
- Inter-Tribe Recognition: Unique icons and banners make your tribe memorable. Over time, other players might associate your emblem with a particular reputation or playstyle.
Join the ARK Community
By incorporating custom icons and banners into your ARK: Survival Evolved experience, you not only personalize your gameplay but also contribute to the vibrant community spirit within the game. So unleash your creativity, explore downloadable content, or dive into crafting your own designs. With a unique icon and banner, you’ll be ready to leave your mark on the ARK world!
