ARK: Survival Evolved (2017) – Game Icons and Banners Explained

ark: survival evolved (2017) game icons banners

ark: survival evolved (2017) game icons banners Released in August 2017 by Studio Wildcard, ARK: Survival Evolved has gained a cult following in the gaming community due to its immersive survival mechanics, diverse ecosystem of dinosaurs, and expansive world-building opportunities. This multiplayer action-adventure survival game takes players on a journey to a prehistoric island where they must tame, fight, and coexist with dinosaurs while managing basic survival needs like food, water, and shelter.

One of the key features contributing to the game’s immersive experience is its visual design, which includes the use of in-game icons and banners. These elements play a significant role in both gameplay and the player community, enhancing user experience and offering personalization opportunities. This article will take a deep dive into the importance of these visual assets, specifically game icons and banners, and how they shape the experience for ARK: Survival Evolved players.

ark: survival evolved (2017) game icons banners

In any survival game, intuitive and easily recognizable icons are essential for smooth gameplay, and ARK excels in this regard. From health and stamina indicators to inventory and crafting, icons offer a visual shorthand for players to quickly understand what’s happening without delving into complex menus.

1. Health, Stamina, and Status Icons

In ARK: Survival Evolved, managing the player’s health, stamina, and other physical stats is crucial to survival. Health and stamina bars are displayed using simple icons that change color or shape based on the current level.

  • Health Icon: The health icon appears as a heart in the corner of the screen. If you’re wounded, this icon will start flashing, notifying you of your character’s deteriorating condition.
  • Stamina Icon: The stamina bar, shaped like a lightning bolt, depletes as you sprint, swim, or perform any physically demanding action. Stamina recovery is vital when escaping from predators or engaging in combat.
  • Hunger and Thirst Icons: Represented by a drumstick and a water droplet respectively, these icons remind players to eat and drink regularly to avoid debuffs and eventual death.

Icons like these are simple yet effective. Their design is intentionally minimalistic, ensuring that players can focus on survival instead of deciphering intricate symbols.

2. Crafting Icons

Crafting is one of the main mechanics in ARK, and understanding what items you have and what you need to craft is key to progression. The inventory screen uses hundreds of item icons that represent everything from raw materials like stone and wood to sophisticated gear like crossbows and rifles.

Each crafted item has its unique icon, often reflecting its real-world counterpart. For example:

  • Weapons like spears and guns are illustrated in such a way that even a quick glance at the icon tells you whether it’s a primitive or advanced item.
  • Armor types, ranging from hide to flak, have distinct icons showcasing the texture and materials they are made from.
  • Structures such as thatch or stone buildings are visually represented in their most basic form, allowing players to quickly differentiate between them when building.

These icons are crucial for crafting efficiently and help the player make quick decisions about which resources to gather or prioritize during their gameplay.

Banners in ARK: Survival Evolved

Banners in ARK serve as a means of personalization and territorial expression within the game. While they may seem like mere cosmetic additions at first glance, banners offer players a unique way to express their identity, form alliances, or even stake their claim on specific areas of the map. They also contribute to the community and multiplayer aspect of the game, which is one of its strongest features.

1. Tribal Banners

ARK: Survival Evolved is particularly known for its multiplayer modes, where players can form tribes and work together to conquer or defend territories. Tribal banners serve as symbols of unity and identity for tribes, providing a visual representation of a group’s power and influence on the map.

  • Designing Tribal Banners: Players can customize their tribe’s banners by choosing colors, symbols, and patterns that represent their tribe. The banner editor allows players to create intricate designs that reflect the tribe’s philosophy or history.
  • Banners as Territory Markers: In multiplayer PvP (Player vs Player) modes, placing a banner can mark a tribe’s territory, warning other players of their presence. These banners create psychological warfare, as the sight of an opponent’s emblem can intimidate or provoke a reaction.

2. War Banners

In addition to tribal banners, war banners are used during sieges and large-scale battles. When a tribe decides to engage in war with another, displaying war banners around fortresses or during battle acts as a form of communication. They can signal either the start of an aggressive takeover or serve as a rallying point for tribe members.

  • Signaling Power: War banners serve as a testament to a tribe’s strength and readiness for battle. The presence of a war banner near an enemy’s base may send a clear signal of impending conflict.
  • Customizing War Banners: Just like tribal banners, war banners are fully customizable, allowing tribes to develop a unique identity on the battlefield. Some tribes choose bold colors and aggressive symbols like skulls, flames, or weapons to strike fear into their enemies.

3. Event Banners

Throughout the year, ARK: Survival Evolved hosts seasonal events such as Winter Wonderland and Easter Extravaganza. During these events, players can earn or craft event-themed banners to decorate their bases. These banners feature designs that reflect the seasonal festivities, like snowflakes or Easter eggs.

Event banners are a lighthearted way for the community to participate in the seasonal spirit. They don’t carry the same weight as tribal or war banners but instead provide a fun and aesthetically pleasing way to celebrate these in-game holidays.

Importance of Customization

The ability to design and customize banners offers a layer of creative freedom that makes ARK stand out from other survival games. Personalizing banners allows players to inject their personality into the game, making it feel more like a home rather than just a temporary shelter in a hostile world.

For tribes, the customization of banners and symbols plays a crucial role in building community cohesion and identity. It transforms a simple mechanic into an essential part of the social experience within ARK: Survival Evolved. Tribes with unique and easily recognizable banners can stand out in a crowded server, becoming both respected and feared through the influence of their symbols.

Conclusion

In ARK: Survival Evolved, the visual elements like game icons and banners play an integral role in shaping the player’s experience. Icons provide essential information at a glance, enabling players to manage their health, craft items, and interact with their environment. On the other hand, banners offer a unique level of customization, giving players the chance to express themselves, their tribes, and their conquests within the game.

ark: survival evolved (2017) game icons banners The meticulous attention to detail in both these aspects speaks to Studio Wildcard’s commitment to creating a comprehensive and immersive gaming experience. By integrating visually compelling icons and offering customizable banners, ARK allows players to not only survive but also to thrive in a world where they can truly make their mark. Whether you’re taming dinosaurs or building your tribe’s fortress, the combination of practical icons and expressive banners enhances every moment of the game.

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