You’ve just loaded up ARK: Survival Evolved, ready to dive into a world packed with dinosaurs, prehistoric creatures, and mythical beasts.
But there’s something you might not think about at first – the game’s icons and banners.
They seem small but trust me; these elements make a huge difference in how you experience the game.
Have you ever wondered why navigating the game feels so smooth or why your tribe’s banner adds to the pride? This article will explain.
Let’s dig into the crucial role game icons and banners play in ARK: Survival Evolved and how they impact your gameplay.
Overview of ARK: Survival Evolved (2017) Game Icons and Banners
Released in 2017, ARK: Survival Evolved has kept players hooked for years.
It’s an open-world survival game set in a prehistoric setting. The goal is simple: survive.
But, of course, survival in ARK isn’t just about gathering food and water.
It would help if you build shelters, craft tools, and tame or defeated creatures. You’ve got dinosaurs, mythical beings like Wyverns, and plenty of challenges.
Whether you’re teaming up with friends or braving it solo, there’s always something to do. That’s where the icons and banners come in – they make sure you know what’s in this expansive world.
Importance of Game Icons and Banners
You’re probably wondering, “Why are icons and banners so important in a game?”
Think about it: every time you check your inventory, look for resources or manage your tribe, you rely on these tiny images to guide you.
Here’s how icons and banners contribute:
- Navigation: You’ve got tons of things to juggle – crafting, gathering, surviving. Icons help make navigating your way through menus and tasks easier without getting lost.
- Information Delivery: They let you know what you’re working with – whether it’s a material, creature, or tool.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Let’s be real – they make the game look cooler and more polished.
- Communication: Banners, especially tribe banners, show your achievements and let everyone know where you stand.
Types of Game Icons in ARK: Survival Evolved
Resource Icons
You rely on resource icons when scavenging for materials to build your next structure. Each is designed to ensure you know exactly what’s in your inventory.
- Wood: A stack of logs.
- Stone: Pile of rocks for crafting those essential tools.
- Fiber: Bundle of plant fibres.
- Metal: Metal ingots or raw metal for advanced items.
- Flint: Shard-like icon – crucial for crafting.
These icons simplify your life in ARK. No one has time to memorise each item by name when you’ve got a Raptor breathing down your neck.
Creature Icons
Whether you’re taming, fighting, or avoiding creatures, their icons give you a quick visual of what’s around.
- Raptors: A shadow of a Raptor, always menacing.
- T-Rex: A T-Rex head showing power.
- Pteranodon: Wings outstretched, symbolising flight.
- Dodo: A more laid-back icon – an easy kill or pet.
- Wyvern: Dragon-like, signalling mythic danger.
These are a quick go-to for figuring out whether to engage or run.
Equipment and Tool Icons
Have you ever wondered what’s in your toolkit? These icons can be lifesavers when crafting or defending yourself.
- Pickaxe: Basic but crucial for gathering.
- Hatchet: Key for chopping wood and harvesting.
- Spear: Your early-game defence and hunting tool.
- Bow and Arrow: A staple for ranged attacks.
- Armour: Depicts various gear pieces, from helmets to chest plates.
Status Effect Icons
Status effects keep you alive. These icons give you instant feedback on where you stand:
- Health: A heart that changes colour.
- Stamina: The lightning bolt icon is showing your energy.
- Hunger: Stomach icon – better feed yourself!
- Thirst: Water droplet for hydration.
- Poison: Skull and crossbones – stay alert.
All these icons play a massive role in keeping you updated without having to dive into menus constantly.
Banners and Their Roles in ARK: Survival Evolved
Banners are not just decoration. They show off tribe unity, celebrate events, and mark your achievements.
Tribe Banners
Your tribe’s banner is the face of your team. It tells everyone who you are and where you stand.
This visual identity adds a sense of belonging and pride when you see your colours flying high.
- Design Elements: Unique symbols and colours chosen by your tribe.
- Usage: Display them on your structures and gear to mark your territory.
Event Banners
Seasonal events and special challenges bring their banners, adding flair to the game. Think Christmas or Halloween, and you’ll see event-specific banners.
- Seasonal Events: Themed for different holidays and seasons.
- Special Challenges: These banners show off unique in-game challenges or limited-time events.
Achievement Banners
There’s nothing like a banner to celebrate a big win in ARK.
- Taming Achievements: Tame a rare creature? Your banner will show it.
- Building Achievements: Construct something advanced. Display it proudly.
- Combat Achievements: Defeat a big boss? You’ve earned that banner.
Designing Effective Game Icons and Banners
Now, what makes a good icon or banner in ARK?
Visual Clarity
It would help if you had clear and easy-to-recognise icons. More compMoresigns can make you unmade. We understand that you’re in the middle of a fight or crafting session.
- Simplicity: Keep the design simple to avoid distraction.
- Contrast: Use colours that stand out against the background for better visibility.
Consistency
A consistent design style throughout your icons and banners is key for seamless navigation.
- Style: Stick to a unified look.
- Colour Palette: Use consistent colours that align with the game’s aesthetics.
Thematic Relevance
It’s important that the icons and banners feel like part of ARK’s world.
- Lore-Friendly: The designs should fit into the world of ARK without breaking immersion.
How to Customise Icons and Banners in ARK: Survival Evolved
Want to personalise your game experience? ARK offers two main ways to customise:
Using Mods
Mods are a great way to change the look of your icons and banners.
- Finding Mods: Check out platforms like Steam Workshop for ARK mods.
- Installing Mods: Follow simple steps to install and activate mods that suit your taste.
In-Game Customisation Options
Even without mods, ARK has in-game tools for customising your banners.
- Painting Banners: You can design custom banners using the in-game painting tools.
- Uploading Images: On some servers, you can upload custom images for banners.
FAQs
What are the key icons in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Icons for resources, creatures, and tools help you manage your inventory and navigate the game.
How do tribe banners work in ARK?
They represent your tribe, marking your territory and belongings.
Can I customise banners in ARK?
You can design and upload your banners using in-game tools or mods using in-game tools or mods.
Conclusion
ARK: Survival Evolved wouldn’t be the same without its game icons and banners.
They guide you, inform you, and add a layer of personality to your tribe.
With mods and in-game customisation, you can make the game uniquely yours.
In the vast world of ARK, these small elements have a big impact. So, next time you craft, hunt, or team up with friends, take a moment to appreciate the details behind these icons and banners. They’re not just images – they’re a part of your survival journey.