Introduction: ARK: Survival Evolved (2017) Game Icons Banners
“ARK: Survival Evolved,” released in 2017, is an action-adventure survival game that has captivated millions of players with its rich and immersive world. One of the unique features of ARK is the ability to create and use custom icons and banners. These elements are more than just decorative; they play a crucial role in representing tribe identity, marking territory, and customizing the player’s experience. This article delves into the significance of icons and banners in ARK, providing a comprehensive guide on how to create, use, and share these visual elements.
Table of Contents
The Importance of Icons and Banners in ARK
Tribe Identity
In ARK, players often band together to form tribes. These tribes can range from small groups of friends to large, organized communities. Icons and banners are essential in establishing a tribe’s identity. They serve as visual representations of the tribe’s values, history, and goals. A well-designed logo can instill pride and unity among tribe members, making it an integral part of the tribe’s culture.
Territory Marking
Territory is everything in ARK. With vast landscapes and numerous resources to claim, marking territory becomes crucial for survival and dominance. Banners and icons are used to demarcate tribe boundaries, warning others of the tribe’s presence and control over an area. This not only helps in avoiding conflicts but also asserts the tribe’s strength and influence within the game world.
Customizing Your World
ARK offers extensive customization options, allowing players to personalize their environments. Icons and banners contribute significantly to this aspect, enabling players to leave their mark on the game world. Whether it’s a flag flying over a base, a painted mural on a wall, or symbols on gear and equipment, these customizations enhance the immersive experience and make each player’s world unique.
Creating Custom Icons and Banners
Tools and Software
Creating custom icons and banners requires some basic tools and software. While in-game tools allow for basic designs, more intricate and professional-looking designs often require external software. Here are some commonly used tools:
- ARK Paint Converter: A popular tool that allows players to convert images into ARK’s PNT file format.
- Adobe Photoshop: For advanced design and editing capabilities.
- GIMP: A free and open-source alternative to Photoshop.
- ARK Survival Evolved Graphics Tool: A specialized tool for creating and importing custom graphics into the game.
Design Tips
Creating visually appealing icons and banners requires some design knowledge. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Simplicity: Simple designs are often more effective and recognizable. Avoid cluttering your icons with too many details.
- Color Contrast: Use contrasting colors to make your icons and banners stand out. This ensures they are easily visible from a distance.
- Symbolism: Incorporate symbols that represent your tribe’s values, culture, or goals. This adds depth and meaning to your designs.
- Size and Proportion: Ensure your designs are proportionate and fit well within the allocated space. Test them in-game to see how they appear.
Importing Custom Images
Once you’ve created your custom design, you’ll need to import it into ARK. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Convert the Image: Use the ARK Paint Converter or similar tool to convert your image into a PNT file.
- Transfer to Game: Place the PNT file in the appropriate folder within the game’s directory.
- Apply the Image: Use in-game tools to apply the image to your desired item or structure. This could be a flag, a canvas, or even a dinosaur.
Using Icons and Banners in the Game
Painting Structures and Items
One of the most common uses of custom icons and banners is painting structures and items. ARK provides various ways to do this:
- Flags and Banners: You can create custom flags and banners to display your tribe’s emblem. These can be placed around your base or carried by players.
- Canvases: Large canvases can be painted with custom designs and used to decorate your base.
- Dino Paint: Players can even paint their dinosaurs with custom designs, making them stand out and represent the tribe.
Displaying Banners
Banners are a versatile way to display custom icons and designs. They can be placed in strategic locations around your base to assert dominance or simply for decorative purposes. Some common uses include:
- Base Entrances: Placing banners at the entrance of your base to mark your territory.
- Watchtowers: Displaying banners on watchtowers to enhance visibility.
- Vehicles: Attaching banners to vehicles for mobile representation of your tribe.
Sharing and Downloading Designs
The ARK community is active and creative, with many players sharing their custom designs. Here’s how you can share and download designs:
- Forums and Social Media: Many players share their designs on ARK forums and social media platforms like Reddit and Facebook.
- Modding Sites: Websites like Steam Workshop host numerous custom designs and mods that you can download and use.
- In-Game Sharing: Some servers allow direct sharing of custom designs between players.
Popular Icon and Banner Designs
Tribal Symbols
Tribal symbols are among the most popular designs in ARK. These symbols often include:
- Animals and Dinosaurs: Representing the strength and power of the tribe.
- Weapons and Tools: Signifying readiness for battle and survival skills.
- Nature Elements: Such as trees, mountains, and rivers, representing the tribe’s connection to the land.
Fantasy and Mythology
Fantasy and mythology provide rich inspiration for many players. Common themes include:
- Mythical Creatures: Dragons, phoenixes, and griffins are popular choices.
- Ancient Symbols: Runes, sigils, and mystical icons from various mythologies.
- Heroic Figures: Legendary heroes and gods depicted in banners and icons.
Real-World Flags and Emblems
Some players prefer to use real-world symbols and flags to represent their tribes. This can include:
- National Flags: Representing the player’s country or heritage.
- Military Emblems: Inspired by historical and modern military insignia.
- Cultural Symbols: Such as family crests, historical emblems, and cultural icons.
Community Contributions
Modding Community
The ARK modding community is vibrant and continuously contributes to the game’s customization options. Modders create tools, textures, and even new mechanics that enhance the ability to create and use custom icons and banners. Popular mods include:
- Custom Paint Jobs: Mods that allow for more detailed and varied paint options.
- Banner Packs: Collections of pre-made banners and flags that players can use.
- Graphic Enhancement Mods: Tools that improve the overall graphics quality, making custom designs look even better.
Online Resources and Forums
Many online resources and forums provide valuable information, tutorials, and design ideas. Some notable ones include:
- Steam Workshop: A hub for mods, custom designs, and community creations.
- Reddit: The ARK subreddit is a great place to share designs, get feedback, and find inspiration.
- YouTube: Numerous channels offer tutorials on creating and importing custom icons and banners.
Conclusion: ARK: Survival Evolved (2017) Game Icons Banners
Icons and banners in “ARK: Survival Evolved” are much more than just decorative elements. They play a crucial role in tribe identity, territory marking, and personalizing the game world. With the right tools and a bit of creativity, players can create unique designs that enhance their gameplay experience. The vibrant ARK community continues to innovate and share, making the game a continuously evolving canvas for artistic expression. Whether you’re a seasoned survivor or a new player, the world of custom icons and banners in ARK offers endless possibilities for creativity and personalization.
