ARK: Survival Evolved, released in 2017, is a survival game that throws players into a dangerous world filled with prehistoric creatures and harsh environments. As someone familiar with the game, I’ve always been drawn to its design elements, particularly the game icons and banners that enhance the player experience. These visuals are more than just decoration; they serve important functions in gameplay, providing both utility and personalization.
Game Icons in ARK: Survival Evolved
Game icons in ARK are essential for recognizing items, tools, resources, and creatures within the game. Like most survival games, ARK relies heavily on its inventory system, and the design of the icons plays a huge role in keeping things organized and accessible.
Early ARK Icons
At launch, ARK featured detailed and realistic icons that represented everything from weapons and tools to food and crafting materials. The design leaned toward realism, with each item meticulously illustrated to reflect its actual in-game appearance. For example, a spear icon looks sharp and dangerous, while a berry icon looks ripe and edible. This attention to detail helps players quickly identify items without having to read labels.
Evolution of Icons Over Time
As ARK expanded with updates and DLCs, more items, tools, and creatures were added, requiring even more icons. The design remained consistent, keeping that balance between realism and functionality. Personally, I’ve always appreciated how easy it is to differentiate between items, even when managing large inventories. Whether you’re crafting new weapons or gathering resources, the icons help streamline the process and enhance the gameplay experience.
Banners in ARK: Customization and Tribe Identity
Banners in ARK: Survival Evolved are more than just decorative pieces; they represent tribe identity and player creativity. In multiplayer servers, banners are often used to mark territories, establish a tribe’s presence, or send a message to other players. Crafting and designing banners allow players to add a personal touch to their in-game environment.
Designing Banners
ARK allows players to paint and customize their banners, using various colors and patterns to create unique designs. Whether you want to represent your tribe with a fearsome symbol or create an elaborate, artistic banner, the possibilities are endless. As someone who has spent time in tribes within ARK, I’ve seen firsthand how much pride players take in their banners. It’s not uncommon to see towering banners with intricate designs marking tribe bases, giving them a sense of ownership and identity in the game world.
Banners in Multiplayer
In ARK’s multiplayer mode, banners serve a practical purpose. They are used to mark a tribe’s territory or warn other players to stay away. Having a strong banner presence can intimidate other players, and it often reflects the strength and size of a tribe. In PvP servers, the sight of a well-placed banner can send a clear message that a tribe is not to be messed with. In PvE, banners create a more collaborative and friendly atmosphere, showing off creativity and teamwork.
The Importance of Icons and Banners in ARK’s Visual Appeal
Both the game icons and banners in ARK: Survival Evolved contribute significantly to the game’s immersive experience. The icons are not only functional but also add to the realism of the survival setting. Meanwhile, banners allow players to express themselves, creating a deeper connection with the game world.
Why ARK’s Design Elements Matter
In a survival game like ARK, where managing resources and defending your territory is key, having clear, easy-to-understand icons and customizable banners is crucial. These design elements may seem minor, but they make the gameplay smoother and more engaging. Personally, I find that ARK’s focus on realism in its icons and the flexibility in banner design elevate the overall player experience, especially in multiplayer settings.
Conclusion
ARK: Survival Evolved (2017) may be known for its thrilling survival gameplay and dinosaur taming, but its game icons and banners deserve their own recognition. From the detailed realism of the icons to the creative freedom in designing banners, these elements are key to the game’s visual identity and functionality. For players like me, these small but significant design choices help enhance both the gameplay and the overall immersion in the prehistoric world of ARK.
