If you’re an “Ark: Survival Evolved” fan, you’ve probably spent hours building epic bases, taming dinosaurs, and surviving the wild landscapes of this fascinating game. But there’s one aspect that really lets you put a personal touch on your adventure: game icons and banners. These allow you to add personality to your base, tribe, and even your equipment.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what game icons and banners are in “Ark: Survival Evolved (2017),” how to customize them, and why they’re more important than just being visual fluff. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, this post will help you make your mark in Ark with style!
What are Game Icons and Banners in Ark: Survival Evolved?
In “Ark: Survival Evolved,” icons and banners are customizable visual elements that you can add to various objects, from tribe flags to shields. These items not only add personality to your gameplay but also serve practical purposes like marking your territory or identifying key locations.
Game icons typically represent your tribe’s symbol or personal emblem. They’re like your in-game logo, showing other players who you are. Banners, on the other hand, are larger visuals that can be placed around your base, carried on your person, or even planted in enemy territory (if you’re feeling bold!).
Imagine running through the wilds of Ark and spotting a banner waving in the wind—instantly, you know whose territory you’re in. That’s the power of these customizable visuals!
Why Should You Care About Game Icons and Banners?
It’s easy to dismiss banners and icons as just decoration. But in Ark, they actually play a bigger role than you might think:
- Tribe Identity: If you’re playing with friends or in a large tribe, custom icons and banners can represent your group and establish your dominance. A well-placed banner sends a clear message: “This land belongs to us!”
- Base Decoration: Let’s face it, building a fortress in Ark can be a serious undertaking, and decorating it makes it feel more like home. Custom banners can bring life to your base, making it not just functional, but also visually impressive.
- Tactical Use: During raids, or when defending your territory, planting a banner or using recognizable icons can help you and your tribe communicate better. You can set up landmarks or use them to coordinate attacks or defenses.
- Customization & Creativity: Ark is all about making your own adventure. Whether you’re designing a logo for your tribe or coming up with unique designs for your personal flags, icons and banners allow players to showcase their creativity.
How to Create and Customize Game Icons and Banners
Luckily, Ark makes it relatively easy to create custom banners and icons, even if you’re not a graphic designer. Here’s how:
1. In-Game Creation Tools
- Ark provides players with a paintbrush and canvas to start creating. These tools allow you to design custom images directly in the game.
- Use the paintbrush to craft designs on flags, shields, signs, and even armor.
- The spray painter tool lets you apply colors and designs to large areas of a structure, making it quicker and easier to decorate your base.
2. Custom Image Uploads
- If in-game tools feel too restrictive, Ark also allows for custom image uploads. Players can design icons and banners outside the game (using programs like Photoshop or GIMP) and then upload them into Ark using PNT files.
- These files are simple to create: design your image, save it as a .png file, and then convert it to a PNT format using third-party tools specifically made for Ark. Upload the file in the appropriate directory, and you’ll be able to apply your custom images in-game.
Tips for Designing the Perfect Game Icons and Banners
Designing your tribe’s symbol or banner can be a fun and creative process. Here are some quick tips to help you get started:
- Keep it Simple: A simple, bold design stands out better in the game’s wild and rugged environment. Intricate details might get lost or look blurry when seen from a distance.
- Use Contrasting Colors: Your icons and banners will be most effective if they’re easy to spot. High contrast between the design and the background will make your symbols more visible.
- Theme It Around Your Tribe: If your tribe is all about stealth, consider using darker tones and sleek shapes. If you’re all about brute force, bold, aggressive designs might better reflect your tribe’s ethos.
Final Thoughts on Game Icons and Banners in Ark
In the vast world of ark: survival evolved (2017) game icons banners icons and banners are more than just decoration. They’re tools for self-expression, tribe identity, and even tactical advantage. Whether you’re a solo player wanting to add some flair to your fortress or a tribe leader looking to rally your troops, these customizable elements bring a new level of immersion and fun to the game.
So, next time you boot up Ark, take a few moments to create something unique. Show your tribe, and the rest of the server, what you’re made of!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I design custom icons and banners outside of the game?
Yes, you can design custom images using programs like Photoshop and then upload them into Ark using PNT files.
2. Do banners serve a practical purpose in Ark?
Yes, banners are great for marking territory, signaling tribe ownership, and even using as landmarks during raids or exploration.
3. How do I apply designs to armor or shields?
Use the paintbrush tool to apply your designs to shields and armor pieces.
4. Can I change my tribe’s icon after it’s been set?
Yes, you can always update your tribe’s icon by creating a new design and applying it.
5. What’s the easiest way to create designs in-game?
The paintbrush and spray painter tools are the easiest to use for quick designs within the game.
