Exploring Ark: Survival Evolved (2017) Game Icons and Banners in Detail
Introduction to Ark: Survival Evolved (2017)
Released in 2017, Ark: Survival Evolved quickly became a top survival game, captivating players with its rich world of dinosaurs, crafting systems, and dynamic gameplay. The game allows players to explore a vast prehistoric world, build settlements, tame creatures, and battle other players or wild beasts. One of the standout features of this game is its engaging visual elements, such as the game icons and banners that have become a hallmark of the Ark universe.
In this article, we will delve into the significance of Ark: Survival Evolved game icons and banners, and how they play a pivotal role in the game experience. We will explore their design, importance, and how they add to the aesthetic appeal of the game.
What are Game Icons in Ark: Survival Evolved (2017)?
In any game, icons are essential visual representations that help players interact with the game interface. Ark: Survival Evolved (2017) is no different in this regard. Game icons in Ark are used for various functions, including inventory management, crafting, and indicating different states or abilities. These small yet impactful visuals can be seen throughout the game, from the main menu to the in-game HUD (Heads-Up Display).
Icons in Ark: Survival Evolved have several important functions:
- Item Representation: Each item in the game, whether it is a weapon, tool, or resource, has its own distinctive icon. For example, the icon for a “pickaxe” looks different from the icon for “wood” or “stone.” This makes it easy for players to identify their resources and equipment quickly.
- Creature Taming Icons: When taming creatures, specific icons appear to show the taming progress, the type of food being used, and the creature’s health. These icons help streamline the taming process by providing instant visual feedback.
- Status Effects: Players are often subject to various status effects such as “poisoned,” “frozen,” or “buffed.” These effects are indicated by small icons on the HUD, making it easier for players to understand their current situation without having to look for other cues.
- Crafting and Recipe Icons: The game features numerous crafting recipes, each represented by its own icon. These icons help players identify which items are needed to craft a particular item or structure.
The Role of Banners in Ark: Survival Evolved (2017)
Banners in Ark: Survival Evolved serve a different purpose compared to icons, but they are equally important in creating a rich, immersive environment. A banner is typically a larger, more prominent visual element that can represent various factions, tribes, or clans within the game. Banners often carry distinctive designs and colors that help to personalize and identify specific groups of players.
In multiplayer modes, banners are key to:
- Tribe Identification: Players often form tribes in Ark to collaborate on survival and exploration. The tribe’s banner serves as a visual marker of the tribe’s territory. This is especially crucial in PvP (Player versus Player) settings, where recognizing tribe banners can be a matter of life and death. Each tribe can create its own unique banner, which can feature custom designs, colors, and logos.
- Territory and Base Marking: In large-scale maps, players need a way to mark their bases or territory clearly. The banner provides an easy way to do so. When playing in the wild or exploring, players can spot these banners from a distance, signaling a safe zone or a dangerous area, depending on the tribe in control.
- Roleplay and Aesthetic Value: Beyond functionality, banners contribute to the aesthetic value of the game. Many players invest time in customizing their tribe’s banner to reflect their identity or the character of their group. The colorful and intricate designs on these banners add a sense of pride and culture to the game world.
How Ark’s Game Icons and Banners Contribute to Gameplay
The icons and banners in Ark: Survival Evolved contribute to the overall gameplay experience in several important ways:
- Clarity and Communication: Icons and banners improve communication between players, especially in multiplayer games. Icons simplify complex systems like crafting and taming, making it easier for players to engage with the game mechanics without feeling overwhelmed. Banners, on the other hand, provide a quick, visual way to identify who controls what within the world of Ark.
- Personalization: One of the key elements of Ark is its focus on individual and tribal identity. The ability to customize game icons and banners allows players to add a personal touch to their gameplay experience. Whether designing a unique banner for a tribe or choosing particular icons for a player’s inventory, these elements help create a game world that feels personal and immersive.
- Strategic Play: In competitive or PvP modes, the strategic use of icons and banners can provide tactical advantages. For example, being able to spot an enemy tribe’s banner from afar could provide a player with a warning to prepare for battle. Likewise, some in-game icons provide players with instant feedback about their environment, allowing them to make quick decisions based on visual cues.
Design Evolution of Ark: Survival Evolved’s Icons and Banners
Over the years, Ark: Survival Evolved has undergone numerous updates and patches, with visual enhancements being a regular part of the development process. The design of the game’s icons and banners has evolved to accommodate new content and improve the overall aesthetic appeal.
- Early Designs: When Ark: Survival Evolved was first released in 2017, many of the game icons were simple and functional. As updates rolled out, many icons were refined for better clarity and consistency. For example, early icons for resources like berries or wood were less distinct, while later updates featured more polished and detailed designs to improve the player experience.
- Custom Banners: Players were always able to design custom banners for their tribes, but the addition of more detailed graphic tools has made banner creation even more intricate. Many players now incorporate their logos, symbols, or custom art to create banners that represent their tribes in unique ways.
- Icons in New DLCs: As new downloadable content (DLC) packs and expansions were introduced, such as The Center, Scorched Earth, and Aberration, new game icons were added to represent the unique items, creatures, and environments of those expansions. This constant evolution of icons ensures that the game stays fresh and offers new visual elements for players to discover.
Conclusion: The Impact of Icons and Banners in Ark: Survival Evolved
In Ark: Survival Evolved (2017), game icons and banners are more than just decorative elements. They serve practical purposes, help streamline gameplay, and add to the immersive experience of the game world. Icons simplify complex systems, from inventory management to taming and combat, while banners provide a means of identifying tribes and marking territories.
As Ark: Survival Evolved continues to evolve, we can expect further refinements and additions to its icons and banners, enhancing both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of the game. These elements not only contribute to the game’s success but also provide players with endless opportunities for creative expression and strategic gameplay.
FAQs About Ark: Survival Evolved (2017) Game Icons and Banners
1. What are the different types of icons in Ark: Survival Evolved? Icons in Ark represent items, status effects, crafting recipes, and creature taming progress. They help players quickly identify important game elements and manage their inventory and resources.
2. How do I design my own banner in Ark: Survival Evolved? To design a custom banner, players can use the in-game banner creation system. This allows for the addition of symbols, colors, and custom designs that represent your tribe or personal style.
3. Can I change the icons for items in Ark: Survival Evolved? No, players cannot change the default icons for items in the game. However, they can modify their inventory organization and use custom textures or mods to alter the visual appearance in some cases.
4. Do banners affect gameplay in Ark: Survival Evolved? Yes, banners play an important role in identifying tribes, marking territory, and enhancing the visual identity of a group within the game. They help with both gameplay communication and personal expression.
5. Are there any special icons added with DLCs or updates? Yes, each DLC and major update introduces new icons that represent unique items, creatures, or features from that content, further enriching the game’s visual experience.
