What Does Dye Do in Ark: Survival Evolved? A Comprehensive Guide

In ARK: Survival Evolved, dye is a versatile resource that allows players to customize a wide variety of items, creatures, and structures, adding a personal touch to their survival experience. Simply put, dye allows you to change the color of many aspects of the game, from your own character to your tamed dinosaurs and even your base. It’s a powerful tool for expressing creativity, marking territory, or simply standing out in the prehistoric landscape. But the uses of dye extend far beyond mere aesthetics, playing a practical role in some situations. The ability to customize with dye greatly enhances the game, enabling you to build a truly unique experience within the world of Ark.

How to Use Dye in Ark

Applying Dye to Dinos and Creatures

To dye your dinosaurs and other creatures, you’ll first need to craft the dye of your choice in a cooking pot, along with a Waterskin, and some base materials. Then, equip a Paintbrush. When you add the dye to the paintbrush, you will get ten uses before it needs to be replenished. Once the paintbrush is loaded with dye, you can click on a dinosaur or creature to apply the color. Be strategic, as the ten applications may not be enough for a larger creature.

Applying Dye to Hair

To dye your hair, ensure you have dyes in your inventory. Use the Scissors to enter the hair customization screen (usually accessed by pressing R1 on PlayStation controllers, though this may vary on different platforms). From here, you can apply dyes to your hair and beard separately. This is a fun way to personalize your character and give them a unique look, especially with the diverse color palette that Ark offers.

Applying Dye to Structures, Armor, Weapons, and Saddles

The same principle applies when dyeing your built structures, armor, weapons, and saddles. Craft the dye you want in the cooking pot with the necessary ingredients. Select the item you want to dye and put it in the cauldron. It will be dyed in the color you select.

What Can You Dye in Ark?

The scope of what you can color with dye in Ark is extensive:

• Characters: Customize your survivor’s hair and beard.
• Dinos and Creatures: Personalize the look of your tamed dinosaurs and other creatures.
• Structures: Color your base, fences, and other built structures.
• Armor: Customize your gear for personal preference or camouflage.
• Saddles: Enhance the look of your dinosaur saddles.
• Weapons and Tools: Change the appearance of your tools and weaponry.
• Flags: Design unique flags for your tribe.

A Spectrum of Colors

Ark: Survival Evolved provides a wide range of dye colors, allowing for detailed customization. From vibrant shades to more muted tones, there’s a color for every player. Some colors include:

• Basic Colors: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Chartreuse, and more.
• Unique Colors: Brick, Tangerine, Gold, Mustard, Craggy-Dew, Grass, Edocha, Dirt, Mold, Filth, Chateau, Shamrock, Incense, Latte, Khaki, Putrescence, Celadon, Turquoise, Salmon, Peach, Buttermilk, Nyanza, Pistachio, Tulip, Cantaloupe, Canary, Menthol, Mint, Red, Orange, Yellow, Chartreuse, Green, Gore, Windsor, Citron, Orc, Emerald, Scab, Terracotta, Olive, Avocado, Hunter.
• Special Dyes: Black Dye, Pink Dye

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dyes in Ark

1. How do I make Pink Dye in Ark?

To create Pink Dye, combine Tintoberry, Stimberry, Gunpowder, and a Waterskin in a Cooking Pot.

2. How do I make Black Dye in Ark?

Black Dye is made by combining Narcoberry, Charcoal, and a Waterskin in a Cooking Pot.

3. How do I make Red Dye in Ark?

To make Red Coloring, combine Tintoberry, Tintoberry, Charcoal, and Water in a Cooking Pot.

4. How many dye colors are in Ark?

There are 25 base colors you can create in Ark, all with their unique crafting requirements.

5. Can I use Human Hair to craft items in Ark?

Yes, Human Hair can be used as a substitute for Pelt and Wool in most recipes, making it a versatile resource. However, it cannot be used in place of pelt for crafting the Lance.

6. How do I get Human Hair in Ark?

Human Hair is obtained by cutting your character’s hair or another player’s hair using Scissors.

7. Can my hair grow in Ark?

Yes, your hair will grow as you play the game. You can trim and style it with the Scissors, and you can change hair color as it grows out.

8. How do I apply dye to armor?

To dye Armor, you need a Cauldron. Fill the cauldron with water, add your chosen dye, and then place the armor into the cauldron. The dye will then apply to the armor piece.

9. How do I apply dye to structures?

Similar to armor, use a Cauldron, fill it with water, add the desired dye, and place the structure pieces in to color them.

10. Does dye have any practical uses beyond aesthetics?

Beyond the visual customization, dyes can also be useful for marking your territory or making it easier to identify your tribe’s structures and dinos in a crowded environment. Camouflage is also another aspect.

11. Can dye be removed from a dino or item?

No, you cannot remove the dye once it has been applied. You will have to reapply a different dye.

12. Why does my dyed hair turn red or orange?

Dyed hair can turn red or orange if the color chosen was too light or had warm undertones. This is similar to how hair dye can react in real life.

13. What do I do if my dyed hair turns frizzy?

Frizzy hair after dyeing is often caused by damage. Use a strengthening shampoo and a deep conditioner, and avoid washing your hair in hot water. You may want to reduce your wash frequency.

14. How do I get the most Pelt in Ark?

The most efficient way to get Pelt is by hunting Mammoths with a tamed Direwolf. You can also make holding pens and lure creatures that provide pelt into it.

15. What gives the most Keratin in Ark?

The most efficient ways to get Keratin is to harvest the corpses of Direwolves, Sabertooths, and Therizinosaurus with a Metal Hatchet.

Conclusion

Dyes in Ark: Survival Evolved offer a fantastic way to personalize your game and add your own style to your world. Whether you’re coloring your dinosaurs, structures, or just adding a vibrant touch to your character’s hair, dyes add a whole new layer of fun and customization. From the most common colors to vibrant and unique shades, the possibilities are endless. Take the time to experiment with different combinations and create a unique experience within the prehistoric landscape of Ark.