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What Armor Keeps You Cool in ARK: Survival Evolved?

The blistering heat of the ARK can be a relentless killer. Maintaining a comfortable temperature is crucial for survival, impacting your hunger, thirst, and overall stamina. While shelter and shade offer some respite, armor plays a vital role in regulating your body temperature. The armor that excels at keeping you cool in ARK is undoubtedly the Ghillie Suit. Its unique design, crafted from natural materials, provides exceptional heat resistance, allowing you to thrive in scorching environments. While other options exist, the Ghillie Suit offers the best overall balance of protection and cooling for most situations.

Diving Deeper into Cooling Armor Options

While the Ghillie Suit reigns supreme, several other armor types offer varying degrees of heat resistance. Understanding their strengths and weaknesses is key to making informed choices based on your specific needs and circumstances.

The Reigning Champion: Ghillie Armor

The Ghillie Suit is specifically designed for camouflage in grassy and wooded areas, but its most significant benefit is its remarkable heat resistance. Made from fiber, hide, and sap, the Ghillie Armor set provides a significant hyperthermic insulation bonus, drastically reducing the effects of extreme heat. This makes it invaluable for traversing deserts, jungles, and other hot biomes. The downside is its relatively low armor value compared to metal armors, making it less suitable for direct combat situations.

Honorable Mentions: Other Heat-Resistant Options

Cloth Armor: While offering minimal protection, Cloth Armor provides a slight degree of hyperthermic insulation. It’s a basic starting option before you can craft better alternatives. Its low cost and easy crafting make it readily available early in the game.
Desert Cloth Armor: Found within Scorched Earth DLC, this modified cloth gear provides better hyperthermic insulation than standard cloth armor. The downside is, of course, that is locked to one of the DLC maps and not available on others unless transferred.
Tek Armor (Chest Piece): While the full Tek Armor set isn’t designed for cooling, the chest piece has an energy shield ability that provides significant temporary insulation when activated. This can be a lifesaver in a heatwave, although it drains element quickly.
Scuba Gear: While primarily designed for underwater exploration, the Scuba Tank and other Scuba Gear offer decent hyperthermic insulation. They can be a good option if you need to transition between land and water frequently.

Factors Influencing Armor Choice

Choosing the right armor for heat resistance involves considering several factors:

Biome: Deserts require maximum heat resistance, while jungles may benefit from a balance of heat resistance and camouflage.
Combat: If you anticipate frequent combat, prioritize armor with higher armor values, even if it means sacrificing some cooling.
Resource Availability: Consider the resources required to craft and maintain the armor. The Ghillie Suit, while effective, requires sap, which can be challenging to obtain in some areas.
Game Stage: Early in the game, Cloth Armor might be your only option. As you progress, aim for the Ghillie Suit or other specialized armor.
Personal Preference: Some players prioritize mobility over protection, while others prefer maximum defense. Experiment with different armor sets to find what suits your playstyle.

Essential Tips for Staying Cool in ARK

Beyond choosing the right armor, here are some additional strategies for managing heat in ARK:

Stay Hydrated: Water is your best friend. Carry multiple water skins or canteens and refill them frequently.
Seek Shade: Utilize natural shade from trees and rocks, or build structures to provide shade.
Enter Water: Immersing yourself in water provides temporary relief from the heat.
Use Ice: Store ice in your inventory to lower your body temperature. The effects are short-lived, but they can be helpful in a pinch.
Consume Berries: Certain berries, such as Azulberries, can provide temporary relief from heat.
Mindwipe Tonic: Certain berries and tonics reduce water drain and allow you to stay out longer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Cooling Armor in ARK

1. Does the quality of Ghillie Armor affect its heat resistance?

Yes, higher quality Ghillie Armor offers significantly better hyperthermic insulation. Look for blueprints with higher armor values and insulation stats.

2. Can I combine different pieces of armor for optimal cooling?

While you can mix and match armor, the Ghillie Suit is most effective as a complete set. Combining it with other armor types may diminish its cooling benefits.

3. Does Hypothermic Insulation help in hot environments?

No, Hypothermic Insulation helps protect against cold temperatures. You need Hyperthermic Insulation to resist heat.

4. Are there any creatures that help with heat resistance?

The Otter’s insulation ability protects against both hot and cold temperatures. A high-level, imprinted Otter can significantly reduce the effects of heat.

5. Does wearing a helmet affect heat resistance?

Yes, some helmets, like the Ghillie Mask, provide hyperthermic insulation. Others, like metal helmets, can actually increase heat.

6. Can I use standing torches or campfires to cool down?

No, standing torches and campfires generate heat. Avoid them in hot environments.

7. Does the time of day affect heat levels?

Yes, the hottest time of day is usually midday. Plan your activities accordingly and seek shelter during peak heat hours.

8. What’s the best way to farm Sap for Ghillie Armor?

Sap can be harvested from Redwood trees using a tap or by finding it in beaver dams. Be careful, as both methods can be dangerous.

9. Are there any server settings that affect temperature?

Yes, server admins can adjust the temperature scale, making the environment hotter or colder.

10. Does crafting speed affect the crafting of cooling armor?

No, crafting speed primarily affects the time it takes to craft items, not their stats or effectiveness.

11. Does the Fortitude skill help with heat resistance?

Yes, Fortitude provides general resistance to environmental effects, including heat and cold. Increasing your Fortitude stat can improve your survivability in extreme temperatures.

12. Is it possible to completely negate the effects of heat in ARK?

While it’s difficult to eliminate heat effects entirely, you can significantly minimize them with a combination of Ghillie Armor, high Fortitude, hydration, and environmental awareness.

13. Does the Fjordur map require special attention to heat management?

While Fjordur has colder regions, it also includes areas where heat can be a problem. The Ghillie Suit is still beneficial in these areas.

14. Are there any consumables that provide heat resistance?

Shadow Steak Saute provides Hyperthermic Insulation.

15. What is the best strategy for surviving a heatwave in ARK?

During a heatwave, prioritize shelter, hydration, and cooling items like ice. Avoid strenuous activities and wear Ghillie Armor if available. If possible, stay near a water source.

What armor keeps you cool in ARK?