Ark: Survival Evolved is a massively popular open-world survival game developed by Studio Wildcard. Set in a world where players must survive against prehistoric creatures and environmental hazards, the game has captivated millions of players since its initial release. However, beyond the exhilarating gameplay, many fans of Ark take pride in customizing their in-game experience. One key area where this customization shines is through game icons and banners. These design elements add a unique personal flair to both single-player and multiplayer modes, allowing players to represent their tribe, team, or individual characters in distinctive ways. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top Ark: Survival Evolved (2017) game icons banners, how to create them, where to find them, and why they play a significant role in enhancing the overall player experience.
The Importance of Icons and Banners in Ark: Survival Evolved
In Ark: Survival Evolved, survival is not just about collecting resources and taming dinosaurs—it’s also about standing out in a game filled with other players. Whether you’re playing PvE or PvP, game icons and banners can help establish a sense of identity. For tribes, banners can serve as a mark of unity, displaying your tribe’s emblem across your base, your structures, or even carried by your dinos. These visual markers set you apart from rival tribes, giving your group a powerful and unique identity.
Icons, meanwhile, serve a more functional purpose by representing different in-game items, resources, or character roles. Well-designed game icons make inventory management easier, which is a crucial aspect of a survival game like Ark. Properly organized and recognizable icons allow players to navigate through the often overwhelming menus with ease. Additionally, the right icons can add a bit of personality to your in-game profile or tribe identity.
Types of Ark: Survival Evolved (2017) Game Icons and Banners
There are numerous types of game icons and banners available to players, ranging from basic in-game assets to custom-made designs. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular categories:
1. Tribal Banners
Tribal banners are among the most significant customization tools for players in Ark. These banners can be placed outside bases or mounted on creatures like the Paracer or Bronto to showcase your tribe’s presence. Tribal banners usually feature unique insignias or emblems, which help other players identify you from afar, especially in competitive environments where tribe identity matters.
Some tribes prefer to keep things simple by using the pre-designed banners available in the game. Others choose to create custom banners using external graphic design tools, giving them the freedom to create something truly personalized. Custom banners are then uploaded into the game, where players can display them on flags, structures, and more.
2. Dinosaur-Themed Icons
Given the central role dinosaurs play in Ark: Survival Evolved, it’s no surprise that many players are drawn to dinosaur-themed icons. These icons feature the likenesses of some of the game’s most iconic creatures, such as the T-Rex, Raptor, and Pteranodon. These icons are often used to label important items related to taming, feeding, or breeding these creatures.
Some players take this a step further by creating specific icons for their personal collection of tamed dinosaurs. For example, you might create an icon that specifically represents your prized Giganotosaurus or Spinosaurus. This level of customization not only helps with inventory management but also adds a personal touch to your gameplay.
3. Resource Icons
Another popular category of game icons in Ark: Survival Evolved is related to resources. With a game that’s so heavily based on gathering materials to craft, build, and survive, having clean and distinct resource icons can make a massive difference in gameplay. Resource icons typically represent items such as wood, stone, metal, fiber, or rarer materials like element shards and black pearls.
Players who have large bases or play in tribes that control vast amounts of resources benefit greatly from organizing their inventory using resource icons. Properly marked storage boxes and containers with these icons help ensure that valuable resources are never misplaced.
4. Weapon and Armor Icons
Just as important as resources, weapon and armor icons make it easy for players to manage their arsenal. Icons that represent different types of weapons—ranging from bows and crossbows to firearms like the longneck rifle—help players quickly distinguish what they need for different situations. Similarly, armor icons can denote various types of protection, from cloth armor for early game survival to riot armor for endgame content.
In high-stakes PvP situations, having well-organized weapon and armor icons can save precious seconds, ensuring you’re equipped for battle when it matters most.
5. Base Emblems and Flags
In addition to banners, base emblems and flags allow players to add further decorative elements to their home structures. These are often used to mark ownership of a base or as an added display of tribe pride. Flags can be positioned in high-visibility locations, making it clear to other players who controls the territory. Custom emblems are often featured on these flags, giving tribes a unique and recognizable signature.
How to Create Custom Ark Game Icons and Banners
While Ark: Survival Evolved comes with a variety of preset game icons and banners, many players opt to create their own custom designs. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how you can create and upload custom icons and banners into your game.
1. Designing Your Icon or Banner
The first step to creating custom game icons or banners is to design them using graphic design software. Tools like Photoshop, GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program), or even simpler online editors like Canva can help you create the perfect image. Keep in mind that icons should be simple and easily recognizable even at smaller sizes, while banners can feature more intricate details.
For custom banners, many players choose to design tribal insignias, logos, or symbols that hold significance to their tribe’s name or theme.
2. File Formatting
Once your design is complete, make sure to save it in the correct file format for the game. Ark typically requires images to be in a .pnt format for custom banners and .png format for some icons. There are several community tools available that can help convert standard image files (like .jpg or .png) into the required format.
3. Uploading the Custom Design
After you’ve formatted your design, the next step is to upload it into the game. This process typically involves placing the file in a specific folder within Ark’s game directory. Once uploaded, the banner or icon will be available to use in your game.
4. Displaying Your Banner or Icon
Once the file is uploaded, you can now display your custom banner on flags or use your icon in applicable situations like inventory management or tribal emblems.
Where to Find Ark: Survival Evolved (2017) Game Icons and Banners
While designing your own custom banners and icons is one option, many players prefer to use pre-made designs available from community websites. Platforms like Steam Workshop or fan sites dedicated to Ark often have a vast collection of downloadable Ark: Survival Evolved (2017) game icons banners that can be easily integrated into the game.
Popular Ark fan communities, Reddit threads, and Discord servers also frequently feature icon and banner design sharing. Players who aren’t as graphically inclined can benefit from the creativity of others by downloading these pre-made designs.
Why Customization Matters in Ark
Customization in Ark: Survival Evolved offers more than just aesthetic appeal. In an open-world game that focuses on survival, tribe identity, and competitive gameplay, having a distinct and well-designed banner or icon can leave a lasting impression on your fellow players. Whether it’s the banner that flies above your base or the icons you use to organize your resources and gear, these elements add depth to the Ark experience and give players a sense of ownership over their in-game creations.
For tribes, custom banners can create a strong sense of unity and foster collaboration, while solo players can use their designs to stand out and showcase their individuality.
Conclusion
In Ark: Survival Evolved (2017), game icons and banners provide players with the opportunity to express their creativity and establish their in-game identity. Whether you’re designing custom tribal banners, dinosaur-themed icons, or organizing your resources with sleek icons, these visual elements play a crucial role in the gameplay experience. Whether you’re leading a tribe or surviving solo, these customizations not only enhance your survival but also your enjoyment of the game.
FAQs
- How do I create custom banners in Ark: Survival Evolved?
You can create custom banners by designing an image in graphic design software and saving it in the appropriate .pnt or .png format, then uploading it to the game directory. - What file format do I need for custom game icons?
Most custom icons need to be in .png format, while custom banners are often saved in .pnt format. - Can I download pre-made Ark banners?
Yes, many pre-made Ark banners are available on community platforms such as the Steam Workshop or fan sites. - What software is best for creating Ark icons and banners?
Popular software for creating custom designs includes Photoshop, GIMP, and online tools like Canva. - Why are banners important in Ark: Survival Evolved?
Banners help establish tribe identity, allowing players to showcase their presence and foster a sense of unity in competitive environments.
