Oooh , it is ! <| sep |> Is there a mailbox on the island where a neutral mage could have a portal book from the AH mailed ? <| sep |> 1 . Do not build on the beach 2 . Start in PvP , the best players are the players who get knocked down and get back up again rather than the ones who never get knocked down , also ark has very different PvP mechanics that take time to adjust to , but man is it worth adjusting to . 3 . bugs island is a good map to start on , you will be able to level up very easy by going to the swamps known as the Writhing Swamps in game and killing hordes of Meganueras . 4 . Upgrade your movement speed , a lot of players go straight for the melee damage , but what good is melee if they can ' t catch you ? at least 150 % is a very good number for a PvP character 5 . Don ' t build out of wood , your home will be destroyed . Only build for permanent out of stone and upgrade from there , and have a reinforced door that way it deters most early game raiders . 6 . It ' s a rough game solo , but it is very possible , lay low , stay out of chat , and build your base in a forest . Don ' t deforest the area you build in , remaining hidden from flyers players on flying mounts is key to avoid , or at least deter raiding until you ' re better set up . 7 . clubs are your best friend in PvP at all times , always keep one hot barred . You may not have the range advantage , but knocking out an enemy renders them useless . 8 . Make sure to immediately begin collecting bushes when you spawn , berries are what keep you alive in early game ark and fiber crafts you clothes and tools . 9 . Do not make friends in PvP , only trust people who were your friend before you joined a server . It ' s a game that shows people ' s true personalities , and it ' s easier to avoid it all together than to be insided by someone you thought was your friend . 10 . be careful at spawns , diseases are an ANNOYING aspect of the game now and at low levels make things extremely difficult , cures also are semi difficult to craft making it easier to avoid it than to fix it . Overall , it ' s an amazing game of learning and adapting , good luck !