ARK: Survival Evolved (2017) Game Icons Banners: Guide

Ark: Survival Evolved, released in 2017, is an action-adventure survival game that has captivated players worldwide with its prehistoric landscape, dynamic gameplay, and robust graphics. A unique aspect of the Ark community is its custom game icons and banners, which provide a personalized touch to servers and character profiles. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about game icons and banners in Ark: Survival Evolved, from their importance to how you can create your own.

1. What Are Game Icons and Banners in Ark: Survival Evolved?

Game icons and banners in Ark: Survival Evolved are graphical elements that players use to represent themselves or their tribes. These visual assets can range from simple tribe emblems to intricate server banners, contributing to the game’s immersive environment.

2. Importance of Icons and Banners in Ark

Icons and banners are more than just decorative elements. They serve several essential functions:

Tribe Identity: Icons help differentiate tribes and clans within the game.
Server Customization: Banners allow server admins to create a unique look and feel for their servers.
Immersion: Personalized visuals enhance the immersive experience for players.

3. How to Create Custom Game Icons for Ark: Survival Evolved

Creating custom icons involves using graphic design tools like Photoshop or free alternatives such as GIMP. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Choose Your Design Software: Start by selecting a graphic design program.
Create a New Canvas: Set the canvas size to 256×256 pixels, the recommended size for icons.
Design Your Icon: Use shapes, colors, and text to create your custom design.
Save in the Right Format: Save the file as a .png format for transparency support.

4. Uploading Your Custom Icon to Ark: Survival Evolved

To use your custom icon, follow these steps:

Navigate to the Game Folder: Locate your Ark game directory.
Upload the Icon: Place the .png file in the appropriate folder, typically “ShooterGame/Saved/Icons.”
Assign the Icon: Open the game, and select your icon through the tribe or server customization menu.

5. Designing Banners for Your Ark Server

Banners can be even more impactful than icons as they provide a visual representation for your server. Here’s how to make your banner:

Size Matters: Recommended dimensions are 1024×512 pixels for a standard banner.
Design Elements: Use symbols, colors, and text to convey your server’s theme or mission.
File Format: Save in .jpg or .png format to ensure compatibility.

6. Uploading and Displaying Your Custom Banner

To display your custom banner on your server, follow these steps:

Access the Server Control Panel: Go to the server management tools.
Upload the Banner: Find the option to upload a banner under server settings.
Apply the Changes: Restart the server for the changes to take effect.

7. Best Practices for Creating Game Icons and Banners

Keep It Simple: Avoid clutter in your designs; simplicity is key.
Use High-Contrast Colors: Ensure your designs stand out against different backgrounds.
Consider the Theme: Align your design with your tribe’s or server’s theme.

8. Tools and Resources for Creating Icons and Banners

There are several free and paid tools available:

Adobe Photoshop: The industry standard for design.
GIMP: A free alternative to Photoshop.
Canva: An online tool that’s easy to use for beginners.

9. Popular Icon and Banner Styles in Ark: Survival Evolved

Common styles include:

Minimalist: Simple shapes and colors.
Tribal: Designs that reflect the prehistoric and survival themes.
Futuristic: High-tech and neon aesthetics that contrast with the game’s setting.

10. Tips for Choosing the Right Style for Your Tribe or Server

Match Your Tribe’s Personality: If you’re a stealthy tribe, go for darker colors and sleek designs.
Reflect Your Play Style: Aggressive tribes might choose fiery reds, while peaceful tribes might prefer calming blues.

11. Where to Find Inspiration for Your Designs

Look at other players’ designs on Ark forums, Reddit, or communities like Steam Workshop.

12. How to Market Your Server Using Icons and Banners

Banners and icons are great marketing tools. Here’s how to leverage them:

Consistency: Use the same icon and banner across all marketing platforms.
Visibility: Place your banner on popular Ark server listings.

13. Examples of Icon and Banner Design Inspirations

Here are some ideas:

Dinosaur Silhouettes: Use silhouettes of dinosaurs to keep your design game-themed.
Biome-Themed Designs: Reflect different biomes in the game (jungles, deserts, snowy mountains).

14. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Creating Icons and Banners

Overly Complex Designs: They may look cluttered when scaled down.
Low-Quality Images: Always use high-resolution images to avoid pixelation.

15. How to Keep Your Designs Fresh and Updated

Keep up with game updates and community trends to ensure your designs remain relevant.

Conclusion

Creating custom game icons and banners in Ark: Survival Evolved is a great way to personalize your gaming experience and stand out in the community. By following the guidelines and tips in this article, you can create compelling visual elements that enhance gameplay and reflect your tribe’s or server’s unique style. So grab your design tools and start crafting today!

FAQs

Can I use copyrighted images for my Ark icons and banners?
- It’s best to use original designs or royalty-free images to avoid any copyright issues.
What is the best format for Ark game icons?
- The .png format is ideal for transparency and quality.
How often should I update my server banner?
- Update it regularly to keep your server looking fresh and engaging for new players.
Do I need special software to create game icons?
- No, you can use free tools like GIMP or Canva.
Can I hire someone to create custom icons and banners?
- Yes, many freelance designers specialize in gaming graphics.