- Build a dinosaur base effectively by choosing the right foundation type for your terrain.
- Fence Foundations allow for gate snapping but create uneven walls on hills.
- Fence Supports provide perfectly level walls on slopes but have limited snapping options.
- Gate Placement is automated and seamless when using Fence Foundations.
- Visual Clarity improves by turning off ground clutter in settings.
Terrain Analysis & Strategy
Building a secure enclosure requires understanding the lay of the land. The primary challenge in base construction is maintaining structural integrity on uneven terrain. Before placing your first piece, you must decide between prioritizing ease of access or visual uniformity.
Fence Foundations
- Snaps to gates automatically
- Follows terrain contour closely
- Walls appear staggered on slopes
- Best for: Flat ground or gate-heavy designs
Fence Supports
- Creates level walls on hills
- Difficult gate alignment
- Requires snap point cycling
- Best for: Aesthetic, uniform perches on slopes
If you are struggling to see snap points due to thick grass or foliage, navigate to your settings and turn the ground clutter density down. This reveals the exact placement of your foundations.
Video Highlights:
- Demonstrates the difference between Fence Foundations and Fence Supports on hills.
- Shows the exact method to cycle through snap points using the 'Q' key or Left Button.
- Visualizes the staggering effect on standard foundations versus the level finish of supports.
Construction Methods
There are two primary methods for erecting your perimeter. The choice depends entirely on the topography of your chosen build location.
Method 1: The Contour Approach
This method uses standard Fence Foundations. It is the fastest way to mark territory.
- Placement: Snap foundations directly to the ground in a line.
- Behavior: On a hill, the foundations will step up or down to match the slope.
- Result: Walls attached to these foundations will be staggered, creating a "step" effect.
- Advantage: You can snap Dino Gates and Door Frames directly to the foundation line without manual alignment.
Method 2: The Level Approach
This method utilizes Fence Supports (often called "Ramps" or specific snap pieces) to maintain a consistent height.
- Placement: Cycle snap points until the piece locks horizontally relative to the previous one, rather than following the ground slope.
- Behavior: The structure ignores the immediate terrain contour.
- Result: Walls snap to these supports and form a perfectly flat, even vertical surface.
- Advantage: Aesthetically superior and prevents dinosaurs from getting stuck on uneven ground inside the pen.
| Feature | Fence Foundations | Fence Supports |
|---|---|---|
| Terrain Adaptation | High (Follows ground) | Low (Stays level) |
| Wall Uniformity | Staggered/Stepped | Level/Flat |
| Gate Compatibility | Excellent (Auto-snap) | Poor (Manual align) |
| Difficulty | Low | Medium |
| Best Use Case | Utility Pens / Flat Land | Display Pens / Hills |
When building on steep hills using Fence Supports, you may leave gaps underneath the structure. Small dinosaurs or creatures could potentially escape through these gaps if the wall is not buried or supported by a foundation underneath.
Step-by-Step Construction
Follow this workflow to build a dinosaur base that is both secure and functional.
Clear the Area
Remove obstacles like trees and rocks. Use the "Hide Ground Clutter" setting in options to visualize the snap points clearly.
Lay the Perimeter
Place your first Fence Foundation. Decide if you want the wall to follow the slope (Foundation) or stay level (Support).
Cycle Snap Points
If the piece snaps at an unwanted angle, press the 'Q' key or cycle with your mouse button to rotate through available snap points (45-degree angles, straight, etc.).
Erect Walls
Once the line is set, snap your walls. If using Foundations on a hill, accept the staggered look. If using Supports, ensure the wall snaps to the level plane.
Install Access
Place your Dino Gate. It snaps instantly to Fence Foundations. For Supports, you may need to place a foundation segment specifically for the gate to ensure it fits.
Optimization Checklist
A well-built pen is more than just a fence; it is a management system. Use this checklist to ensure your enclosure is top-tier.
Essential Build Standards:
- Verify gate size matches the dinosaur species (e.g., Behemoth Gate for Brontos)
- Ensure walls are high enough to prevent climbing or glitching
- Confirm no gaps exist in the flooring or ceiling
- Check for overlapping collision boxes that might prevent gate opening
- Test the pathing of the dino inside the pen to ensure they don't get stuck
For a polished look, place Pillars at the corners of your gates and fence turns. This reinforces the structure visually and frames the entranceways, giving your base a professional finish.
Material Comparison Table
| Material | Durability | Cost | Suggested Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood | Low | Low | Temporary pens, early game |
| Stone | Medium | Medium | Standard bases, general defense |
| Metal | High | High | High-value areas, aggressive creatures |
| Tek | Very High | Very High | End-game, maximum security |
Troubleshooting & FAQ
Even experienced builders encounter issues. Here are solutions to the most common problems when you build a dinosaur base.
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Gate won't snap | Using Fence Supports | Place a standard Fence Foundation at the gate location. |
| Walls look jagged | Building on a slope with Foundations | Switch to Fence Supports for that specific section to level it out. |
| Can't see snap points | High ground clutter density | Lower graphics settings for ground clutter. |
| Dino gets stuck | Uneven floor inside pen | Use foundations to flatten the ground inside the pen. |
Q: How do I make walls level on a steep hill?
You must use Fence Supports or cycle snap points to find the 'level' connection. Standard Fence Foundations will always follow the terrain slope, resulting in staggered walls.
Q: Why won't my Dino Gate snap to my wall?
Gates typically snap to Fence Foundations. If you are building with Fence Supports or standalone walls, try placing a single Fence Foundation where you want the gate to be, then snap the gate to that.
Q: Can I use greenhouse walls for a dinosaur pen?
Generally, no. Greenhouse walls often have different snap points and may not connect correctly to standard fence foundations or supports.
Q: What is the best way to enter a small pen?
For small creatures like Dodos, you can snap a Door Frame directly to the Fence Foundation instead of using a large Dino Gate.