How is ARK?

So I've owned ARK for some time now, and played it for a few hours, but dropped it for something else that came out.

Anyway, I have a couple questions about it:

1. How is the community? I know it's an online game (it can be played offline, though, right?) and there are jerks everywhere, but overall is the community good?

2. Is your work saved when online? I'd hate to spend three hours working on something and have it disappear because I left

3. Are "clans" borderline necessary?

Thanks! Looks like a fun game despite the controversy around it.

1-There is not much players unless you use the new DLC. I think.

2-You need to join the same server and you keep your XP and stuff. But you can loose your stuff, it's how the game work and is meant.

3-I played alone and did well.

Thanks!

@gmak2442: Yeah you're right. Pretty much need the DLC.

Well, it won't disappear. It will just be destroyed by other players.