How do I craft and use bolas effectively in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Crafting and using bolas effectively in ARK: Survival Evolved is a crucial skill for both early-game survival and advanced combat strategies. Bolas are simple yet powerful tools that can immobilize small to medium-sized creatures and even players, making them invaluable for taming, defense, and PvP encounters. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use bolas effectively, covering mechanics, strategies, and tips.
To craft bolas, you need to unlock the engram at level 9. The recipe requires 5 fiber, 1 hide, and 1 stone. These resources are relatively easy to gather early in the game. Fiber can be collected by hand from bushes, hide is obtained by killing small creatures like dodos or dilophosaurs, and stone is gathered by hitting rocks with a pickaxe or your fists. Once you have the materials, craft the bolas in your inventory or at a crafting station like the Smithy.
The primary function of a bola is to immobilize targets for a short period, typically around 30 seconds. When thrown, the bola wraps around the target's legs, preventing movement. This is particularly useful for taming smaller creatures like raptors, pteranodons, or even players in PvP. However, bolas do not work on larger creatures like rexes or brontos, so it is important to know which creatures are susceptible.
To use a bola effectively, equip it in your hotbar and aim at your target. The bola has a short range, so you need to be relatively close to your target. Aim for the legs or lower body to ensure a successful hit. Once the target is immobilized, you can take advantage of the situation. For taming, this is the perfect time to knock the creature out with tranquilizer arrows or a slingshot. In PvP, you can use the immobilization to land critical hits or escape from a dangerous situation.
One common mistake is using bolas on creatures that are too large or immune to their effects. Always check the creature's size before attempting to use a bola. Another mistake is not carrying enough bolas. They are single-use items, so you should always have a few in your inventory, especially when exploring or engaging in combat. Running out of bolas at a critical moment can leave you vulnerable.
Advanced techniques involve combining bolas with other tools and strategies. For example, you can use a bola to immobilize a raptor, then quickly place a wooden cage around it to trap it permanently. This is useful for taming or containing aggressive creatures. In PvP, you can use bolas to disable an enemy player, then follow up with a melee weapon or ranged attack. Timing is key, as the immobilization effect is temporary.
Resource management is important when using bolas. Since they require hide, which can be scarce early in the game, prioritize killing small creatures to stockpile hide. Fiber and stone are abundant, so focus on gathering hide to ensure you can craft bolas as needed. In a tribe setting, assign roles to members so that one person can focus on gathering hide while others gather other resources. This ensures a steady supply of bolas for the entire tribe.
In solo play, bolas are even more critical because you lack the support of tribe members. Always carry at least five bolas when venturing out, as you may encounter multiple threats. Use bolas to immobilize predators like raptors or carnos, giving you time to escape or counterattack. In taming scenarios, bolas can make the difference between a successful tame and a deadly encounter.
Specific examples of bola usage include taming a pteranodon. These flying creatures are fast and difficult to hit with tranquilizers. Use a bola to immobilize the pteranodon, then knock it out with a slingshot or tranquilizer arrows. Another example is defending your base from a raptor attack. If a raptor breaches your defenses, use a bola to immobilize it, then finish it off with a spear or bow.
In conclusion, bolas are a versatile and essential tool in ARK: Survival Evolved. They are easy to craft, effective in both PvE and PvP scenarios, and can significantly improve your chances of survival. By understanding their mechanics, avoiding common mistakes, and using advanced techniques, you can master the art of bola usage and gain a significant advantage in the game. Always prepare adequately, manage your resources wisely, and adapt your strategies to the situation at hand.
To craft bolas, you need to unlock the engram at level 9. The recipe requires 5 fiber, 1 hide, and 1 stone. These resources are relatively easy to gather early in the game. Fiber can be collected by hand from bushes, hide is obtained by killing small creatures like dodos or dilophosaurs, and stone is gathered by hitting rocks with a pickaxe or your fists. Once you have the materials, craft the bolas in your inventory or at a crafting station like the Smithy.
The primary function of a bola is to immobilize targets for a short period, typically around 30 seconds. When thrown, the bola wraps around the target's legs, preventing movement. This is particularly useful for taming smaller creatures like raptors, pteranodons, or even players in PvP. However, bolas do not work on larger creatures like rexes or brontos, so it is important to know which creatures are susceptible.
To use a bola effectively, equip it in your hotbar and aim at your target. The bola has a short range, so you need to be relatively close to your target. Aim for the legs or lower body to ensure a successful hit. Once the target is immobilized, you can take advantage of the situation. For taming, this is the perfect time to knock the creature out with tranquilizer arrows or a slingshot. In PvP, you can use the immobilization to land critical hits or escape from a dangerous situation.
One common mistake is using bolas on creatures that are too large or immune to their effects. Always check the creature's size before attempting to use a bola. Another mistake is not carrying enough bolas. They are single-use items, so you should always have a few in your inventory, especially when exploring or engaging in combat. Running out of bolas at a critical moment can leave you vulnerable.
Advanced techniques involve combining bolas with other tools and strategies. For example, you can use a bola to immobilize a raptor, then quickly place a wooden cage around it to trap it permanently. This is useful for taming or containing aggressive creatures. In PvP, you can use bolas to disable an enemy player, then follow up with a melee weapon or ranged attack. Timing is key, as the immobilization effect is temporary.
Resource management is important when using bolas. Since they require hide, which can be scarce early in the game, prioritize killing small creatures to stockpile hide. Fiber and stone are abundant, so focus on gathering hide to ensure you can craft bolas as needed. In a tribe setting, assign roles to members so that one person can focus on gathering hide while others gather other resources. This ensures a steady supply of bolas for the entire tribe.
In solo play, bolas are even more critical because you lack the support of tribe members. Always carry at least five bolas when venturing out, as you may encounter multiple threats. Use bolas to immobilize predators like raptors or carnos, giving you time to escape or counterattack. In taming scenarios, bolas can make the difference between a successful tame and a deadly encounter.
Specific examples of bola usage include taming a pteranodon. These flying creatures are fast and difficult to hit with tranquilizers. Use a bola to immobilize the pteranodon, then knock it out with a slingshot or tranquilizer arrows. Another example is defending your base from a raptor attack. If a raptor breaches your defenses, use a bola to immobilize it, then finish it off with a spear or bow.
In conclusion, bolas are a versatile and essential tool in ARK: Survival Evolved. They are easy to craft, effective in both PvE and PvP scenarios, and can significantly improve your chances of survival. By understanding their mechanics, avoiding common mistakes, and using advanced techniques, you can master the art of bola usage and gain a significant advantage in the game. Always prepare adequately, manage your resources wisely, and adapt your strategies to the situation at hand.