How do I craft and use a slingshot effectively in ARK: Survival Evolved?
The slingshot is one of the earliest ranged weapons you can craft in ARK: Survival Evolved, and it serves as a useful tool for both hunting and taming smaller creatures. While it may seem simple, using the slingshot effectively requires understanding its mechanics, preparing the right resources, and employing strategies to maximize its potential. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to craft and use a slingshot effectively.
To craft a slingshot, you need to unlock its engram at level 5. The crafting recipe requires 5 fiber, 5 hide, and 10 wood. These materials 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 wood is gathered by punching trees or using a pickaxe. Once you have the materials, open your inventory, navigate to the crafting tab, and craft the slingshot. It will be added to your inventory, and you can equip it in your hotbar for quick access.
The slingshot uses stones as ammunition, which can be gathered by picking them up from the ground or mining rocks with a pickaxe. Each shot consumes one stone, so itÔÇÖs a good idea to carry a stack of stones in your inventory. The slingshot has a limited range and deals low damage, making it most effective against small creatures like dodos, lystrosaurus, or even dilophosaurs. ItÔÇÖs not ideal for combat against larger or more aggressive creatures, as its damage output is too low to be effective in those situations.
One of the primary uses of the slingshot is for taming smaller creatures. When you hit a creature with the slingshot, it deals torpor damage, which can knock the creature unconscious over time. This makes it a useful tool for early-game taming, especially when you donÔÇÖt have access to more advanced tools like tranquilizer arrows or darts. To use the slingshot for taming, aim carefully at the target and fire repeatedly until the creature is knocked out. Be mindful of the creatureÔÇÖs health, as the slingshot also deals a small amount of damage with each hit. If the creatureÔÇÖs health drops too low, it may die before being knocked out.
When using the slingshot, positioning is key. Since it has a short range, you need to stay relatively close to your target. However, you also need to maintain enough distance to avoid being attacked, especially if the creature is aggressive. Kiting, or moving in and out of range while attacking, can help you avoid damage while still landing hits. For example, when taming a dilophosaur, you can fire a shot, then back away to avoid its spit attack, and repeat the process until itÔÇÖs unconscious.
One common mistake players make is underestimating the slingshotÔÇÖs limitations. While itÔÇÖs a useful early-game tool, it quickly becomes obsolete as you unlock better weapons like the bow or crossbow. Relying too heavily on the slingshot in mid-to-late game scenarios can put you at a disadvantage, especially when facing stronger creatures or players in PvP. ItÔÇÖs important to transition to more advanced weapons as soon as possible.
Another mistake is not carrying enough stones. Running out of ammunition in the middle of a fight or taming attempt can leave you vulnerable. Always carry a stack of at least 20-30 stones to ensure you have enough ammo for multiple encounters. Additionally, avoid using the slingshot against creatures with high health or torpor resistance, as it will take too long to knock them out and may not be worth the effort.
For advanced techniques, consider using the slingshot in combination with other tools. For example, you can use a bola to immobilize a creature, then switch to the slingshot to knock it out. This is particularly effective against small, fast-moving creatures like raptors or pegomastax. Additionally, you can use the slingshot to distract or lure creatures away from dangerous areas, such as cliffs or water, where they might fall or drown.
In terms of resource management, the slingshot is a low-cost weapon that doesnÔÇÖt require rare materials, making it accessible even for solo players. However, if youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, consider coordinating with your teammates to use the slingshot for taming while others provide protection or gather resources. This can make the taming process faster and safer.
In summary, the slingshot is a versatile early-game tool that can be used for hunting, taming, and even combat in certain situations. To use it effectively, gather the necessary materials, carry plenty of stones, and practice your aim and positioning. Avoid relying on it too heavily as you progress, and transition to more advanced weapons when possible. With the right strategy, the slingshot can be a valuable asset in your survival toolkit.
To craft a slingshot, you need to unlock its engram at level 5. The crafting recipe requires 5 fiber, 5 hide, and 10 wood. These materials 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 wood is gathered by punching trees or using a pickaxe. Once you have the materials, open your inventory, navigate to the crafting tab, and craft the slingshot. It will be added to your inventory, and you can equip it in your hotbar for quick access.
The slingshot uses stones as ammunition, which can be gathered by picking them up from the ground or mining rocks with a pickaxe. Each shot consumes one stone, so itÔÇÖs a good idea to carry a stack of stones in your inventory. The slingshot has a limited range and deals low damage, making it most effective against small creatures like dodos, lystrosaurus, or even dilophosaurs. ItÔÇÖs not ideal for combat against larger or more aggressive creatures, as its damage output is too low to be effective in those situations.
One of the primary uses of the slingshot is for taming smaller creatures. When you hit a creature with the slingshot, it deals torpor damage, which can knock the creature unconscious over time. This makes it a useful tool for early-game taming, especially when you donÔÇÖt have access to more advanced tools like tranquilizer arrows or darts. To use the slingshot for taming, aim carefully at the target and fire repeatedly until the creature is knocked out. Be mindful of the creatureÔÇÖs health, as the slingshot also deals a small amount of damage with each hit. If the creatureÔÇÖs health drops too low, it may die before being knocked out.
When using the slingshot, positioning is key. Since it has a short range, you need to stay relatively close to your target. However, you also need to maintain enough distance to avoid being attacked, especially if the creature is aggressive. Kiting, or moving in and out of range while attacking, can help you avoid damage while still landing hits. For example, when taming a dilophosaur, you can fire a shot, then back away to avoid its spit attack, and repeat the process until itÔÇÖs unconscious.
One common mistake players make is underestimating the slingshotÔÇÖs limitations. While itÔÇÖs a useful early-game tool, it quickly becomes obsolete as you unlock better weapons like the bow or crossbow. Relying too heavily on the slingshot in mid-to-late game scenarios can put you at a disadvantage, especially when facing stronger creatures or players in PvP. ItÔÇÖs important to transition to more advanced weapons as soon as possible.
Another mistake is not carrying enough stones. Running out of ammunition in the middle of a fight or taming attempt can leave you vulnerable. Always carry a stack of at least 20-30 stones to ensure you have enough ammo for multiple encounters. Additionally, avoid using the slingshot against creatures with high health or torpor resistance, as it will take too long to knock them out and may not be worth the effort.
For advanced techniques, consider using the slingshot in combination with other tools. For example, you can use a bola to immobilize a creature, then switch to the slingshot to knock it out. This is particularly effective against small, fast-moving creatures like raptors or pegomastax. Additionally, you can use the slingshot to distract or lure creatures away from dangerous areas, such as cliffs or water, where they might fall or drown.
In terms of resource management, the slingshot is a low-cost weapon that doesnÔÇÖt require rare materials, making it accessible even for solo players. However, if youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, consider coordinating with your teammates to use the slingshot for taming while others provide protection or gather resources. This can make the taming process faster and safer.
In summary, the slingshot is a versatile early-game tool that can be used for hunting, taming, and even combat in certain situations. To use it effectively, gather the necessary materials, carry plenty of stones, and practice your aim and positioning. Avoid relying on it too heavily as you progress, and transition to more advanced weapons when possible. With the right strategy, the slingshot can be a valuable asset in your survival toolkit.