How do I craft and use a longneck rifle effectively in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Crafting and using a longneck rifle effectively in ARK: Survival Evolved requires a combination of resource gathering, crafting knowledge, and combat strategy. The longneck rifle is one of the most powerful ranged weapons in the game, offering high damage and accuracy, making it ideal for hunting, taming, and PvP combat. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to craft and use it effectively.

To craft a longneck rifle, you need to unlock its engram at level 35, which costs 21 engram points. The crafting recipe requires 35 metal ingots, 15 wood, 20 fiber, and 15 hide. Metal ingots are obtained by smelting metal ore in a forge, wood is gathered from trees using tools like a hatchet or a tamed beaver, fiber is collected from bushes, and hide is obtained from killing animals. Once you have the materials, you can craft the rifle at a smithy. The smithy itself requires 10 metal ingots, 50 wood, and 20 hide to build, so ensure you have the necessary resources for both the rifle and the crafting station.

Ammunition for the longneck rifle is crafted separately. Simple rifle bullets are made in a fabricator, which requires 2 metal ingots, 5 gunpowder, and 1 sparkpowder per 10 bullets. Gunpowder is crafted from charcoal and sparkpowder, which are made from flint and stone in a mortar and pestle. Stockpile these resources to ensure you have enough bullets for extended use.

When using the longneck rifle, accuracy and timing are crucial. The rifle has a slow rate of fire, so every shot counts. Aim for headshots to maximize damage, especially when hunting or engaging in PvP. For taming, the longneck rifle is often paired with tranquilizer darts, which are crafted using simple rifle bullets, narcotics, and metal ingots. Tranquilizer darts are highly effective for knocking out creatures quickly, making them a preferred choice for taming high-level dinosaurs.

One common mistake is underestimating the resource cost of maintaining a longneck rifle. Ammunition and repairs can drain your resources quickly, so always gather extra materials. Another mistake is using the rifle in close-quarters combat. The longneck rifle is best used at medium to long range, where its accuracy and damage can be fully utilized. In close combat, switch to a melee weapon or a faster-firing ranged weapon like a shotgun.

Advanced techniques include using the rifle in combination with tamed dinosaurs. For example, you can use a high-damage dinosaur like a Rex or Spino to distract a target while you take precise shots from a safe distance. In PvP, use the rifle to pick off enemies from afar, especially if they are unaware of your position. Stealth and positioning are key to maximizing the rifleÔÇÖs effectiveness.

Resource management is critical when using the longneck rifle. Always carry extra ammunition and repair materials, as running out of bullets or having your rifle break mid-fight can be disastrous. Consider setting up a dedicated crafting area near your base with forges, fabricators, and storage boxes to streamline the production of bullets and repairs.

For solo players, the longneck rifle is a powerful tool for survival, but it requires careful planning. Ensure you have a secure base to store your resources and craft ammunition. For tribes, the rifle can be a game-changer in coordinated attacks or defenses. Assign roles within your tribe, such as designated snipers, to maximize the rifleÔÇÖs potential in group scenarios.

In specific scenarios, the longneck rifle shines. For example, when taming a high-level Rex, using tranquilizer darts from a longneck rifle can knock it out quickly and safely. In PvP, sniping an enemy player from a hidden vantage point can turn the tide of a battle. Always be aware of your surroundings and use the rifleÔÇÖs range to your advantage.

In summary, the longneck rifle is a versatile and powerful weapon in ARK: Survival Evolved. By mastering its crafting, usage, and resource management, you can significantly enhance your survival and combat capabilities. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, the longneck rifle is a valuable asset in your arsenal.