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

The chainsaw in ARK: Survival Evolved is a powerful tool and weapon that can be used for both resource gathering and combat. It is particularly effective for harvesting large amounts of organic resources like wood, thatch, and meat, making it a valuable addition to your arsenal. However, crafting and using a chainsaw effectively requires careful preparation and understanding of its mechanics.

To craft a chainsaw, you must first unlock its engram. The chainsaw engram becomes available at level 55 and costs 35 engram points to unlock. Once unlocked, you will need the following resources to craft it: 25 metal ingots, 15 polymer, 50 cementing paste, 50 electronics, and 15 oil. These materials can be gathered or crafted using resources found throughout the game. Metal ingots are smelted from metal ore in a forge, polymer can be obtained from killing creatures like Kairuku or crafted using organic polymer, cementing paste is made from chitin or keratin and stone in a mortar and pestle or chemistry bench, electronics are crafted from metal ingots and silica pearls, and oil can be harvested from oil nodes or by killing creatures like Trilobites.

Once you have crafted the chainsaw, you will need fuel to operate it. The chainsaw runs on gasoline, which is crafted in a refining forge or industrial forge using oil and hide. To craft gasoline, combine 5 oil and 3 hide in the forge, and it will take 30 seconds to produce one unit of gasoline. Each unit of gasoline provides 20 minutes of runtime for the chainsaw, so it is a good idea to stockpile gasoline if you plan to use the chainsaw frequently.

Using the chainsaw effectively requires understanding its mechanics. When equipped, the chainsaw can be activated by pressing the attack button. It will consume gasoline while in use and will harvest resources from trees, rocks, and corpses. The chainsaw is particularly efficient at gathering wood and thatch from trees, and it can also harvest large amounts of meat and hide from dead creatures. However, it is important to note that the chainsaw has a durability stat, which decreases with use. Repairing the chainsaw requires metal ingots and polymer, so keep an eye on its durability and repair it as needed.

One important tip for using the chainsaw is to target the right resources. While the chainsaw is excellent for harvesting wood and thatch, it is less efficient for gathering stone or metal. For these resources, it is better to use a pickaxe or an Ankylosaurus. Additionally, the chainsaw can be used in combat, but it is not the most effective weapon. It deals moderate damage and has a short range, so it is best used as a last resort or against weaker enemies.

A common mistake to avoid is running out of gasoline while using the chainsaw. Always carry extra gasoline in your inventory or on a tamed dinosaur to ensure you can continue using the chainsaw without interruption. Another mistake is using the chainsaw on resources that it is not optimized for, such as stone or metal. This will waste durability and gasoline, so it is important to use the right tool for the job.

For advanced techniques, consider using the chainsaw in combination with tamed dinosaurs. For example, you can use a chainsaw to quickly harvest wood and thatch while riding a Beaver or Mammoth, which can carry large amounts of resources. This combination allows you to gather resources more efficiently and transport them back to your base. Additionally, you can use the chainsaw to harvest meat and hide from large creatures like Brontosaurus or Rex, which can provide a significant amount of resources in a short amount of time.

In terms of tribe and solo considerations, the chainsaw is a valuable tool for both playstyles. In a tribe, you can assign one member to focus on resource gathering using the chainsaw, while others focus on base building or defense. For solo players, the chainsaw can save time and effort when gathering resources, allowing you to focus on other aspects of survival.

In specific scenarios, the chainsaw can be a game-changer. For example, if you are building a large wooden structure, the chainsaw can quickly gather the necessary wood and thatch. Similarly, if you are preparing for a boss fight and need to stockpile meat for tamed dinosaurs, the chainsaw can help you gather large amounts of meat and hide from dead creatures.

In conclusion, the chainsaw is a versatile and powerful tool in ARK: Survival Evolved. By understanding its mechanics, preparing the necessary resources, and using it effectively, you can greatly enhance your resource gathering and survival capabilities. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, the chainsaw is a valuable addition to your arsenal.