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 found by picking up rocks or mining larger boulders. 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, dilophosaurs, 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 get 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 a dangerous situation.
One common mistake is using bolas on creatures that are too large or immune to their effects. Always check the size and type of the creature before throwing a bola. Another mistake is not carrying enough bolas. They are single-use items, so it is wise to craft several before heading out on an adventure. Running out of bolas in the middle of a taming attempt or PvP fight can leave you vulnerable.
Advanced techniques involve combining bolas with other tools and strategies. For example, when taming a raptor, you can bola it, then use tranquilizer arrows to knock it out safely. In PvP, you can bola an enemy player and quickly switch to a melee weapon or bow to deal damage. Bolas can also be used defensively to create distance between you and an aggressive creature or player.
Resource management is key when using bolas. Since they require hide, fiber, and stone, it is important to gather these materials in bulk. Tamed dinosaurs like the trike or therizinosaur can help you gather fiber and stone more efficiently. Hide can be obtained by hunting or using a tamed carnivore like a raptor or saber-toothed cat. Always keep a stockpile of these resources in your base to ensure you can craft bolas whenever needed.
For solo players, bolas are a lifesaver when dealing with aggressive creatures or players. They provide a way to control the battlefield and create opportunities for escape or counterattacks. In a tribe, bolas can be used strategically to immobilize multiple targets or protect weaker members during a fight. Communication and coordination are essential when using bolas in a group setting.
Specific examples of bola usage include taming a pack of raptors. By bolaing one raptor at a time, you can isolate and tame them without being overwhelmed. In PvP, bolas can be used to immobilize an enemy player while your tribe members focus on their tames or structures. Bolas are also useful for defending your base against small to medium-sized creatures that might attack your walls or tames.
In conclusion, bolas are a versatile and essential tool in ARK: Survival Evolved. By understanding their mechanics, crafting them efficiently, and using them strategically, you can greatly enhance your survival and combat capabilities. Whether you are taming dinosaurs, defending your base, or engaging in PvP, bolas provide a reliable way to control the battlefield and gain the upper hand. Always carry a few bolas with you, and use them wisely to maximize their effectiveness.
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 found by picking up rocks or mining larger boulders. 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, dilophosaurs, 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 get 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 a dangerous situation.
One common mistake is using bolas on creatures that are too large or immune to their effects. Always check the size and type of the creature before throwing a bola. Another mistake is not carrying enough bolas. They are single-use items, so it is wise to craft several before heading out on an adventure. Running out of bolas in the middle of a taming attempt or PvP fight can leave you vulnerable.
Advanced techniques involve combining bolas with other tools and strategies. For example, when taming a raptor, you can bola it, then use tranquilizer arrows to knock it out safely. In PvP, you can bola an enemy player and quickly switch to a melee weapon or bow to deal damage. Bolas can also be used defensively to create distance between you and an aggressive creature or player.
Resource management is key when using bolas. Since they require hide, fiber, and stone, it is important to gather these materials in bulk. Tamed dinosaurs like the trike or therizinosaur can help you gather fiber and stone more efficiently. Hide can be obtained by hunting or using a tamed carnivore like a raptor or saber-toothed cat. Always keep a stockpile of these resources in your base to ensure you can craft bolas whenever needed.
For solo players, bolas are a lifesaver when dealing with aggressive creatures or players. They provide a way to control the battlefield and create opportunities for escape or counterattacks. In a tribe, bolas can be used strategically to immobilize multiple targets or protect weaker members during a fight. Communication and coordination are essential when using bolas in a group setting.
Specific examples of bola usage include taming a pack of raptors. By bolaing one raptor at a time, you can isolate and tame them without being overwhelmed. In PvP, bolas can be used to immobilize an enemy player while your tribe members focus on their tames or structures. Bolas are also useful for defending your base against small to medium-sized creatures that might attack your walls or tames.
In conclusion, bolas are a versatile and essential tool in ARK: Survival Evolved. By understanding their mechanics, crafting them efficiently, and using them strategically, you can greatly enhance your survival and combat capabilities. Whether you are taming dinosaurs, defending your base, or engaging in PvP, bolas provide a reliable way to control the battlefield and gain the upper hand. Always carry a few bolas with you, and use them wisely to maximize their effectiveness.