How do I craft and use a slingshot for taming in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Crafting and using a slingshot in ARK: Survival Evolved is an essential early-game strategy for taming smaller creatures and defending yourself against threats. The slingshot is one of the first ranged weapons you can craft, and it is particularly useful for knocking out creatures like Dodos, Dilophosaurs, and even smaller dinosaurs like the Parasaur. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use a slingshot effectively, along with tips and strategies to maximize its utility.
To craft a slingshot, you need to unlock its engram at level 5. This requires spending 3 engram points. Once unlocked, you can craft it using the following resources: 20 fiber, 5 hide, and 5 wood. Fiber can be gathered by hand from bushes, hide is obtained by killing creatures like Dodos or Raptors, and wood is collected by punching trees or using a pickaxe. These resources are relatively easy to gather early in the game, making the slingshot an accessible tool for new players.
Once crafted, the slingshot uses stones as ammunition. Stones are abundant and can be collected 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 20-30 stones when using the slingshot for taming or combat. The slingshot has a short range and a slow firing rate, so positioning and timing are crucial when using it.
To use the slingshot for taming, you need to aim at the head of the target creature. Headshots deal more torpor damage, which is the stat that determines when a creature will be knocked out. For example, a Dodo can be knocked out with just a few well-placed shots to the head, while a Dilophosaur may require more hits. Be patient and avoid rushing your shots, as missing can agitate the creature and make it harder to tame. If the creature becomes aggressive, try to create distance and use terrain to your advantage, such as hiding behind rocks or trees.
One common mistake players make is underestimating the slingshotÔÇÖs limitations. While it is effective against small creatures, it is not suitable for taming larger or more dangerous dinosaurs like Carnotaurus or Raptors. Attempting to use a slingshot against these creatures can result in your death or the creature escaping. Always assess the situation and choose the right tool for the job. For larger creatures, consider using a bow with tranq arrows or a club for close-range taming.
Advanced techniques for using the slingshot include kiting and using environmental traps. Kiting involves luring a creature into a safe area where you can shoot it without being attacked. For example, you can lead a Dilophosaur into a narrow canyon or behind a rock formation to limit its movement. Environmental traps, such as building a small pen with wooden walls, can also help you safely knock out a creature without risking injury. These strategies are especially useful when playing solo, as you wonÔÇÖt have tribe members to assist you.
Resource management is important when using the slingshot. Since stones are easy to gather, you donÔÇÖt need to worry too much about running out of ammunition. However, carrying extra stones and a backup weapon like a spear or club is always a good idea in case you encounter unexpected threats. Additionally, consider crafting multiple slingshots if you plan to tame several creatures in one session, as the slingshot has durability and will eventually break after repeated use.
Tribe considerations can also impact how you use the slingshot. In a tribe, one player can focus on gathering resources while another handles taming, making the process more efficient. For example, one tribe member can gather stones and hide while another crafts slingshots and tames creatures. This division of labor allows the tribe to progress faster and tackle more challenging tasks together.
In specific scenarios, the slingshot can be a lifesaver. For instance, if you encounter a pack of Compys, the slingshot can help you knock them out one by one without getting overwhelmed. Similarly, if youÔÇÖre trying to tame a Parasaur early in the game, the slingshot is a reliable tool for knocking it out without risking your life. Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid using the slingshot in areas with high concentrations of aggressive creatures.
In conclusion, the slingshot is a versatile and accessible tool for early-game taming and combat in ARK: Survival Evolved. By understanding its mechanics, practicing your aim, and using advanced techniques like kiting and traps, you can effectively tame small creatures and defend yourself against threats. Avoid common mistakes like using the slingshot against large or dangerous creatures, and always prepare by gathering enough resources and carrying backup weapons. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, the slingshot is a valuable asset for surviving and thriving in the early stages of the game.
To craft a slingshot, you need to unlock its engram at level 5. This requires spending 3 engram points. Once unlocked, you can craft it using the following resources: 20 fiber, 5 hide, and 5 wood. Fiber can be gathered by hand from bushes, hide is obtained by killing creatures like Dodos or Raptors, and wood is collected by punching trees or using a pickaxe. These resources are relatively easy to gather early in the game, making the slingshot an accessible tool for new players.
Once crafted, the slingshot uses stones as ammunition. Stones are abundant and can be collected 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 20-30 stones when using the slingshot for taming or combat. The slingshot has a short range and a slow firing rate, so positioning and timing are crucial when using it.
To use the slingshot for taming, you need to aim at the head of the target creature. Headshots deal more torpor damage, which is the stat that determines when a creature will be knocked out. For example, a Dodo can be knocked out with just a few well-placed shots to the head, while a Dilophosaur may require more hits. Be patient and avoid rushing your shots, as missing can agitate the creature and make it harder to tame. If the creature becomes aggressive, try to create distance and use terrain to your advantage, such as hiding behind rocks or trees.
One common mistake players make is underestimating the slingshotÔÇÖs limitations. While it is effective against small creatures, it is not suitable for taming larger or more dangerous dinosaurs like Carnotaurus or Raptors. Attempting to use a slingshot against these creatures can result in your death or the creature escaping. Always assess the situation and choose the right tool for the job. For larger creatures, consider using a bow with tranq arrows or a club for close-range taming.
Advanced techniques for using the slingshot include kiting and using environmental traps. Kiting involves luring a creature into a safe area where you can shoot it without being attacked. For example, you can lead a Dilophosaur into a narrow canyon or behind a rock formation to limit its movement. Environmental traps, such as building a small pen with wooden walls, can also help you safely knock out a creature without risking injury. These strategies are especially useful when playing solo, as you wonÔÇÖt have tribe members to assist you.
Resource management is important when using the slingshot. Since stones are easy to gather, you donÔÇÖt need to worry too much about running out of ammunition. However, carrying extra stones and a backup weapon like a spear or club is always a good idea in case you encounter unexpected threats. Additionally, consider crafting multiple slingshots if you plan to tame several creatures in one session, as the slingshot has durability and will eventually break after repeated use.
Tribe considerations can also impact how you use the slingshot. In a tribe, one player can focus on gathering resources while another handles taming, making the process more efficient. For example, one tribe member can gather stones and hide while another crafts slingshots and tames creatures. This division of labor allows the tribe to progress faster and tackle more challenging tasks together.
In specific scenarios, the slingshot can be a lifesaver. For instance, if you encounter a pack of Compys, the slingshot can help you knock them out one by one without getting overwhelmed. Similarly, if youÔÇÖre trying to tame a Parasaur early in the game, the slingshot is a reliable tool for knocking it out without risking your life. Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid using the slingshot in areas with high concentrations of aggressive creatures.
In conclusion, the slingshot is a versatile and accessible tool for early-game taming and combat in ARK: Survival Evolved. By understanding its mechanics, practicing your aim, and using advanced techniques like kiting and traps, you can effectively tame small creatures and defend yourself against threats. Avoid common mistakes like using the slingshot against large or dangerous creatures, and always prepare by gathering enough resources and carrying backup weapons. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, the slingshot is a valuable asset for surviving and thriving in the early stages of the game.