How do I craft and use a pike for melee combat in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Crafting and using a pike for melee combat in ARK: Survival Evolved is a straightforward process, but it requires careful preparation and understanding of the game's mechanics. The pike is a mid-tier melee weapon that offers better range and damage compared to early-game tools like the spear, making it a valuable tool for both survival and combat. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and effectively use a pike, along with tips and considerations to maximize its utility.
To craft a pike, you first need to unlock its engram. The pike becomes available at level 25, and it costs 12 engram points to unlock. Once unlocked, you can craft it at a Smithy or your inventory if you have the required resources. The crafting recipe for a pike includes 20 wood, 15 fiber, and 35 metal ingots. Metal ingots are a key resource and are obtained by smelting metal ore in a refining forge. Metal ore is commonly found in rocky areas, especially near mountains or in caves. You will also need a pickaxe to gather metal ore efficiently. Wood and fiber are easier to gather, as wood can be collected from trees using a hatchet or a tamed dinosaur like a Beaver or Mammoth, while fiber is obtained by harvesting bushes by hand or with a sickle.
Once you have the necessary resources, open your inventory or the Smithy and navigate to the crafting menu. Select the pike and craft it. The pike has a durability of 40, meaning it can be used 40 times before it breaks. However, its durability can be extended by repairing it with additional resources. Keep in mind that the pike is a two-handed weapon, so you cannot use a shield or another tool while wielding it.
Using the pike effectively in combat requires understanding its strengths and weaknesses. The pike has a longer reach than most melee weapons, allowing you to attack enemies from a safer distance. This is particularly useful against smaller or faster creatures that can close the gap quickly. The pike also deals decent damage, making it effective against low to mid-tier enemies. However, it has a slower attack speed compared to weapons like the sword, so timing your strikes is crucial. Aim for the head or weak spots of creatures to maximize damage.
One common mistake players make is using the pike against large or heavily armored creatures. While the pike is effective against smaller threats, it may not be the best choice for taking on larger dinosaurs like Rexes or Spinos. In these situations, ranged weapons or tamed dinosaurs are often more effective. Another mistake is neglecting to repair the pike. Always carry extra resources to repair your pike in the field, as running out of durability during a fight can leave you vulnerable.
Advanced techniques for using the pike include combining it with movement and positioning. Since the pike has a longer reach, you can use it to kite enemies by attacking and then backing away to avoid counterattacks. This is especially useful when fighting multiple enemies or creatures with high damage output. Additionally, using the pike in combination with a tamed dinosaur can create a powerful synergy. For example, you can use a tamed Raptor to distract an enemy while you attack from a safe distance with the pike.
Resource management is key when using the pike. Always ensure you have enough metal ingots and wood to craft and repair the pike, as running out of resources in the middle of a fight can be disastrous. Consider setting up a base near a metal-rich area to streamline resource gathering. If you are playing in a tribe, assign roles to members to ensure a steady supply of resources. For example, one player can focus on gathering metal while another collects wood and fiber.
In solo play, the pike is a reliable weapon for defending yourself against smaller threats and gathering resources. However, you may need to rely on tamed dinosaurs or ranged weapons for larger challenges. In a tribe, the pike can be part of a coordinated strategy, with players using it to support each other in combat or to defend the base from intruders.
Specific scenarios where the pike shines include defending your base from smaller predators like Raptors or Carnos, hunting for food, and gathering resources in dangerous areas. For example, if you are gathering metal in a cave, the pike can help you fend off hostile creatures like Bats or Scorpions. In PvP, the pike can be used to harass enemies from a distance, though it is less effective against players with ranged weapons or armor.
In summary, the pike is a versatile and effective melee weapon in ARK: Survival Evolved. By understanding its mechanics, preparing the necessary resources, and using it strategically, you can enhance your survival and combat capabilities. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, the pike is a valuable tool for navigating the dangerous world of ARK.
To craft a pike, you first need to unlock its engram. The pike becomes available at level 25, and it costs 12 engram points to unlock. Once unlocked, you can craft it at a Smithy or your inventory if you have the required resources. The crafting recipe for a pike includes 20 wood, 15 fiber, and 35 metal ingots. Metal ingots are a key resource and are obtained by smelting metal ore in a refining forge. Metal ore is commonly found in rocky areas, especially near mountains or in caves. You will also need a pickaxe to gather metal ore efficiently. Wood and fiber are easier to gather, as wood can be collected from trees using a hatchet or a tamed dinosaur like a Beaver or Mammoth, while fiber is obtained by harvesting bushes by hand or with a sickle.
Once you have the necessary resources, open your inventory or the Smithy and navigate to the crafting menu. Select the pike and craft it. The pike has a durability of 40, meaning it can be used 40 times before it breaks. However, its durability can be extended by repairing it with additional resources. Keep in mind that the pike is a two-handed weapon, so you cannot use a shield or another tool while wielding it.
Using the pike effectively in combat requires understanding its strengths and weaknesses. The pike has a longer reach than most melee weapons, allowing you to attack enemies from a safer distance. This is particularly useful against smaller or faster creatures that can close the gap quickly. The pike also deals decent damage, making it effective against low to mid-tier enemies. However, it has a slower attack speed compared to weapons like the sword, so timing your strikes is crucial. Aim for the head or weak spots of creatures to maximize damage.
One common mistake players make is using the pike against large or heavily armored creatures. While the pike is effective against smaller threats, it may not be the best choice for taking on larger dinosaurs like Rexes or Spinos. In these situations, ranged weapons or tamed dinosaurs are often more effective. Another mistake is neglecting to repair the pike. Always carry extra resources to repair your pike in the field, as running out of durability during a fight can leave you vulnerable.
Advanced techniques for using the pike include combining it with movement and positioning. Since the pike has a longer reach, you can use it to kite enemies by attacking and then backing away to avoid counterattacks. This is especially useful when fighting multiple enemies or creatures with high damage output. Additionally, using the pike in combination with a tamed dinosaur can create a powerful synergy. For example, you can use a tamed Raptor to distract an enemy while you attack from a safe distance with the pike.
Resource management is key when using the pike. Always ensure you have enough metal ingots and wood to craft and repair the pike, as running out of resources in the middle of a fight can be disastrous. Consider setting up a base near a metal-rich area to streamline resource gathering. If you are playing in a tribe, assign roles to members to ensure a steady supply of resources. For example, one player can focus on gathering metal while another collects wood and fiber.
In solo play, the pike is a reliable weapon for defending yourself against smaller threats and gathering resources. However, you may need to rely on tamed dinosaurs or ranged weapons for larger challenges. In a tribe, the pike can be part of a coordinated strategy, with players using it to support each other in combat or to defend the base from intruders.
Specific scenarios where the pike shines include defending your base from smaller predators like Raptors or Carnos, hunting for food, and gathering resources in dangerous areas. For example, if you are gathering metal in a cave, the pike can help you fend off hostile creatures like Bats or Scorpions. In PvP, the pike can be used to harass enemies from a distance, though it is less effective against players with ranged weapons or armor.
In summary, the pike is a versatile and effective melee weapon in ARK: Survival Evolved. By understanding its mechanics, preparing the necessary resources, and using it strategically, you can enhance your survival and combat capabilities. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, the pike is a valuable tool for navigating the dangerous world of ARK.