How do I craft and use a shield for blocking attacks in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Crafting and using a shield in ARK: Survival Evolved is an essential skill for both survival and combat, especially when facing aggressive creatures or other players in PvP scenarios. Shields provide a way to block incoming attacks, reducing damage and giving you a chance to counterattack or retreat. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to craft and use a shield effectively.
To craft a shield, you first need to unlock the appropriate engram. The most basic shield, the Wooden Shield, becomes available at level 16. You will need to spend engram points to unlock it. Once unlocked, you can craft the shield at a Smithy or your inventory if you have the required resources. The Wooden Shield requires 15 wood, 10 fiber, and 5 hide. These resources are relatively easy to gather early in the game. Wood can be obtained by chopping trees, fiber by harvesting bushes, and hide by killing small creatures like dodos or dilophosaurs.
Once crafted, equip the shield in your off-hand slot. On PC, this is done by dragging the shield to the off-hand slot in your inventory. On consoles, you can equip it by selecting it in your inventory and pressing the appropriate button. With the shield equipped, you can block attacks by holding the right mouse button on PC or the left trigger on consoles. Blocking reduces incoming damage, but it also consumes stamina. If your stamina runs out, you wonÔÇÖt be able to block until it regenerates.
When using a shield, timing is crucial. Blocking too early or too late can leave you vulnerable. Pay attention to enemy attack patterns and block just before the attack lands. This is especially important when facing creatures with powerful attacks, such as raptors or carnotaurus. In PvP, shields can be used to block arrows or melee attacks, giving you an advantage in close-quarters combat.
One common mistake is relying too heavily on the shield without considering your stamina. Blocking consumes stamina, and if you run out, you wonÔÇÖt be able to block or sprint, leaving you vulnerable. To avoid this, manage your stamina carefully. Only block when necessary, and try to keep some stamina in reserve for dodging or counterattacking. Another mistake is using a low-durability shield in prolonged fights. Shields have durability, and they will break after taking too much damage. Always carry a backup shield or repair materials to avoid being caught without protection.
For advanced techniques, consider using a shield in combination with other tools or tamed dinosaurs. For example, you can use a shield to block attacks while your tamed raptor or carnotaurus deals damage to the enemy. In PvP, shields can be used to block incoming fire while you close the distance to your opponent. You can also use a shield to protect yourself while reviving a fallen tribe member or repairing structures during a raid.
Resource management is key when using shields. Always keep an eye on your shieldÔÇÖs durability and repair it when necessary. Repairing a Wooden Shield requires the same materials as crafting it, so make sure you have enough wood, fiber, and hide in your inventory. If youÔÇÖre planning a long expedition or a raid, consider bringing multiple shields or a higher-tier shield, such as the Metal Shield, which becomes available at level 40 and offers better durability and damage reduction.
In solo play, shields are invaluable for surviving encounters with aggressive creatures. They allow you to block attacks while you retreat or wait for an opportunity to strike. In a tribe, shields can be used to protect your teammates during combat or while gathering resources in dangerous areas. For example, one tribe member can use a shield to block attacks while others gather resources or tame dinosaurs.
Specific scenarios where shields are particularly useful include cave exploration and boss fights. In caves, you may encounter tight spaces and aggressive creatures like bats or spiders. A shield can help you block their attacks while you navigate the cave. In boss fights, shields can be used to block the bossÔÇÖs attacks, giving you a chance to deal damage or heal.
In summary, crafting and using a shield in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful resource management, timing, and stamina control. By mastering these mechanics, you can significantly improve your chances of survival in both PvE and PvP scenarios. Always carry repair materials, manage your stamina, and use your shield in combination with other tools or tamed dinosaurs for maximum effectiveness.
To craft a shield, you first need to unlock the appropriate engram. The most basic shield, the Wooden Shield, becomes available at level 16. You will need to spend engram points to unlock it. Once unlocked, you can craft the shield at a Smithy or your inventory if you have the required resources. The Wooden Shield requires 15 wood, 10 fiber, and 5 hide. These resources are relatively easy to gather early in the game. Wood can be obtained by chopping trees, fiber by harvesting bushes, and hide by killing small creatures like dodos or dilophosaurs.
Once crafted, equip the shield in your off-hand slot. On PC, this is done by dragging the shield to the off-hand slot in your inventory. On consoles, you can equip it by selecting it in your inventory and pressing the appropriate button. With the shield equipped, you can block attacks by holding the right mouse button on PC or the left trigger on consoles. Blocking reduces incoming damage, but it also consumes stamina. If your stamina runs out, you wonÔÇÖt be able to block until it regenerates.
When using a shield, timing is crucial. Blocking too early or too late can leave you vulnerable. Pay attention to enemy attack patterns and block just before the attack lands. This is especially important when facing creatures with powerful attacks, such as raptors or carnotaurus. In PvP, shields can be used to block arrows or melee attacks, giving you an advantage in close-quarters combat.
One common mistake is relying too heavily on the shield without considering your stamina. Blocking consumes stamina, and if you run out, you wonÔÇÖt be able to block or sprint, leaving you vulnerable. To avoid this, manage your stamina carefully. Only block when necessary, and try to keep some stamina in reserve for dodging or counterattacking. Another mistake is using a low-durability shield in prolonged fights. Shields have durability, and they will break after taking too much damage. Always carry a backup shield or repair materials to avoid being caught without protection.
For advanced techniques, consider using a shield in combination with other tools or tamed dinosaurs. For example, you can use a shield to block attacks while your tamed raptor or carnotaurus deals damage to the enemy. In PvP, shields can be used to block incoming fire while you close the distance to your opponent. You can also use a shield to protect yourself while reviving a fallen tribe member or repairing structures during a raid.
Resource management is key when using shields. Always keep an eye on your shieldÔÇÖs durability and repair it when necessary. Repairing a Wooden Shield requires the same materials as crafting it, so make sure you have enough wood, fiber, and hide in your inventory. If youÔÇÖre planning a long expedition or a raid, consider bringing multiple shields or a higher-tier shield, such as the Metal Shield, which becomes available at level 40 and offers better durability and damage reduction.
In solo play, shields are invaluable for surviving encounters with aggressive creatures. They allow you to block attacks while you retreat or wait for an opportunity to strike. In a tribe, shields can be used to protect your teammates during combat or while gathering resources in dangerous areas. For example, one tribe member can use a shield to block attacks while others gather resources or tame dinosaurs.
Specific scenarios where shields are particularly useful include cave exploration and boss fights. In caves, you may encounter tight spaces and aggressive creatures like bats or spiders. A shield can help you block their attacks while you navigate the cave. In boss fights, shields can be used to block the bossÔÇÖs attacks, giving you a chance to deal damage or heal.
In summary, crafting and using a shield in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful resource management, timing, and stamina control. By mastering these mechanics, you can significantly improve your chances of survival in both PvE and PvP scenarios. Always carry repair materials, manage your stamina, and use your shield in combination with other tools or tamed dinosaurs for maximum effectiveness.