How do I craft and use a spyglass for scouting in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Crafting and using a spyglass in ARK: Survival Evolved is a straightforward process, but it requires some preparation and understanding of the game's mechanics. The spyglass is an essential tool for scouting, allowing you to zoom in on distant creatures, players, or landmarks. This can be incredibly useful for planning your next move, whether you're taming dinosaurs, scouting enemy bases, or exploring dangerous areas. Here's a detailed guide on how to craft and use a spyglass effectively.

To craft a spyglass, you first need to unlock its engram. The spyglass engram becomes available at level 10 and costs 6 engram points. Once unlocked, you can craft it at a Smithy or your inventory if you have the required resources. The materials needed are 15 metal ingots, 8 crystal, and 4 hide. Metal ingots are obtained by smelting metal ore in a refining forge, crystal is typically found in caves or on mountain tops, and hide is gathered from killing animals like dodos, raptors, or other creatures.

Once you have the materials, open your inventory or the Smithy, navigate to the spyglass in the crafting menu, and craft it. The spyglass is a handheld item, so it will take up one slot in your inventory. To use it, equip it in your hotbar and select it. When you look through the spyglass, your view will zoom in, allowing you to see distant objects more clearly. This is particularly useful for identifying creatures from a safe distance, checking the level of a dinosaur before attempting to tame it, or scouting enemy bases in PvP scenarios.

One important tip is to always carry a spyglass with you, especially when exploring or taming. It can save you from walking into dangerous situations by allowing you to assess threats from afar. For example, if you see a high-level Rex in the distance, you can use the spyglass to determine if it's safe to proceed or if you need to find an alternate route. Additionally, when taming dinosaurs, the spyglass lets you check their level and torpor, helping you plan your approach and ensure you have enough resources for the tame.

A common mistake players make is not using the spyglass enough. It's easy to overlook this tool, especially in the early game when you're focused on gathering resources and building your base. However, the spyglass can significantly improve your survival chances by giving you valuable information about your surroundings. Another mistake is not carrying enough materials to repair the spyglass. Like all tools in ARK, the spyglass has durability and will eventually break. Always keep some extra crystal and metal ingots in your inventory to repair it when needed.

For advanced players, the spyglass can be combined with other tools and strategies to maximize its effectiveness. For example, when taming high-level dinosaurs, use the spyglass to monitor their torpor levels from a safe distance. This allows you to time your tranquilizer shots perfectly, preventing the creature from waking up or being killed by other predators. In PvP, the spyglass can be used to scout enemy bases and identify weak points or valuable targets. Pair it with a flying mount like an Argentavis or Pteranodon to get a bird's-eye view of the area.

Resource management is crucial when crafting and using a spyglass. Crystal and metal ingots are valuable resources, so make sure to gather enough before heading out on an expedition. If you're playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to ensure everyone has access to a spyglass. In solo play, prioritize crafting one early to give yourself a significant advantage in scouting and survival.

In specific scenarios, the spyglass can be a game-changer. For example, if you're exploring a cave system, use the spyglass to check for dangerous creatures like Arthropluera or Onyc before entering. When taming a Quetzal, a flying dinosaur that is difficult to approach, the spyglass allows you to track its movements and plan your strategy. In PvP, use the spyglass to identify enemy players and their equipment, giving you the upper hand in combat.

In conclusion, the spyglass is a versatile and essential tool in ARK: Survival Evolved. By crafting and using it effectively, you can improve your scouting, taming, and combat strategies. Always carry one with you, repair it regularly, and combine it with other tools and mounts to maximize its potential. Whether you're playing solo or in a tribe, the spyglass will help you survive and thrive in the dangerous world of ARK.