How do I craft and use a compound bow for advanced hunting in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Crafting and using a compound bow in ARK: Survival Evolved is a significant step up from basic ranged weapons like the crossbow or simple bow. The compound bow is a powerful tool for advanced hunting, offering higher damage, better range, and unique mechanics that make it a favorite for experienced players. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to craft and use it effectively.
To craft a compound bow, you must first unlock its engram. The compound bow engram becomes available at level 55 and costs 21 engram points. Once unlocked, youÔÇÖll need the following resources to craft it: 200 metal ingots, 150 polymer, 100 cementing paste, and 50 fiber. Metal ingots are smelted from metal ore in a forge, polymer can be obtained from killing creatures like Kairuku or by crafting it from organic polymer and obsidian, cementing paste is made from chitin or keratin and stone in a mortar and pestle or by taming a Beelzebufo, and fiber is gathered from plants. These resources are not trivial to gather, so preparation is key. YouÔÇÖll need a strong base with forges, fabricators, and tames like an Ankylosaurus for metal and a Doedicurus for stone to make the process efficient.
Once crafted, the compound bow has unique mechanics. Unlike the crossbow, it requires you to hold the fire button to charge the shot. The longer you charge, the more damage the arrow will deal, but it also consumes stamina. This makes stamina management crucial when using the compound bow. Additionally, the compound bow can fire special arrows like tranq arrows, stone arrows, and metal arrows, each with different effects. Tranq arrows are excellent for taming, stone arrows are cost-effective for general use, and metal arrows deal massive damage but are expensive to craft.
To use the compound bow effectively, you need to master its charging mechanic. Start by holding the fire button to charge the shot. A reticle will appear, showing the charge level. Fully charging the shot maximizes damage but drains stamina quickly. For hunting, aim for weak spots like the head or vital areas of creatures. For taming, use tranq arrows and aim for the body to maximize torpor. The compound bowÔÇÖs range and accuracy make it ideal for taking down dangerous creatures like Rexes or Spinos from a safe distance.
One common mistake is overcharging the bow, which can leave you vulnerable if you run out of stamina. Always keep an eye on your stamina bar and release the shot before it depletes completely. Another mistake is using the wrong type of arrow for the situation. For example, using metal arrows on small creatures is wasteful, as stone arrows are more than sufficient. Always match the arrow type to your target.
Advanced techniques include using the compound bow in combination with tames. For example, you can use a flying mount like an Argentavis to hover above a target and rain down arrows. This is especially effective for taming or hunting large predators. Another technique is to use the compound bow in PvP scenarios. Its high damage and range make it a deadly weapon against other players, especially when combined with stealth tactics.
Resource management is critical when using the compound bow. Metal arrows are powerful but expensive, so use them sparingly. Always carry a mix of arrow types to adapt to different situations. For solo players, the compound bow is a versatile tool for both hunting and defense. For tribes, it can be a key weapon in coordinated attacks or taming operations.
In specific scenarios, the compound bow shines. For example, when taming a high-level Rex, you can use the compound bow with tranq arrows to knock it out quickly and safely. When defending your base from a raid, the compound bowÔÇÖs range and damage can help you pick off attackers from a distance. In the late game, the compound bow remains relevant due to its versatility and power.
In conclusion, the compound bow is a powerful and versatile weapon in ARK: Survival Evolved. Crafting it requires significant resources and preparation, but its benefits in hunting, taming, and combat make it worth the effort. Mastering its mechanics, managing resources, and using it in combination with tames and strategies will give you a significant advantage in the game. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, the compound bow is a valuable tool for advanced survival and combat.
To craft a compound bow, you must first unlock its engram. The compound bow engram becomes available at level 55 and costs 21 engram points. Once unlocked, youÔÇÖll need the following resources to craft it: 200 metal ingots, 150 polymer, 100 cementing paste, and 50 fiber. Metal ingots are smelted from metal ore in a forge, polymer can be obtained from killing creatures like Kairuku or by crafting it from organic polymer and obsidian, cementing paste is made from chitin or keratin and stone in a mortar and pestle or by taming a Beelzebufo, and fiber is gathered from plants. These resources are not trivial to gather, so preparation is key. YouÔÇÖll need a strong base with forges, fabricators, and tames like an Ankylosaurus for metal and a Doedicurus for stone to make the process efficient.
Once crafted, the compound bow has unique mechanics. Unlike the crossbow, it requires you to hold the fire button to charge the shot. The longer you charge, the more damage the arrow will deal, but it also consumes stamina. This makes stamina management crucial when using the compound bow. Additionally, the compound bow can fire special arrows like tranq arrows, stone arrows, and metal arrows, each with different effects. Tranq arrows are excellent for taming, stone arrows are cost-effective for general use, and metal arrows deal massive damage but are expensive to craft.
To use the compound bow effectively, you need to master its charging mechanic. Start by holding the fire button to charge the shot. A reticle will appear, showing the charge level. Fully charging the shot maximizes damage but drains stamina quickly. For hunting, aim for weak spots like the head or vital areas of creatures. For taming, use tranq arrows and aim for the body to maximize torpor. The compound bowÔÇÖs range and accuracy make it ideal for taking down dangerous creatures like Rexes or Spinos from a safe distance.
One common mistake is overcharging the bow, which can leave you vulnerable if you run out of stamina. Always keep an eye on your stamina bar and release the shot before it depletes completely. Another mistake is using the wrong type of arrow for the situation. For example, using metal arrows on small creatures is wasteful, as stone arrows are more than sufficient. Always match the arrow type to your target.
Advanced techniques include using the compound bow in combination with tames. For example, you can use a flying mount like an Argentavis to hover above a target and rain down arrows. This is especially effective for taming or hunting large predators. Another technique is to use the compound bow in PvP scenarios. Its high damage and range make it a deadly weapon against other players, especially when combined with stealth tactics.
Resource management is critical when using the compound bow. Metal arrows are powerful but expensive, so use them sparingly. Always carry a mix of arrow types to adapt to different situations. For solo players, the compound bow is a versatile tool for both hunting and defense. For tribes, it can be a key weapon in coordinated attacks or taming operations.
In specific scenarios, the compound bow shines. For example, when taming a high-level Rex, you can use the compound bow with tranq arrows to knock it out quickly and safely. When defending your base from a raid, the compound bowÔÇÖs range and damage can help you pick off attackers from a distance. In the late game, the compound bow remains relevant due to its versatility and power.
In conclusion, the compound bow is a powerful and versatile weapon in ARK: Survival Evolved. Crafting it requires significant resources and preparation, but its benefits in hunting, taming, and combat make it worth the effort. Mastering its mechanics, managing resources, and using it in combination with tames and strategies will give you a significant advantage in the game. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, the compound bow is a valuable tool for advanced survival and combat.