How do I craft and use a longneck rifle for hunting in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Crafting and using a longneck rifle in ARK: Survival Evolved is a significant milestone in your progression, as it provides a powerful ranged weapon for hunting, taming, and combat. The longneck rifle is one of the most accurate and effective firearms in the game, making it a valuable tool for both solo players and tribes. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use the longneck rifle, along with tips and strategies to maximize its effectiveness.

To craft a longneck rifle, you must first unlock its engram. The engram for the longneck rifle becomes available at level 35 and costs 21 engram points. Once unlocked, you will need to gather the necessary resources to craft it. The required materials are 35 metal ingots, 75 hide, 15 wood, and 20 fiber. Metal ingots are obtained by smelting metal ore in a refining forge, hide is gathered from killing creatures, wood is collected from trees, and fiber is harvested from plants. Ensure you have a smithy or fabricator available, as these are the crafting stations required to make the longneck rifle.

Once you have the materials, place them in the smithy or fabricator and craft the rifle. The longneck rifle uses simple rifle ammunition, which must also be crafted. To make simple rifle ammo, you need 7 metal ingots and 9 gunpowder per 10 rounds. Gunpowder is crafted in a mortar and pestle or chemistry bench by combining sparkpowder and charcoal. Sparkpowder is made from flint and stone, while charcoal is obtained by burning wood in a campfire, refining forge, or industrial forge. Stockpile a good amount of ammo before heading out, as the longneck rifle consumes it quickly during extended use.

Using the longneck rifle effectively requires practice and strategy. The rifle has a slow rate of fire but deals high damage, making it ideal for precise shots. Aim for the head or weak spots of creatures to maximize damage. When hunting, the longneck rifle is excellent for taking down large or dangerous creatures like Rexes, Carnos, or Alpha predators from a safe distance. For taming, it is commonly used to tranquilize creatures by loading it with tranquilizer darts instead of regular ammo. Tranquilizer darts are crafted using simple rifle ammo, narcotics, and metal ingots. They deal torpor damage, which is essential for knocking out creatures without killing them.

One important tip is to always carry a backup weapon, such as a crossbow or shotgun, in case you run out of ammo or need a faster firing option. Additionally, consider crafting a scope attachment for the longneck rifle, which becomes available at level 55. The scope greatly improves accuracy at long distances, making it easier to hit moving targets or snipe enemies from afar.

Common mistakes to avoid include using the longneck rifle in close-quarters combat, as its slow reload time leaves you vulnerable. Always maintain a safe distance from aggressive creatures. Another mistake is not carrying enough ammo or forgetting to repair the rifle. The longneck rifle has durability that degrades with use, so keep an eye on its condition and repair it using metal ingots and hide when necessary.

For advanced techniques, consider pairing the longneck rifle with a tamed creature like a Pteranodon or Argentavis for mobility. This allows you to scout and engage targets from the air, giving you a tactical advantage. In PvP scenarios, the longneck rifle is a powerful tool for sniping enemy players or tames, but be cautious of counter-snipers and always move after taking a shot to avoid being spotted.

Resource management is crucial when using the longneck rifle. Metal and gunpowder are the primary resources needed for crafting ammo, so establish a reliable source of metal ore and charcoal. Tamed creatures like Ankylosaurus and Doedicurus can help gather metal and stone efficiently. For tribes, assign roles to members to ensure a steady supply of resources, with some focusing on mining and others on crafting.

In solo play, prioritize building a secure base with storage for your resources and ammo. A well-defended base will protect your supplies from wild creatures or raiders. When exploring, always carry a bed or sleeping bag to set a respawn point in case of death.

Specific scenarios where the longneck rifle shines include taming high-level creatures, defending your base from raids, and hunting for rare resources. For example, using the rifle to tranquilize a high-level Rex for taming can save time and resources compared to using less effective methods. In PvP, sniping enemy players from a hidden position can turn the tide of a battle.

In summary, the longneck rifle is a versatile and powerful weapon in ARK: Survival Evolved. By following the steps outlined above, you can craft and use it effectively for hunting, taming, and combat. Remember to manage your resources, avoid common mistakes, and employ advanced strategies to maximize its potential. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, the longneck rifle is a valuable asset for surviving and thriving in the dangerous world of ARK.