How do I craft a slingshot and use it for taming in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Crafting and using a slingshot in ARK: Survival Evolved is an essential early-game skill that can help you tame smaller creatures and defend yourself against threats. The slingshot is one of the first ranged weapons you can craft, and it is particularly useful for knocking out creatures like Dodos, Dilophosaurs, and even smaller dinosaurs like the Parasaur. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft a slingshot, use it effectively for taming, and optimize your approach to ensure success.
To craft a slingshot, you need to unlock its engram first. The slingshot engram becomes available at level 5 and costs 3 engram points. Once unlocked, you can craft it at a crafting station or directly from your inventory. The resource requirements for a slingshot are relatively simple: 20 fiber, 5 wood, and 10 hide. Fiber can be gathered by hand from bushes, wood is obtained by punching or using a pickaxe on trees, and hide is collected by killing small creatures like Dodos or Lystrosaurus. These resources are abundant in the early game, making the slingshot an accessible tool for new players.
Once you have crafted the slingshot, you can equip it in your hotbar and use it to fire stones. Stones are a common resource found on the ground or obtained by mining rocks with a pickaxe. Each shot consumes one stone, so it is a good idea to gather a stack of stones before engaging in combat or taming. The slingshot has a short range and a slow firing rate, so positioning and timing are crucial when using it. Aim carefully, as missed shots can waste resources and alert nearby creatures to your presence.
Using the slingshot for taming involves knocking out a creature by dealing torpor damage. Torpor is a stat that increases when a creature is hit with certain weapons or items, such as the slingshot or tranquilizer arrows. When a creature's torpor reaches a certain threshold, it will fall unconscious, allowing you to tame it by feeding it the appropriate food. Smaller creatures like Dodos and Dilophosaurs have low torpor thresholds, making them ideal targets for the slingshot. For example, a Dodo can be knocked out with just a few well-placed shots, while a Dilophosaur may require more hits due to its higher torpor resistance.
When taming with a slingshot, it is important to consider the creature's behavior and surroundings. Some creatures, like Dilophosaurs, are aggressive and will attack you if provoked. To avoid taking damage, try to lure the creature into an open area where you can maintain distance and avoid obstacles. If you are taming near your base, consider building a small enclosure or trap to contain the creature while you knock it out. This will prevent it from running away or attacking you during the taming process.
One common mistake players make when using the slingshot is underestimating the time it takes to knock out a creature. The slingshot deals relatively low torpor damage, so it may take several shots to knock out even a small dinosaur. Be patient and avoid rushing, as missed shots can prolong the process and waste resources. Additionally, be mindful of your surroundings, as other creatures may interfere with your taming attempt. Always scout the area for potential threats before engaging a target.
Advanced techniques for using the slingshot include kiting and using terrain to your advantage. Kiting involves leading a creature in a circular or zigzag pattern while firing shots to avoid taking damage. This is particularly useful when taming aggressive creatures like Dilophosaurs. Using terrain, such as rocks or cliffs, can also help you create distance between yourself and the creature, giving you more time to aim and fire. If you are playing in a tribe, consider having a teammate distract the creature while you focus on knocking it out. This teamwork can make the taming process faster and safer.
Resource management is key when using the slingshot, as stones are a finite resource in the early game. Always carry a stack of stones with you, and avoid wasting shots on missed attempts. If you are low on stones, prioritize gathering more before engaging in taming or combat. Additionally, consider crafting multiple slingshots as backups, as they have low durability and may break during extended use.
In solo play, the slingshot is a versatile tool for early-game survival and taming. It allows you to knock out creatures without relying on more advanced weapons like bows or tranquilizer arrows, which require additional resources and engrams. In a tribe, the slingshot can be used to support teammates during taming or combat, providing a low-cost option for dealing torpor damage.
Specific examples of using the slingshot include taming a Dodo for egg production or a Dilophosaur for early-game defense. Dodos are passive creatures that can be easily knocked out with a few slingshot shots, making them ideal for beginners. Dilophosaurs, while more challenging, can provide valuable protection against small predators and are relatively easy to tame with a slingshot if you use proper kiting techniques.
In conclusion, the slingshot is a valuable tool for early-game survival and taming in ARK: Survival Evolved. By understanding its mechanics, gathering the necessary resources, and using effective strategies, you can successfully tame small creatures and defend yourself against threats. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, the slingshot is a versatile and accessible weapon that can help you thrive in the dangerous world of ARK.
To craft a slingshot, you need to unlock its engram first. The slingshot engram becomes available at level 5 and costs 3 engram points. Once unlocked, you can craft it at a crafting station or directly from your inventory. The resource requirements for a slingshot are relatively simple: 20 fiber, 5 wood, and 10 hide. Fiber can be gathered by hand from bushes, wood is obtained by punching or using a pickaxe on trees, and hide is collected by killing small creatures like Dodos or Lystrosaurus. These resources are abundant in the early game, making the slingshot an accessible tool for new players.
Once you have crafted the slingshot, you can equip it in your hotbar and use it to fire stones. Stones are a common resource found on the ground or obtained by mining rocks with a pickaxe. Each shot consumes one stone, so it is a good idea to gather a stack of stones before engaging in combat or taming. The slingshot has a short range and a slow firing rate, so positioning and timing are crucial when using it. Aim carefully, as missed shots can waste resources and alert nearby creatures to your presence.
Using the slingshot for taming involves knocking out a creature by dealing torpor damage. Torpor is a stat that increases when a creature is hit with certain weapons or items, such as the slingshot or tranquilizer arrows. When a creature's torpor reaches a certain threshold, it will fall unconscious, allowing you to tame it by feeding it the appropriate food. Smaller creatures like Dodos and Dilophosaurs have low torpor thresholds, making them ideal targets for the slingshot. For example, a Dodo can be knocked out with just a few well-placed shots, while a Dilophosaur may require more hits due to its higher torpor resistance.
When taming with a slingshot, it is important to consider the creature's behavior and surroundings. Some creatures, like Dilophosaurs, are aggressive and will attack you if provoked. To avoid taking damage, try to lure the creature into an open area where you can maintain distance and avoid obstacles. If you are taming near your base, consider building a small enclosure or trap to contain the creature while you knock it out. This will prevent it from running away or attacking you during the taming process.
One common mistake players make when using the slingshot is underestimating the time it takes to knock out a creature. The slingshot deals relatively low torpor damage, so it may take several shots to knock out even a small dinosaur. Be patient and avoid rushing, as missed shots can prolong the process and waste resources. Additionally, be mindful of your surroundings, as other creatures may interfere with your taming attempt. Always scout the area for potential threats before engaging a target.
Advanced techniques for using the slingshot include kiting and using terrain to your advantage. Kiting involves leading a creature in a circular or zigzag pattern while firing shots to avoid taking damage. This is particularly useful when taming aggressive creatures like Dilophosaurs. Using terrain, such as rocks or cliffs, can also help you create distance between yourself and the creature, giving you more time to aim and fire. If you are playing in a tribe, consider having a teammate distract the creature while you focus on knocking it out. This teamwork can make the taming process faster and safer.
Resource management is key when using the slingshot, as stones are a finite resource in the early game. Always carry a stack of stones with you, and avoid wasting shots on missed attempts. If you are low on stones, prioritize gathering more before engaging in taming or combat. Additionally, consider crafting multiple slingshots as backups, as they have low durability and may break during extended use.
In solo play, the slingshot is a versatile tool for early-game survival and taming. It allows you to knock out creatures without relying on more advanced weapons like bows or tranquilizer arrows, which require additional resources and engrams. In a tribe, the slingshot can be used to support teammates during taming or combat, providing a low-cost option for dealing torpor damage.
Specific examples of using the slingshot include taming a Dodo for egg production or a Dilophosaur for early-game defense. Dodos are passive creatures that can be easily knocked out with a few slingshot shots, making them ideal for beginners. Dilophosaurs, while more challenging, can provide valuable protection against small predators and are relatively easy to tame with a slingshot if you use proper kiting techniques.
In conclusion, the slingshot is a valuable tool for early-game survival and taming in ARK: Survival Evolved. By understanding its mechanics, gathering the necessary resources, and using effective strategies, you can successfully tame small creatures and defend yourself against threats. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, the slingshot is a versatile and accessible weapon that can help you thrive in the dangerous world of ARK.