How do I craft a compound bow and use it for combat in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Crafting and using a compound bow in ARK: Survival Evolved is a significant step in your progression, as it is one of the most powerful ranged weapons in the game. The compound bow excels in both PvE and PvP scenarios due to its high damage output, accuracy, and versatility. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and effectively use the compound bow, along with tips and strategies to maximize its potential.
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, you will need the following resources to craft it: 15 polymer, 50 metal ingots, 20 fiber, 10 hide, and 5 cementing paste. Polymer can be obtained from killing Kairuku (penguins) or by crafting it using organic polymer and obsidian. Metal ingots are smelted from metal ore in a forge, fiber is gathered from plants, hide is obtained from killing animals, and cementing paste is crafted from chitin/keratin and stone or harvested from beaver dams.
After gathering the required resources, you can craft the compound bow at a fabricator. The fabricator is a mid-to-late-game crafting station that requires gasoline to operate, so ensure you have a steady supply of gasoline by refining oil and hide in a refining forge. Once crafted, the compound bow uses metal arrows as ammunition, which are crafted using 1 metal ingot and 1 stone arrow per metal arrow. Metal arrows deal significantly more damage than stone arrows, making them ideal for the compound bow.
Using the compound bow effectively requires understanding its mechanics. The bow has a charge mechanic, meaning you must hold the fire button to draw the string back fully. A fully drawn shot deals maximum damage and has increased accuracy, while a partially drawn shot deals less damage and may miss its target. The compound bow also has a zoom feature, allowing you to aim more precisely at distant targets. This makes it an excellent weapon for sniping enemies or hunting dangerous creatures from a safe distance.
In combat, the compound bow shines against both creatures and players. Its high damage output allows you to take down even large dinosaurs with a few well-placed shots. For example, when facing a Rex or Spino, you can use the compound bow to deal significant damage while maintaining a safe distance. In PvP, the compound bow is effective for ambushes or defending your base, as its high damage can quickly eliminate unsuspecting players. However, be mindful of its slow firing rate and the need to charge each shot, as this leaves you vulnerable if you miss or are caught off guard.
One common mistake when using the compound bow is failing to account for its charge time. Rushing shots without fully drawing the bow can result in missed opportunities or wasted arrows. Always take the time to aim carefully and fully charge your shots for maximum effectiveness. Another mistake is underestimating the resource cost of metal arrows. While they are powerful, they are also expensive to craft, so use them sparingly and prioritize high-value targets.
Advanced techniques for using the compound bow include pairing it with a tamed dinosaur for added protection and utility. For example, a high-level Argentavis can carry you to elevated positions, giving you a vantage point to snipe enemies below. Additionally, using a tamed creature like a Sabertooth or Raptor to distract enemies while you attack from range can be highly effective. In PvP, consider using the compound bow in combination with traps or environmental hazards to ambush opponents. For instance, luring players into a spike trap or off a cliff while you snipe them from above can turn the tide in your favor.
Resource management is crucial when using the compound bow. Always carry extra metal arrows and materials to craft more in the field. Setting up a small outpost near resource-rich areas, such as metal nodes or beaver dams, can help you maintain a steady supply of arrows and other essentials. If you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to share resources and cover each other during combat. Solo players should prioritize stealth and mobility, using the compound bow to pick off enemies before they can close the distance.
In summary, the compound bow is a powerful and versatile weapon in ARK: Survival Evolved. Crafting it requires careful resource gathering and preparation, but its high damage and accuracy make it worth the effort. Use it strategically in both PvE and PvP scenarios, and pair it with tamed dinosaurs or traps for maximum effectiveness. Avoid common mistakes like rushing shots or wasting arrows, and always plan ahead to ensure you have the resources needed to maintain your advantage. With practice and preparation, the compound bow can become your most reliable tool for survival and combat in the world of ARK.
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, you will need the following resources to craft it: 15 polymer, 50 metal ingots, 20 fiber, 10 hide, and 5 cementing paste. Polymer can be obtained from killing Kairuku (penguins) or by crafting it using organic polymer and obsidian. Metal ingots are smelted from metal ore in a forge, fiber is gathered from plants, hide is obtained from killing animals, and cementing paste is crafted from chitin/keratin and stone or harvested from beaver dams.
After gathering the required resources, you can craft the compound bow at a fabricator. The fabricator is a mid-to-late-game crafting station that requires gasoline to operate, so ensure you have a steady supply of gasoline by refining oil and hide in a refining forge. Once crafted, the compound bow uses metal arrows as ammunition, which are crafted using 1 metal ingot and 1 stone arrow per metal arrow. Metal arrows deal significantly more damage than stone arrows, making them ideal for the compound bow.
Using the compound bow effectively requires understanding its mechanics. The bow has a charge mechanic, meaning you must hold the fire button to draw the string back fully. A fully drawn shot deals maximum damage and has increased accuracy, while a partially drawn shot deals less damage and may miss its target. The compound bow also has a zoom feature, allowing you to aim more precisely at distant targets. This makes it an excellent weapon for sniping enemies or hunting dangerous creatures from a safe distance.
In combat, the compound bow shines against both creatures and players. Its high damage output allows you to take down even large dinosaurs with a few well-placed shots. For example, when facing a Rex or Spino, you can use the compound bow to deal significant damage while maintaining a safe distance. In PvP, the compound bow is effective for ambushes or defending your base, as its high damage can quickly eliminate unsuspecting players. However, be mindful of its slow firing rate and the need to charge each shot, as this leaves you vulnerable if you miss or are caught off guard.
One common mistake when using the compound bow is failing to account for its charge time. Rushing shots without fully drawing the bow can result in missed opportunities or wasted arrows. Always take the time to aim carefully and fully charge your shots for maximum effectiveness. Another mistake is underestimating the resource cost of metal arrows. While they are powerful, they are also expensive to craft, so use them sparingly and prioritize high-value targets.
Advanced techniques for using the compound bow include pairing it with a tamed dinosaur for added protection and utility. For example, a high-level Argentavis can carry you to elevated positions, giving you a vantage point to snipe enemies below. Additionally, using a tamed creature like a Sabertooth or Raptor to distract enemies while you attack from range can be highly effective. In PvP, consider using the compound bow in combination with traps or environmental hazards to ambush opponents. For instance, luring players into a spike trap or off a cliff while you snipe them from above can turn the tide in your favor.
Resource management is crucial when using the compound bow. Always carry extra metal arrows and materials to craft more in the field. Setting up a small outpost near resource-rich areas, such as metal nodes or beaver dams, can help you maintain a steady supply of arrows and other essentials. If you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to share resources and cover each other during combat. Solo players should prioritize stealth and mobility, using the compound bow to pick off enemies before they can close the distance.
In summary, the compound bow is a powerful and versatile weapon in ARK: Survival Evolved. Crafting it requires careful resource gathering and preparation, but its high damage and accuracy make it worth the effort. Use it strategically in both PvE and PvP scenarios, and pair it with tamed dinosaurs or traps for maximum effectiveness. Avoid common mistakes like rushing shots or wasting arrows, and always plan ahead to ensure you have the resources needed to maintain your advantage. With practice and preparation, the compound bow can become your most reliable tool for survival and combat in the world of ARK.