How do I craft a slingshot and use it for taming or combat in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Crafting and using a slingshot in ARK: Survival Evolved is an essential early-game skill that can help you tame small creatures, defend yourself, and gather resources more efficiently. 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 and use a slingshot effectively, along with tips and strategies to maximize its utility.
To craft a slingshot, you need to unlock its engram at level 5. Once unlocked, you can craft it using 20 fiber, 5 hide, and 5 wood. These resources are relatively easy to gather early in the game. Fiber can be collected by hand from bushes, hide is obtained by killing small creatures like Dodos or Lystrosaurus, and wood is gathered by punching trees or using a pickaxe. Once you have the required materials, open your inventory and navigate to the crafting tab to create the slingshot.
The slingshot uses stones as ammunition, which can be gathered by picking up small rocks from the ground or by mining larger rocks with a pickaxe. Each shot consumes one stone, so itÔÇÖs a good idea to carry a stack of stones with you when using the slingshot. The slingshot has a limited range and deals low damage, but its primary use is for taming small creatures by knocking them unconscious. To use the slingshot, equip it in your hotbar, aim at your target, and fire by pressing the attack button. Be aware that the slingshot has a slow firing rate, so timing and positioning are crucial.
When using the slingshot for taming, aim for the head of the creature to maximize torpor (the stat that causes unconsciousness). Smaller creatures like Dodos and Dilophosaurs are ideal targets for the slingshot, as they have low health and torpor thresholds. For example, a Dodo can be knocked out with just a few well-placed shots. Once the creature is unconscious, you can begin the taming process by feeding it the appropriate food, such as berries for herbivores or raw meat for carnivores. Keep in mind that the slingshot is not effective against larger or more aggressive creatures, as they will likely kill you before you can knock them out.
In combat, the slingshot can be used to deal minor damage to enemies or to distract them while you retreat. However, it is not a reliable weapon for fighting stronger creatures or players. Instead, focus on using the slingshot for taming and resource gathering. For example, you can use it to knock out small creatures for hide or meat, or to gather resources like chitin from insects.
One common mistake when using the slingshot is underestimating the time it takes to knock out a creature. Since the slingshot deals low damage and torpor, it can take several shots to knock out even a small creature. Be patient and avoid getting too close to your target, as they may attack you if provoked. Another mistake is using the slingshot against creatures that are too large or aggressive. For example, trying to knock out a Raptor with a slingshot is not recommended, as it will likely kill you before you can succeed.
Advanced techniques for using the slingshot include kiting and using terrain to your advantage. Kiting involves luring a creature into a trap or confined space where you can safely knock it out without being attacked. For example, you can lead a Dilophosaur into a small enclosure and then use the slingshot to knock it out from a safe distance. Using terrain, such as rocks or cliffs, can also help you avoid attacks while you focus on taming.
Resource management is important when using the slingshot, as stones are not always easy to find in large quantities. Make sure to gather a sufficient supply of stones before attempting to tame or fight with the slingshot. Additionally, consider carrying a backup weapon like a spear or bow in case you run out of stones or encounter a stronger enemy.
For tribe play, the slingshot can be a useful tool for early-game taming and resource gathering. Tribe members can work together to gather materials and craft multiple slingshots, allowing for more efficient taming and hunting. In solo play, the slingshot is a valuable tool for survival, but you will need to be more cautious and strategic when using it.
In summary, the slingshot is a versatile early-game tool in ARK: Survival Evolved that can be used for taming small creatures, gathering resources, and defending yourself in a pinch. By understanding its mechanics, practicing your aim, and using advanced techniques like kiting, you can make the most of this simple yet effective weapon. Always be prepared with enough stones and backup weapons, and avoid using the slingshot against creatures that are too large or aggressive. With careful planning and execution, the slingshot can be a valuable asset in your survival toolkit.
To craft a slingshot, you need to unlock its engram at level 5. Once unlocked, you can craft it using 20 fiber, 5 hide, and 5 wood. These resources are relatively easy to gather early in the game. Fiber can be collected by hand from bushes, hide is obtained by killing small creatures like Dodos or Lystrosaurus, and wood is gathered by punching trees or using a pickaxe. Once you have the required materials, open your inventory and navigate to the crafting tab to create the slingshot.
The slingshot uses stones as ammunition, which can be gathered by picking up small rocks from the ground or by mining larger rocks with a pickaxe. Each shot consumes one stone, so itÔÇÖs a good idea to carry a stack of stones with you when using the slingshot. The slingshot has a limited range and deals low damage, but its primary use is for taming small creatures by knocking them unconscious. To use the slingshot, equip it in your hotbar, aim at your target, and fire by pressing the attack button. Be aware that the slingshot has a slow firing rate, so timing and positioning are crucial.
When using the slingshot for taming, aim for the head of the creature to maximize torpor (the stat that causes unconsciousness). Smaller creatures like Dodos and Dilophosaurs are ideal targets for the slingshot, as they have low health and torpor thresholds. For example, a Dodo can be knocked out with just a few well-placed shots. Once the creature is unconscious, you can begin the taming process by feeding it the appropriate food, such as berries for herbivores or raw meat for carnivores. Keep in mind that the slingshot is not effective against larger or more aggressive creatures, as they will likely kill you before you can knock them out.
In combat, the slingshot can be used to deal minor damage to enemies or to distract them while you retreat. However, it is not a reliable weapon for fighting stronger creatures or players. Instead, focus on using the slingshot for taming and resource gathering. For example, you can use it to knock out small creatures for hide or meat, or to gather resources like chitin from insects.
One common mistake when using the slingshot is underestimating the time it takes to knock out a creature. Since the slingshot deals low damage and torpor, it can take several shots to knock out even a small creature. Be patient and avoid getting too close to your target, as they may attack you if provoked. Another mistake is using the slingshot against creatures that are too large or aggressive. For example, trying to knock out a Raptor with a slingshot is not recommended, as it will likely kill you before you can succeed.
Advanced techniques for using the slingshot include kiting and using terrain to your advantage. Kiting involves luring a creature into a trap or confined space where you can safely knock it out without being attacked. For example, you can lead a Dilophosaur into a small enclosure and then use the slingshot to knock it out from a safe distance. Using terrain, such as rocks or cliffs, can also help you avoid attacks while you focus on taming.
Resource management is important when using the slingshot, as stones are not always easy to find in large quantities. Make sure to gather a sufficient supply of stones before attempting to tame or fight with the slingshot. Additionally, consider carrying a backup weapon like a spear or bow in case you run out of stones or encounter a stronger enemy.
For tribe play, the slingshot can be a useful tool for early-game taming and resource gathering. Tribe members can work together to gather materials and craft multiple slingshots, allowing for more efficient taming and hunting. In solo play, the slingshot is a valuable tool for survival, but you will need to be more cautious and strategic when using it.
In summary, the slingshot is a versatile early-game tool in ARK: Survival Evolved that can be used for taming small creatures, gathering resources, and defending yourself in a pinch. By understanding its mechanics, practicing your aim, and using advanced techniques like kiting, you can make the most of this simple yet effective weapon. Always be prepared with enough stones and backup weapons, and avoid using the slingshot against creatures that are too large or aggressive. With careful planning and execution, the slingshot can be a valuable asset in your survival toolkit.