How do I craft a crossbow and use it for taming or combat in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Crafting and using a crossbow in ARK: Survival Evolved is a key step in progressing from early-game survival to mid-game combat and taming. The crossbow is a versatile weapon that deals more damage than the bow, making it effective for both hunting and taming creatures. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to craft and use a crossbow, along with tips and strategies to maximize its effectiveness.
To craft a crossbow, you first need to unlock its engram. The crossbow engram becomes available at level 25 and costs 12 engram points. Once unlocked, youÔÇÖll need the following resources to craft it: 15 fiber, 50 wood, 20 hide, and 10 metal ingots. Fiber and wood are easily gathered from bushes and trees, while hide is obtained by killing creatures like dodos, dilos, or raptors. Metal ingots require smelting metal ore in a refining forge, so youÔÇÖll need to gather metal ore from rocks, usually found in mountainous areas or near rivers. Once you have all the materials, open your inventory or a crafting station like a smithy, and craft the crossbow.
Using the crossbow effectively requires understanding its mechanics. The crossbow fires arrows, which can be crafted using 1 wood, 1 stone, and 2 fiber. Tranquilizer arrows, which are essential for taming, require 1 arrow, 1 narcotic, and 1 stone. Narcotics are crafted from spoiled meat and narcoberries in a mortar and pestle. The crossbow has a slower firing rate than the bow but deals higher damage and has better accuracy over longer distances. This makes it ideal for taming larger creatures or engaging in combat from a safe distance.
When using the crossbow for taming, aim for the head of the creature to maximize torpor gain. However, some creatures have different hitboxes, so research their weak points beforehand. For example, the TrikeÔÇÖs head is its weak point, while the BrontoÔÇÖs body is more effective. Always carry extra arrows and narcotics, as taming can take a long time, especially for high-level creatures. Keep a safe distance and use terrain to your advantage, such as hiding behind rocks or trees to avoid being attacked.
In combat, the crossbow is effective against both creatures and players. Its high damage output can quickly take down smaller threats like raptors or dilos. For larger creatures, aim for weak spots and use hit-and-run tactics to avoid taking damage. If youÔÇÖre fighting other players, the crossbow can be a stealthy weapon when combined with a ghillie suit, allowing you to ambush enemies from a distance.
Common mistakes to avoid include running out of arrows during a fight or taming attempt, not carrying enough narcotics for tranquilizer arrows, and misjudging the distance or trajectory of your shots. Always prepare extra resources before heading out, and practice your aim on smaller creatures to get a feel for the crossbowÔÇÖs mechanics.
Advanced techniques include using the crossbow in combination with traps. For example, you can lure a creature into a trap made of stone foundations and doorframes, then shoot it with tranquilizer arrows from a safe distance. This is especially useful for taming aggressive creatures like Carnotaurus or Sabertooths. Another technique is using the crossbow while riding a flying mount like an Argentavis or Pteranodon, allowing you to shoot from above and avoid ground-based threats.
Resource management is crucial when using the crossbow. Always gather extra materials for arrows and narcotics, and consider setting up a small outpost near resource-rich areas to replenish supplies. If youÔÇÖre in a tribe, assign roles to members to ensure a steady supply of resources. For solo players, prioritize gathering and crafting efficiency by using tamed dinosaurs like the Ankylosaurus for metal and the Therizinosaurus for fiber and wood.
In summary, the crossbow is a powerful tool for both taming and combat in ARK: Survival Evolved. By understanding its mechanics, preparing adequately, and using advanced techniques, you can dominate the gameÔÇÖs challenges. Whether youÔÇÖre taming a Rex or defending your base from raiders, the crossbow is a reliable weapon that will serve you well throughout your journey.
To craft a crossbow, you first need to unlock its engram. The crossbow engram becomes available at level 25 and costs 12 engram points. Once unlocked, youÔÇÖll need the following resources to craft it: 15 fiber, 50 wood, 20 hide, and 10 metal ingots. Fiber and wood are easily gathered from bushes and trees, while hide is obtained by killing creatures like dodos, dilos, or raptors. Metal ingots require smelting metal ore in a refining forge, so youÔÇÖll need to gather metal ore from rocks, usually found in mountainous areas or near rivers. Once you have all the materials, open your inventory or a crafting station like a smithy, and craft the crossbow.
Using the crossbow effectively requires understanding its mechanics. The crossbow fires arrows, which can be crafted using 1 wood, 1 stone, and 2 fiber. Tranquilizer arrows, which are essential for taming, require 1 arrow, 1 narcotic, and 1 stone. Narcotics are crafted from spoiled meat and narcoberries in a mortar and pestle. The crossbow has a slower firing rate than the bow but deals higher damage and has better accuracy over longer distances. This makes it ideal for taming larger creatures or engaging in combat from a safe distance.
When using the crossbow for taming, aim for the head of the creature to maximize torpor gain. However, some creatures have different hitboxes, so research their weak points beforehand. For example, the TrikeÔÇÖs head is its weak point, while the BrontoÔÇÖs body is more effective. Always carry extra arrows and narcotics, as taming can take a long time, especially for high-level creatures. Keep a safe distance and use terrain to your advantage, such as hiding behind rocks or trees to avoid being attacked.
In combat, the crossbow is effective against both creatures and players. Its high damage output can quickly take down smaller threats like raptors or dilos. For larger creatures, aim for weak spots and use hit-and-run tactics to avoid taking damage. If youÔÇÖre fighting other players, the crossbow can be a stealthy weapon when combined with a ghillie suit, allowing you to ambush enemies from a distance.
Common mistakes to avoid include running out of arrows during a fight or taming attempt, not carrying enough narcotics for tranquilizer arrows, and misjudging the distance or trajectory of your shots. Always prepare extra resources before heading out, and practice your aim on smaller creatures to get a feel for the crossbowÔÇÖs mechanics.
Advanced techniques include using the crossbow in combination with traps. For example, you can lure a creature into a trap made of stone foundations and doorframes, then shoot it with tranquilizer arrows from a safe distance. This is especially useful for taming aggressive creatures like Carnotaurus or Sabertooths. Another technique is using the crossbow while riding a flying mount like an Argentavis or Pteranodon, allowing you to shoot from above and avoid ground-based threats.
Resource management is crucial when using the crossbow. Always gather extra materials for arrows and narcotics, and consider setting up a small outpost near resource-rich areas to replenish supplies. If youÔÇÖre in a tribe, assign roles to members to ensure a steady supply of resources. For solo players, prioritize gathering and crafting efficiency by using tamed dinosaurs like the Ankylosaurus for metal and the Therizinosaurus for fiber and wood.
In summary, the crossbow is a powerful tool for both taming and combat in ARK: Survival Evolved. By understanding its mechanics, preparing adequately, and using advanced techniques, you can dominate the gameÔÇÖs challenges. Whether youÔÇÖre taming a Rex or defending your base from raiders, the crossbow is a reliable weapon that will serve you well throughout your journey.