How do I craft a parachute to safely descend from high places in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Crafting a parachute in ARK: Survival Evolved is a crucial skill for survival, especially when navigating high places like mountains, cliffs, or even when jumping off flying creatures. A parachute allows you to descend safely from great heights, preventing fall damage that could otherwise be fatal. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use a parachute effectively, along with tips and considerations to maximize its utility.

To craft a parachute, you must first unlock its engram. The parachute engram becomes available at level 14 and costs 6 engram points. Once unlocked, you can craft it at any inventory or crafting station. The resources required to craft a parachute are relatively simple: 15 fiber, 20 hide, and 5 wood. Fiber can be gathered by harvesting bushes, hide is obtained from killing and harvesting creatures, and wood is collected by chopping down trees. These resources are abundant in the early game, making the parachute an accessible tool for new players.

Once crafted, the parachute is stored in your inventory. To use it, you must equip it in your hotbar. When falling from a significant height, press the corresponding hotkey to deploy the parachute. This will slow your descent, allowing you to land safely. The parachute has durability and will degrade with use, so itÔÇÖs important to monitor its condition and craft additional parachutes as needed.

One important tip is to deploy the parachute early rather than waiting until the last moment. If you wait too long, you may not have enough time to slow your descent, resulting in fall damage. Additionally, be mindful of your surroundings when landing. Avoid landing in water, as the parachute will not function properly, and you may drown if you are not prepared. Similarly, avoid landing in areas with hostile creatures or players, as you will be vulnerable during the descent.

A common mistake players make is forgetting to equip the parachute in their hotbar before climbing or flying. Always ensure the parachute is readily accessible, especially when exploring high-altitude areas. Another mistake is relying solely on the parachute without considering other safety measures. For example, if you are riding a flying creature, dismounting mid-air to deploy a parachute can be risky. Instead, consider landing the creature safely or using it to descend gradually.

Advanced techniques involve combining the parachute with other tools and strategies. For instance, you can use grappling hooks or climbing picks to scale cliffs and then deploy the parachute to descend quickly. This is particularly useful in PvP scenarios where speed and mobility are critical. Additionally, you can use the parachute to escape dangerous situations, such as falling off a mount during a fight or evading predators.

Resource management is key when crafting parachutes. While the materials are easy to obtain, itÔÇÖs wise to stockpile them in case you need to craft multiple parachutes. Hide and fiber are especially important, as they are used in many other crafting recipes. Prioritize gathering these resources during your exploration to ensure you always have enough for parachutes and other essential items.

For tribes, parachutes can be a shared resource. Consider designating a tribe member to craft and distribute parachutes to ensure everyone is prepared for high-altitude exploration. In solo play, always carry at least one parachute in your inventory, especially when venturing into mountainous or elevated areas.

Specific examples of parachute use include descending from the top of a mountain after gathering resources like metal or crystal, escaping from a high-altitude base raid, or safely dismounting a flying creature like an Argentavis or Pteranodon. In PvP, parachutes can be used to quickly retreat from a fight or to ambush enemies from above.

In summary, the parachute is a versatile and essential tool in ARK: Survival Evolved. By understanding its mechanics, crafting requirements, and strategic uses, you can significantly enhance your survival and combat capabilities. Always be prepared, monitor your resources, and use the parachute wisely to avoid common pitfalls and maximize its benefits.