How do I craft a harpoon gun for underwater combat in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Crafting a harpoon gun in ARK: Survival Evolved is a crucial step for underwater combat and exploration. The harpoon gun is a powerful ranged weapon designed specifically for underwater use, allowing you to hunt aquatic creatures, defend yourself against threats, and gather resources more efficiently. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use the harpoon gun effectively, along with tips and strategies to maximize its potential.

To craft a harpoon gun, you must first unlock its engram. The harpoon gun engram becomes available at level 35 and costs 18 engram points. Once unlocked, you will need to gather the necessary resources to craft it. The required materials are 15 metal ingots, 20 hide, 15 fiber, and 10 wood. Metal ingots are crafted by smelting metal ore in a forge, hide is obtained from killing creatures, fiber is gathered from plants, and wood is collected from trees. Ensure you have a smithy or fabricator available to craft the harpoon gun, as it cannot be crafted in your inventory.

Once you have the harpoon gun, you will need to craft harpoons to use as ammunition. Harpoons are crafted using 2 metal ingots and 2 polymer. Polymer can be obtained by killing Kairuku (penguins) or by crafting it using obsidian and cementing paste in a fabricator. Each harpoon gun can hold one harpoon at a time, so it is essential to carry extra harpoons in your inventory for prolonged underwater expeditions.

Using the harpoon gun effectively requires understanding its mechanics. The harpoon gun has a slower firing rate compared to other ranged weapons, but it deals significant damage and has excellent range underwater. It is particularly effective against large aquatic creatures like Megalodons, Plesiosaurs, and Tusoteuthis. The harpoon gun can also be used to hunt fish for prime fish meat, which is valuable for taming certain creatures.

When preparing for underwater combat, it is crucial to equip yourself with appropriate gear. Scuba gear, including a scuba tank, mask, and fins, will allow you to breathe and move efficiently underwater. Additionally, consider bringing a strong aquatic mount, such as a Basilosaurus or a Megalodon, to assist in combat and provide transportation. A Basilosaurus is particularly useful due to its immunity to the stun effects of jellyfish and electric eels.

One common mistake players make is underestimating the dangers of underwater environments. Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid engaging multiple enemies at once. Aggressive creatures like Piranhas and Electrophorus can quickly overwhelm you if you are not prepared. Use your harpoon gun to pick off threats from a distance and retreat to safety if necessary.

Advanced techniques for using the harpoon gun include aiming for weak spots on creatures to maximize damage and using the environment to your advantage. For example, you can lure large predators into narrow underwater caves where they have limited mobility, making them easier to target. Additionally, consider using a crossbow with tranq arrows to knock out creatures for taming, as the harpoon gun is not suitable for non-lethal takedowns.

Resource management is critical when preparing for underwater expeditions. Ensure you have enough food, water, and medical supplies to sustain yourself during extended trips. Crafting a waterproof storage box on your aquatic mount can help you store extra resources and ammunition. If you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to divide responsibilities, such as gathering resources, crafting ammunition, and scouting for threats.

In solo play, prioritize safety and efficiency. Use your harpoon gun to eliminate threats quickly and avoid unnecessary risks. Taming a strong aquatic mount can significantly enhance your survivability and combat effectiveness. For example, a high-level Megalodon can provide both protection and assistance in gathering resources.

In summary, crafting and using a harpoon gun in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful preparation and strategic planning. By unlocking the engram, gathering the necessary resources, and equipping yourself with appropriate gear, you can dominate underwater combat and exploration. Avoid common mistakes, utilize advanced techniques, and manage your resources effectively to ensure success in the dangerous underwater world of ARK.