What are the best early-game weapons for defending against aggressive creatures in ARK: Survival Evolved?
In ARK: Survival Evolved, early-game survival heavily relies on having effective weapons to defend against aggressive creatures. The gameÔÇÖs early stages are particularly dangerous because you lack advanced gear, strong tamed dinosaurs, and fortified bases. To survive, you need to prioritize crafting weapons that are both effective and resource-efficient. Below is a detailed guide on the best early-game weapons, how to use them, and strategies to maximize their effectiveness.
The first weapon you should craft is the Stone Pickaxe, which is essential for gathering resources like stone, flint, and thatch. While itÔÇÖs not a combat weapon, itÔÇÖs necessary to gather materials for crafting better tools and weapons. Next, craft the Stone Hatchet, which is slightly better for melee combat than the pickaxe and is useful for gathering wood and hide. These tools are your first line of defense against smaller creatures like Dilos and Compys.
The Spear is one of the most important early-game weapons. ItÔÇÖs cheap to craft, requiring only wood and flint, and it deals decent damage. However, it has low durability and can break after a few uses, so always carry multiple spears. The spear can be thrown for ranged attacks, which is useful for kiting aggressive creatures like Raptors or Carnotaurus. When using the spear, aim for the head or weak spots to maximize damage. Keep your distance and avoid getting surrounded, as early-game creatures can quickly overwhelm you.
The Slingshot is another early-game weapon that is particularly useful for taming smaller creatures like Dodos or Lystrosaurus. While it deals minimal damage, it can be used to knock out creatures for taming. ItÔÇÖs also a decent option for dealing with aggressive creatures from a distance, though itÔÇÖs not ideal for combat. Use the slingshot to distract or slow down enemies while you retreat or prepare for a counterattack.
The Bow is a significant upgrade from the slingshot and becomes available once you unlock the engram at level 10. It requires wood, fiber, and hide to craft, and arrows are made from flint, wood, and feathers. The bow is highly effective for both hunting and defense, as it deals more damage than the slingshot and has better range. Aim for headshots to maximize damage, and always carry extra arrows. The bow is particularly useful for taking down flying creatures like Pteranodons or for kiting larger predators like Carnotaurus.
One of the most important tips for early-game combat is to avoid direct confrontation with large predators like Rexes or Spinos. Instead, use terrain to your advantage. Climb onto rocks or high ground where larger creatures cannot reach you, and use ranged weapons like the bow or spear to attack from a safe distance. If youÔÇÖre caught in the open, try to lead aggressive creatures into traps or other hostile creatures to distract them.
Resource management is critical in the early game. Always gather extra materials to craft backup weapons, as they can break or be lost during combat. Prioritize gathering flint, wood, and hide, as these are essential for crafting spears, bows, and arrows. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, consider building a small, secure base with storage to keep your resources safe. If youÔÇÖre in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to gather resources more efficiently and share the workload.
A common mistake early-game players make is underestimating the durability of their weapons. Spears and bows can break quickly, so always carry multiple backups. Another mistake is engaging in combat without a plan. Always assess the situation before attacking. If youÔÇÖre outnumbered or facing a stronger creature, retreat and regroup. Use tamed dinosaurs like Trikes or Parasaurs to help in combat, as they can deal significant damage and provide a distraction.
Advanced techniques include using traps to immobilize aggressive creatures. For example, you can craft a Wooden Cage or Bear Trap to temporarily hold a creature while you attack it from a safe distance. Another strategy is to tame early-game dinosaurs like Raptors or Dilophosaurs, which can assist in combat and provide additional protection. Taming a pack of Raptors can make early-game survival much easier, as they are fast and deal decent damage.
In summary, the best early-game weapons for defending against aggressive creatures in ARK: Survival Evolved are the Spear, Slingshot, and Bow. These weapons are resource-efficient, easy to craft, and effective against most early-game threats. Always carry backup weapons, use terrain to your advantage, and avoid direct confrontation with stronger creatures. With careful planning and resource management, you can survive the early game and progress to more advanced weapons and strategies.
The first weapon you should craft is the Stone Pickaxe, which is essential for gathering resources like stone, flint, and thatch. While itÔÇÖs not a combat weapon, itÔÇÖs necessary to gather materials for crafting better tools and weapons. Next, craft the Stone Hatchet, which is slightly better for melee combat than the pickaxe and is useful for gathering wood and hide. These tools are your first line of defense against smaller creatures like Dilos and Compys.
The Spear is one of the most important early-game weapons. ItÔÇÖs cheap to craft, requiring only wood and flint, and it deals decent damage. However, it has low durability and can break after a few uses, so always carry multiple spears. The spear can be thrown for ranged attacks, which is useful for kiting aggressive creatures like Raptors or Carnotaurus. When using the spear, aim for the head or weak spots to maximize damage. Keep your distance and avoid getting surrounded, as early-game creatures can quickly overwhelm you.
The Slingshot is another early-game weapon that is particularly useful for taming smaller creatures like Dodos or Lystrosaurus. While it deals minimal damage, it can be used to knock out creatures for taming. ItÔÇÖs also a decent option for dealing with aggressive creatures from a distance, though itÔÇÖs not ideal for combat. Use the slingshot to distract or slow down enemies while you retreat or prepare for a counterattack.
The Bow is a significant upgrade from the slingshot and becomes available once you unlock the engram at level 10. It requires wood, fiber, and hide to craft, and arrows are made from flint, wood, and feathers. The bow is highly effective for both hunting and defense, as it deals more damage than the slingshot and has better range. Aim for headshots to maximize damage, and always carry extra arrows. The bow is particularly useful for taking down flying creatures like Pteranodons or for kiting larger predators like Carnotaurus.
One of the most important tips for early-game combat is to avoid direct confrontation with large predators like Rexes or Spinos. Instead, use terrain to your advantage. Climb onto rocks or high ground where larger creatures cannot reach you, and use ranged weapons like the bow or spear to attack from a safe distance. If youÔÇÖre caught in the open, try to lead aggressive creatures into traps or other hostile creatures to distract them.
Resource management is critical in the early game. Always gather extra materials to craft backup weapons, as they can break or be lost during combat. Prioritize gathering flint, wood, and hide, as these are essential for crafting spears, bows, and arrows. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, consider building a small, secure base with storage to keep your resources safe. If youÔÇÖre in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to gather resources more efficiently and share the workload.
A common mistake early-game players make is underestimating the durability of their weapons. Spears and bows can break quickly, so always carry multiple backups. Another mistake is engaging in combat without a plan. Always assess the situation before attacking. If youÔÇÖre outnumbered or facing a stronger creature, retreat and regroup. Use tamed dinosaurs like Trikes or Parasaurs to help in combat, as they can deal significant damage and provide a distraction.
Advanced techniques include using traps to immobilize aggressive creatures. For example, you can craft a Wooden Cage or Bear Trap to temporarily hold a creature while you attack it from a safe distance. Another strategy is to tame early-game dinosaurs like Raptors or Dilophosaurs, which can assist in combat and provide additional protection. Taming a pack of Raptors can make early-game survival much easier, as they are fast and deal decent damage.
In summary, the best early-game weapons for defending against aggressive creatures in ARK: Survival Evolved are the Spear, Slingshot, and Bow. These weapons are resource-efficient, easy to craft, and effective against most early-game threats. Always carry backup weapons, use terrain to your advantage, and avoid direct confrontation with stronger creatures. With careful planning and resource management, you can survive the early game and progress to more advanced weapons and strategies.