How do I craft and use a parachute to avoid fall damage in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Crafting and using a parachute in ARK: Survival Evolved is a crucial skill for avoiding fall damage, especially when exploring high areas, flying on tamed creatures, or escaping dangerous situations. The parachute is a simple yet effective tool that can save your life in many scenarios. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to craft and use it, along with tips and strategies to maximize its effectiveness.

To craft a parachute, you need to unlock its engram first. The parachute engram becomes available at level 10 and costs 6 engram points. Once unlocked, you can craft it using the following resources: 15 fiber, 10 hide, and 5 wood. These materials 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 dilophosaurs, and wood is gathered by punching trees or using tools like a pickaxe or hatchet. Once you have the materials, open your inventory or a crafting station, and craft the parachute. It will take up one slot in your inventory.

Using the parachute is straightforward. Equip it in your hotbar, and when you are falling from a height, press the corresponding hotkey to deploy it. The parachute will slow your descent, allowing you to land safely. However, timing is critical. If you deploy it too early, you may drift too far from your intended landing spot. If you deploy it too late, you might not slow down enough to avoid fall damage. Practice using the parachute in safe environments to get a feel for the timing.

One important tip is to always carry a parachute when exploring high areas or flying on tamed creatures like Argentavis or Pteranodon. Accidents can happen, such as running out of stamina mid-flight or being attacked by hostile creatures. Having a parachute can save you from a fatal fall. Additionally, if you are building a base on a cliff or mountain, keep a parachute handy in case you accidentally step off the edge.

A common mistake is forgetting to equip the parachute in your hotbar before you need it. If you are falling and have to open your inventory to equip it, you might not have enough time to deploy it. Always keep it ready in your hotbar when you are in situations where falling is a risk. Another mistake is not paying attention to your surroundings. If you deploy a parachute in a dense forest or near cliffs, you might get caught on trees or rocks, which can still result in fall damage or leave you vulnerable to predators.

For advanced techniques, consider combining the parachute with other tools or strategies. For example, if you are flying on a Pteranodon and run out of stamina, deploy the parachute and glide to safety. You can also use the parachute to escape from aggressive creatures by jumping off cliffs or high structures. In PvP scenarios, a parachute can be a lifesaver if you are knocked off your mount or need to retreat quickly from a fight.

Resource management is also important when using parachutes. Since they are single-use items, you will need to craft multiple parachutes if you plan to use them frequently. Always gather extra fiber, hide, and wood to ensure you have enough materials to craft more when needed. If you are in a tribe, consider assigning one member to be responsible for crafting and distributing parachutes to the group, especially during expeditions or raids.

In solo play, you need to be self-sufficient and always prepared. Keep a stack of parachutes in your inventory or storage near high-risk areas. If you are taming creatures that require you to be in elevated locations, such as Argentavis or Quetzals, having a parachute can prevent unnecessary deaths and loss of progress.

Specific examples of when to use a parachute include exploring caves with vertical drops, building tall structures, or flying over dangerous terrain. For instance, if you are taming a Quetzal and need to dismount mid-air to tranquilize it, a parachute will ensure you land safely. Similarly, if you are raiding an enemy base and need to jump off a high wall to escape, a parachute can be the difference between life and death.

In summary, the parachute is a simple yet essential tool in ARK: Survival Evolved. By crafting it early, equipping it in your hotbar, and practicing its use, you can avoid fall damage and survive in many dangerous situations. Always be prepared with extra materials to craft more parachutes, and consider their use in both solo and tribe scenarios. With proper timing and awareness, the parachute can be a lifesaver in the unpredictable world of ARK.