How do I craft and use a slingshot for early-game taming in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Crafting and using a slingshot for early-game taming in ARK: Survival Evolved is a fundamental skill that can significantly enhance your survival and taming capabilities. The slingshot is one of the first ranged weapons you can craft, and it is particularly useful for knocking out small to medium-sized creatures for taming. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use a slingshot effectively, along with tips and strategies to maximize its potential.
To craft a slingshot, you need to unlock its engram at level 5. Once unlocked, you can craft it using 20 fiber, 5 hide, and 5 wood. These resources 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 a stone pickaxe. Once you have the required materials, open your inventory, navigate to the crafting tab, and select the slingshot to craft it.
The slingshot uses stones as ammunition, which can be gathered from the ground or by mining rocks with a pickaxe. Each shot consumes one stone, so it is a good idea to carry a stack of stones with you when using the slingshot. The slingshot is particularly effective for taming creatures like dodos, dilophosaurs, and even raptors, as it deals torpor damage, which knocks them unconscious over time.
When using the slingshot for taming, it is important to aim carefully and maintain a safe distance from the target. The slingshot has a relatively short range, so you need to be close enough to hit your target but far enough to avoid being attacked. For example, when taming a dilophosaur, you should stay at least 10 to 15 meters away to avoid its spit attack. Aim for the head to maximize torpor damage and reduce the number of shots required to knock the creature out.
One common mistake players make is underestimating the time it takes to knock out a creature with a slingshot. Unlike a bow or tranquilizer arrows, the slingshot deals less torpor damage per shot, so it may take several hits to knock out larger creatures. Be patient and avoid rushing the process, as this can lead to the creature becoming aggressive or fleeing. Additionally, always be prepared with extra stones and a backup plan in case the creature turns hostile.
Advanced techniques for using the slingshot include kiting and using terrain to your advantage. Kiting involves leading the creature into a trap or confined space where it cannot easily attack you. For example, you can lure a raptor into a small enclosure made of wooden walls and then use the slingshot to knock it out safely. Using terrain, such as rocks or cliffs, can also help you stay out of reach while taming. For instance, standing on a high rock can prevent a dilophosaur from reaching you while you shoot it with the slingshot.
Resource management is crucial when using the slingshot for taming. Always carry extra stones and consider bringing a few stimulants or narcoberries to keep the creature unconscious once it is knocked out. If you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to gather resources and set up traps for larger creatures. Solo players should focus on gathering enough materials beforehand and avoid engaging multiple creatures at once.
In summary, the slingshot is a versatile and essential tool for early-game taming in ARK: Survival Evolved. By crafting it early, gathering sufficient stones, and using proper aiming and positioning techniques, you can effectively tame a variety of creatures to aid in your survival. Avoid common mistakes like rushing the taming process or engaging too many creatures at once, and always be prepared with extra resources. With practice and careful planning, the slingshot can become a reliable tool for building your dinosaur army and thriving in the dangerous world of ARK.
To craft a slingshot, you need to unlock its engram at level 5. Once unlocked, you can craft it using 20 fiber, 5 hide, and 5 wood. These resources 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 a stone pickaxe. Once you have the required materials, open your inventory, navigate to the crafting tab, and select the slingshot to craft it.
The slingshot uses stones as ammunition, which can be gathered from the ground or by mining rocks with a pickaxe. Each shot consumes one stone, so it is a good idea to carry a stack of stones with you when using the slingshot. The slingshot is particularly effective for taming creatures like dodos, dilophosaurs, and even raptors, as it deals torpor damage, which knocks them unconscious over time.
When using the slingshot for taming, it is important to aim carefully and maintain a safe distance from the target. The slingshot has a relatively short range, so you need to be close enough to hit your target but far enough to avoid being attacked. For example, when taming a dilophosaur, you should stay at least 10 to 15 meters away to avoid its spit attack. Aim for the head to maximize torpor damage and reduce the number of shots required to knock the creature out.
One common mistake players make is underestimating the time it takes to knock out a creature with a slingshot. Unlike a bow or tranquilizer arrows, the slingshot deals less torpor damage per shot, so it may take several hits to knock out larger creatures. Be patient and avoid rushing the process, as this can lead to the creature becoming aggressive or fleeing. Additionally, always be prepared with extra stones and a backup plan in case the creature turns hostile.
Advanced techniques for using the slingshot include kiting and using terrain to your advantage. Kiting involves leading the creature into a trap or confined space where it cannot easily attack you. For example, you can lure a raptor into a small enclosure made of wooden walls and then use the slingshot to knock it out safely. Using terrain, such as rocks or cliffs, can also help you stay out of reach while taming. For instance, standing on a high rock can prevent a dilophosaur from reaching you while you shoot it with the slingshot.
Resource management is crucial when using the slingshot for taming. Always carry extra stones and consider bringing a few stimulants or narcoberries to keep the creature unconscious once it is knocked out. If you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to gather resources and set up traps for larger creatures. Solo players should focus on gathering enough materials beforehand and avoid engaging multiple creatures at once.
In summary, the slingshot is a versatile and essential tool for early-game taming in ARK: Survival Evolved. By crafting it early, gathering sufficient stones, and using proper aiming and positioning techniques, you can effectively tame a variety of creatures to aid in your survival. Avoid common mistakes like rushing the taming process or engaging too many creatures at once, and always be prepared with extra resources. With practice and careful planning, the slingshot can become a reliable tool for building your dinosaur army and thriving in the dangerous world of ARK.