How do I craft and use a pike for melee combat in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Crafting and using a pike for melee combat in ARK: Survival Evolved is a straightforward process, but it requires careful preparation and understanding of the game's mechanics. The pike is a mid-tier melee weapon that offers better range and damage compared to early-game tools like the spear, making it a valuable tool for both survival and combat. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and effectively use a pike, along with tips and considerations to maximize its potential.
To craft a pike, you first need to unlock its engram. The pike becomes available at level 25, and it costs 12 engram points to unlock. Once unlocked, you can craft it at a Smithy or a Fabricator. The resource requirements for crafting a pike are 20 metal ingots, 75 wood, and 35 fiber. Metal ingots are obtained by smelting metal ore in a forge, wood is gathered by chopping trees with a hatchet or a dinosaur like the Beaver, and fiber is collected from bushes or plants using your hands or a sickle. Ensure you have these resources ready before attempting to craft the pike.
Once crafted, the pike is a versatile weapon that excels in melee combat. It has a longer reach than most melee weapons, allowing you to attack enemies from a safer distance. This is particularly useful when facing aggressive creatures like Raptors or Carnotaurus, as it reduces the risk of taking damage. The pike also deals decent damage, making it effective against both wildlife and other players in PvP scenarios. However, it has a slower attack speed compared to weapons like the sword, so timing your strikes is crucial.
When using the pike, positioning is key. Always try to maintain a safe distance from your target while attacking. This is especially important when fighting larger predators like Rexes or Spinos, as their attacks can deal significant damage if you get too close. Use the pike's range to your advantage by keeping your distance and striking when the enemy is within reach. Additionally, the pike can be used while mounted on certain dinosaurs, such as the Parasaur or the Trike, allowing you to attack from a safer position.
One common mistake players make is underestimating the pike's durability. While it is a durable weapon, it will eventually break after prolonged use. Always carry a backup weapon or repair materials to avoid being caught defenseless in the middle of a fight. Another mistake is using the pike against enemies with high health or armor, as it may not deal enough damage to be effective. In such cases, consider using a stronger weapon like a crossbow or a firearm.
For advanced techniques, consider combining the pike with other tools and strategies. For example, you can use a bola to immobilize smaller enemies like Raptors or Pteranodons, making them easier to hit with the pike. You can also use the pike in combination with tamed dinosaurs, such as having a Raptor or a Carnotaurus distract the enemy while you attack from a safe distance. Additionally, the pike can be used to harvest resources like thatch from trees or hide from corpses, making it a versatile tool for both combat and survival.
Resource management is crucial when using the pike. Always ensure you have enough materials to repair or replace it, as running out of resources in the middle of a fight can be disastrous. Consider setting up a base near a reliable source of metal ore, such as a mountain or a cave, to ensure a steady supply of metal ingots. Additionally, use tamed dinosaurs like the Ankylosaurus or the Doedicurus to gather metal and stone more efficiently, saving you time and effort.
In terms of tribe or solo considerations, the pike is equally useful in both scenarios. In a tribe, you can coordinate with other players to create a balanced team, with some members using ranged weapons while others use melee weapons like the pike. In solo play, the pike's range and damage make it a reliable weapon for defending yourself against threats. However, always be cautious when engaging multiple enemies, as the pike's slower attack speed can leave you vulnerable.
Specific examples of using the pike include defending your base from wild creatures or raiding players in PvP. For instance, if a pack of Raptors attacks your base, you can use the pike to fend them off while keeping a safe distance. In PvP, the pike can be used to attack enemy players who are trying to breach your defenses, giving you an advantage in close-quarters combat.
In conclusion, the pike is a valuable weapon in ARK: Survival Evolved that offers a balance of range and damage. By understanding its mechanics, preparing the necessary resources, and using it strategically, you can effectively defend yourself and thrive in the game's dangerous world. Whether you're playing solo or in a tribe, the pike is a reliable tool for both survival and combat.
To craft a pike, you first need to unlock its engram. The pike becomes available at level 25, and it costs 12 engram points to unlock. Once unlocked, you can craft it at a Smithy or a Fabricator. The resource requirements for crafting a pike are 20 metal ingots, 75 wood, and 35 fiber. Metal ingots are obtained by smelting metal ore in a forge, wood is gathered by chopping trees with a hatchet or a dinosaur like the Beaver, and fiber is collected from bushes or plants using your hands or a sickle. Ensure you have these resources ready before attempting to craft the pike.
Once crafted, the pike is a versatile weapon that excels in melee combat. It has a longer reach than most melee weapons, allowing you to attack enemies from a safer distance. This is particularly useful when facing aggressive creatures like Raptors or Carnotaurus, as it reduces the risk of taking damage. The pike also deals decent damage, making it effective against both wildlife and other players in PvP scenarios. However, it has a slower attack speed compared to weapons like the sword, so timing your strikes is crucial.
When using the pike, positioning is key. Always try to maintain a safe distance from your target while attacking. This is especially important when fighting larger predators like Rexes or Spinos, as their attacks can deal significant damage if you get too close. Use the pike's range to your advantage by keeping your distance and striking when the enemy is within reach. Additionally, the pike can be used while mounted on certain dinosaurs, such as the Parasaur or the Trike, allowing you to attack from a safer position.
One common mistake players make is underestimating the pike's durability. While it is a durable weapon, it will eventually break after prolonged use. Always carry a backup weapon or repair materials to avoid being caught defenseless in the middle of a fight. Another mistake is using the pike against enemies with high health or armor, as it may not deal enough damage to be effective. In such cases, consider using a stronger weapon like a crossbow or a firearm.
For advanced techniques, consider combining the pike with other tools and strategies. For example, you can use a bola to immobilize smaller enemies like Raptors or Pteranodons, making them easier to hit with the pike. You can also use the pike in combination with tamed dinosaurs, such as having a Raptor or a Carnotaurus distract the enemy while you attack from a safe distance. Additionally, the pike can be used to harvest resources like thatch from trees or hide from corpses, making it a versatile tool for both combat and survival.
Resource management is crucial when using the pike. Always ensure you have enough materials to repair or replace it, as running out of resources in the middle of a fight can be disastrous. Consider setting up a base near a reliable source of metal ore, such as a mountain or a cave, to ensure a steady supply of metal ingots. Additionally, use tamed dinosaurs like the Ankylosaurus or the Doedicurus to gather metal and stone more efficiently, saving you time and effort.
In terms of tribe or solo considerations, the pike is equally useful in both scenarios. In a tribe, you can coordinate with other players to create a balanced team, with some members using ranged weapons while others use melee weapons like the pike. In solo play, the pike's range and damage make it a reliable weapon for defending yourself against threats. However, always be cautious when engaging multiple enemies, as the pike's slower attack speed can leave you vulnerable.
Specific examples of using the pike include defending your base from wild creatures or raiding players in PvP. For instance, if a pack of Raptors attacks your base, you can use the pike to fend them off while keeping a safe distance. In PvP, the pike can be used to attack enemy players who are trying to breach your defenses, giving you an advantage in close-quarters combat.
In conclusion, the pike is a valuable weapon in ARK: Survival Evolved that offers a balance of range and damage. By understanding its mechanics, preparing the necessary resources, and using it strategically, you can effectively defend yourself and thrive in the game's dangerous world. Whether you're playing solo or in a tribe, the pike is a reliable tool for both survival and combat.