How do I craft and use a torch for light and warmth in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Crafting and using a torch in ARK: Survival Evolved is one of the earliest and most essential survival tasks you will undertake. A torch provides light during the night, which is crucial for visibility, and it also offers warmth, helping you survive in colder biomes or during nighttime when temperatures drop. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use a torch effectively, along with tips and considerations to maximize its utility.

To craft a torch, you first need to gather the necessary resources. The basic materials required are 1 wood, 1 flint, and 1 fiber. Wood can be obtained by punching trees or using tools like a pickaxe or hatchet. Flint is commonly found by harvesting rocks with a pickaxe, and fiber is gathered by picking plants or bushes. Once you have these materials, open your inventory and navigate to the crafting tab. Look for the torch in the list of available engrams. If you havenÔÇÖt unlocked it yet, you will need to spend engram points to learn the recipe. The torch is a very early-game item, so it should be one of the first things you unlock.

After crafting the torch, equip it by dragging it to your hotbar and selecting it. Once equipped, you can light it by pressing the appropriate key or button (default is right-click on PC). The torch will emit light in a small radius around you, making it easier to see in the dark. It also provides a small amount of warmth, which can be useful in colder areas or during nighttime when temperatures drop. However, keep in mind that the torch consumes durability over time, so it will eventually break and need to be replaced.

One important tip is to always carry extra materials to craft additional torches. Running out of light in the middle of the night can be dangerous, especially if you are far from your base or in an area with hostile creatures. Additionally, torches can be placed on the ground or on walls to provide stationary light sources. This is useful for illuminating your base or creating safe paths through dark areas. To place a torch, simply drop it from your inventory and interact with it to place it on a surface.

A common mistake players make is relying solely on torches for warmth in extremely cold environments. While torches do provide some warmth, they are not sufficient for surviving in the coldest biomes like the Snow Biome or during blizzards. In these situations, you will need better insulation, such as fur armor or a campfire. Another mistake is not managing the durability of your torch. If you leave it burning unnecessarily, it will break faster, so only light it when needed.

For advanced players, consider using tamed creatures to assist with light and warmth. Certain dinosaurs, like the Dimetrodon, provide insulation buffs that can help regulate your temperature. Additionally, some creatures, like the Glowtail or Bulbdog, emit light naturally, reducing your reliance on torches. These creatures can be tamed and used as mobile light sources, which is especially useful in caves or during nighttime exploration.

Resource management is key when using torches. Always gather extra wood, flint, and fiber to ensure you can craft more torches as needed. If you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to share resources and ensure everyone has access to light and warmth. In solo play, prioritize gathering these materials early on to avoid being caught unprepared.

In specific scenarios, such as exploring caves, torches are invaluable. Caves are dark and often filled with dangerous creatures, so having a reliable light source is essential. However, be cautious when using torches in caves, as the light can attract unwanted attention from aggressive creatures. In these situations, consider using a combination of torches and tamed light-emitting creatures to balance visibility and safety.

In summary, crafting and using a torch in ARK: Survival Evolved is a fundamental survival skill. By gathering the necessary resources, managing durability, and using torches strategically, you can ensure your survival in the gameÔÇÖs challenging environments. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, mastering the use of torches will greatly enhance your ability to navigate the world of ARK and overcome its many dangers.