How do I craft and use a spear for early-game combat in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Crafting and using a spear in ARK: Survival Evolved is one of the most essential early-game skills you need to master. The spear is a versatile tool that serves both as a weapon for combat and a tool for hunting. It is relatively easy to craft and can be a lifesaver in the early stages of the game when you are still vulnerable and lack advanced weapons or tamed dinosaurs. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use a spear effectively, along with tips and strategies to maximize its utility.
To craft a spear, you will need to gather a few basic resources. The primary materials required are 8 wood, 12 fiber, and 6 flint. Wood can be obtained by punching trees or using a stone pickaxe, which is one of the first tools you should craft. Fiber is gathered by harvesting bushes, which are abundant in most starting areas. Flint is obtained by mining rocks with a stone pickaxe. Once you have these materials, open your inventory and navigate to the crafting tab. Look for the spear in the list of available engrams. If you do not see it, you may need to level up and unlock the spear engram, which requires level 2. Once unlocked, simply click on the spear icon to craft it.
Using the spear is straightforward. Equip it in your hotbar and select it to hold it in your hand. The spear can be used for both melee attacks and thrown attacks. For melee combat, simply click the left mouse button to stab at your target. This is useful for close-range encounters with smaller creatures or when you need to conserve spears. For ranged attacks, hold the right mouse button to aim and release to throw the spear. Thrown spears deal more damage than melee attacks but can be lost if they miss or if the target is killed. Always try to retrieve your spear after a fight to avoid running out of them.
One important tip is to always carry multiple spears. Since they can break or be lost when thrown, having backups ensures you are never left defenseless. Additionally, spears are effective against smaller creatures like dodos, dilophosaurs, and even raptors if you keep your distance. However, avoid using spears against larger or more dangerous creatures like carnotaurus or rexes, as they can easily overpower you. Instead, focus on taming dinosaurs or crafting better weapons like bows and arrows for dealing with larger threats.
A common mistake new players make is throwing spears too early or too often. Thrown spears have a limited range and can be difficult to aim, especially against fast-moving targets. Practice your aim in safe environments, such as hunting passive creatures like dodos, before using spears in combat. Another mistake is not repairing spears. Spears degrade with use, and if they break, you will need to craft a new one. Keep an eye on the durability of your spears and repair them using wood and flint when necessary.
For advanced techniques, consider using spears in combination with other tools and strategies. For example, you can use a bola to immobilize a target before throwing a spear for a guaranteed hit. This is particularly effective against raptors and other fast-moving predators. Additionally, spears can be used to fish by throwing them into water where fish are present. This is a great way to gather meat and hide early in the game without engaging in dangerous combat.
Resource management is crucial when using spears. Always gather extra wood, fiber, and flint to ensure you can craft more spears as needed. If you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to share resources and ensure everyone has access to spears. Solo players should prioritize gathering materials for spears early on, as they are your primary means of defense and hunting.
In specific scenarios, spears can be a game-changer. For example, if you are being chased by a pack of raptors, throwing a spear at the lead raptor can slow them down or even kill one, giving you time to escape. Similarly, if you are exploring a cave and encounter hostile creatures, spears can be a reliable weapon in tight spaces where ranged weapons like bows are less effective.
In conclusion, the spear is an essential tool for early-game survival in ARK: Survival Evolved. By understanding how to craft and use it effectively, you can defend yourself, hunt for food, and gather resources more efficiently. Always carry multiple spears, practice your aim, and use them in combination with other tools and strategies to maximize their effectiveness. With proper preparation and resource management, the spear can help you survive and thrive in the dangerous world of ARK.
To craft a spear, you will need to gather a few basic resources. The primary materials required are 8 wood, 12 fiber, and 6 flint. Wood can be obtained by punching trees or using a stone pickaxe, which is one of the first tools you should craft. Fiber is gathered by harvesting bushes, which are abundant in most starting areas. Flint is obtained by mining rocks with a stone pickaxe. Once you have these materials, open your inventory and navigate to the crafting tab. Look for the spear in the list of available engrams. If you do not see it, you may need to level up and unlock the spear engram, which requires level 2. Once unlocked, simply click on the spear icon to craft it.
Using the spear is straightforward. Equip it in your hotbar and select it to hold it in your hand. The spear can be used for both melee attacks and thrown attacks. For melee combat, simply click the left mouse button to stab at your target. This is useful for close-range encounters with smaller creatures or when you need to conserve spears. For ranged attacks, hold the right mouse button to aim and release to throw the spear. Thrown spears deal more damage than melee attacks but can be lost if they miss or if the target is killed. Always try to retrieve your spear after a fight to avoid running out of them.
One important tip is to always carry multiple spears. Since they can break or be lost when thrown, having backups ensures you are never left defenseless. Additionally, spears are effective against smaller creatures like dodos, dilophosaurs, and even raptors if you keep your distance. However, avoid using spears against larger or more dangerous creatures like carnotaurus or rexes, as they can easily overpower you. Instead, focus on taming dinosaurs or crafting better weapons like bows and arrows for dealing with larger threats.
A common mistake new players make is throwing spears too early or too often. Thrown spears have a limited range and can be difficult to aim, especially against fast-moving targets. Practice your aim in safe environments, such as hunting passive creatures like dodos, before using spears in combat. Another mistake is not repairing spears. Spears degrade with use, and if they break, you will need to craft a new one. Keep an eye on the durability of your spears and repair them using wood and flint when necessary.
For advanced techniques, consider using spears in combination with other tools and strategies. For example, you can use a bola to immobilize a target before throwing a spear for a guaranteed hit. This is particularly effective against raptors and other fast-moving predators. Additionally, spears can be used to fish by throwing them into water where fish are present. This is a great way to gather meat and hide early in the game without engaging in dangerous combat.
Resource management is crucial when using spears. Always gather extra wood, fiber, and flint to ensure you can craft more spears as needed. If you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to share resources and ensure everyone has access to spears. Solo players should prioritize gathering materials for spears early on, as they are your primary means of defense and hunting.
In specific scenarios, spears can be a game-changer. For example, if you are being chased by a pack of raptors, throwing a spear at the lead raptor can slow them down or even kill one, giving you time to escape. Similarly, if you are exploring a cave and encounter hostile creatures, spears can be a reliable weapon in tight spaces where ranged weapons like bows are less effective.
In conclusion, the spear is an essential tool for early-game survival in ARK: Survival Evolved. By understanding how to craft and use it effectively, you can defend yourself, hunt for food, and gather resources more efficiently. Always carry multiple spears, practice your aim, and use them in combination with other tools and strategies to maximize their effectiveness. With proper preparation and resource management, the spear can help you survive and thrive in the dangerous world of ARK.