How do I craft and use a compass for navigation in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Crafting and using a compass in ARK: Survival Evolved is an essential skill for navigation, especially when exploring the vast and often confusing landscapes of the game. A compass helps you determine your direction, making it easier to find your way back to your base, locate resources, or navigate to specific points of interest. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to craft and use a compass effectively.
To craft a compass, you first need to unlock its engram. The compass engram becomes available at level 20 and costs 12 engram points. Once unlocked, you can craft it at a Smithy or your inventory if you have the required resources. The resources needed to craft a compass are 15 metal ingots, 8 hide, and 10 fiber. Metal ingots are obtained by smelting metal ore in a forge, hide is gathered from killing animals, and fiber is collected from plants like bushes.
Once you have the resources, open your inventory or the Smithy, navigate to the crafting tab, and select the compass. Crafting it will take a few seconds, and once completed, it will appear in your inventory. To use the compass, equip it in your hotbar and select it. The compass will appear in the lower-left corner of your screen, showing you the cardinal directions: North, South, East, and West. The red needle always points North, allowing you to orient yourself and navigate more effectively.
When using the compass, itÔÇÖs important to keep in mind that it only shows your current orientation and does not provide a map or waypoints. To navigate effectively, you should combine the compass with landmarks or mental maps of the area. For example, if you know your base is to the North of a specific mountain, you can use the compass to head in that direction. Additionally, you can use the compass in conjunction with the in-game map, which can be crafted separately, to plot your course more accurately.
One common mistake players make is relying solely on the compass without paying attention to their surroundings. The compass is a tool, not a complete navigation solution. Always take note of landmarks, such as large rocks, rivers, or unique terrain features, to help you remember where you are and where you need to go. Another mistake is not carrying enough resources to craft a compass when needed. Always ensure you have the necessary materials in your inventory or base, especially when venturing into unfamiliar territory.
For advanced navigation, consider taming a dinosaur with a high weight capacity, such as a Parasaur or Trike, to carry extra resources and supplies. This can be particularly useful if you plan to explore far from your base. Additionally, some dinosaurs, like the Argentavis or Pteranodon, can help you cover large distances quickly, making navigation easier. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to share resources and responsibilities. One player can focus on gathering metal ore, while another collects hide and fiber, speeding up the crafting process.
In terms of resource management, always prioritize gathering metal ore, as it is used in many essential items, including the compass. Set up a mining operation near a metal-rich area, such as a mountain, and use a metal pickaxe to gather ore more efficiently. Smelt the ore in a forge to produce metal ingots, and store them in a secure location to prevent theft in PvP scenarios.
When exploring caves or dense forests, the compass can be less effective due to limited visibility. In these situations, consider using torches or other light sources to illuminate your path. Additionally, some caves have multiple entrances and exits, so marking your path with structures like wooden signs can help you navigate more effectively.
In summary, crafting and using a compass in ARK: Survival Evolved is a straightforward but essential skill for survival and exploration. By unlocking the engram, gathering the necessary resources, and using the compass in conjunction with landmarks and mental maps, you can navigate the gameÔÇÖs vast world with confidence. Avoid common mistakes like over-reliance on the compass and poor resource management, and consider advanced techniques like using tamed dinosaurs for transportation and resource gathering. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, mastering the use of the compass will greatly enhance your ability to survive and thrive in ARK.
To craft a compass, you first need to unlock its engram. The compass engram becomes available at level 20 and costs 12 engram points. Once unlocked, you can craft it at a Smithy or your inventory if you have the required resources. The resources needed to craft a compass are 15 metal ingots, 8 hide, and 10 fiber. Metal ingots are obtained by smelting metal ore in a forge, hide is gathered from killing animals, and fiber is collected from plants like bushes.
Once you have the resources, open your inventory or the Smithy, navigate to the crafting tab, and select the compass. Crafting it will take a few seconds, and once completed, it will appear in your inventory. To use the compass, equip it in your hotbar and select it. The compass will appear in the lower-left corner of your screen, showing you the cardinal directions: North, South, East, and West. The red needle always points North, allowing you to orient yourself and navigate more effectively.
When using the compass, itÔÇÖs important to keep in mind that it only shows your current orientation and does not provide a map or waypoints. To navigate effectively, you should combine the compass with landmarks or mental maps of the area. For example, if you know your base is to the North of a specific mountain, you can use the compass to head in that direction. Additionally, you can use the compass in conjunction with the in-game map, which can be crafted separately, to plot your course more accurately.
One common mistake players make is relying solely on the compass without paying attention to their surroundings. The compass is a tool, not a complete navigation solution. Always take note of landmarks, such as large rocks, rivers, or unique terrain features, to help you remember where you are and where you need to go. Another mistake is not carrying enough resources to craft a compass when needed. Always ensure you have the necessary materials in your inventory or base, especially when venturing into unfamiliar territory.
For advanced navigation, consider taming a dinosaur with a high weight capacity, such as a Parasaur or Trike, to carry extra resources and supplies. This can be particularly useful if you plan to explore far from your base. Additionally, some dinosaurs, like the Argentavis or Pteranodon, can help you cover large distances quickly, making navigation easier. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to share resources and responsibilities. One player can focus on gathering metal ore, while another collects hide and fiber, speeding up the crafting process.
In terms of resource management, always prioritize gathering metal ore, as it is used in many essential items, including the compass. Set up a mining operation near a metal-rich area, such as a mountain, and use a metal pickaxe to gather ore more efficiently. Smelt the ore in a forge to produce metal ingots, and store them in a secure location to prevent theft in PvP scenarios.
When exploring caves or dense forests, the compass can be less effective due to limited visibility. In these situations, consider using torches or other light sources to illuminate your path. Additionally, some caves have multiple entrances and exits, so marking your path with structures like wooden signs can help you navigate more effectively.
In summary, crafting and using a compass in ARK: Survival Evolved is a straightforward but essential skill for survival and exploration. By unlocking the engram, gathering the necessary resources, and using the compass in conjunction with landmarks and mental maps, you can navigate the gameÔÇÖs vast world with confidence. Avoid common mistakes like over-reliance on the compass and poor resource management, and consider advanced techniques like using tamed dinosaurs for transportation and resource gathering. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, mastering the use of the compass will greatly enhance your ability to survive and thrive in ARK.