How do I craft and use a shield for blocking attacks in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Crafting and using a shield in ARK: Survival Evolved is an essential skill for both survival and combat, especially when facing aggressive creatures or other players in PvP scenarios. Shields provide a defensive advantage by allowing you to block incoming attacks, reducing damage and giving you time to strategize or counterattack. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use a shield effectively, along with tips and considerations to maximize its utility.
To craft a shield, you first need to unlock the appropriate engram. The most basic shield, the Wooden Shield, becomes available at level 16. To unlock it, you must spend engram points, which are earned as you level up. Once unlocked, you can craft the shield at a Smithy or your inventory if you have the required resources. The Wooden Shield requires 15 wood, 10 fiber, and 10 hide. These materials are relatively easy to gather early in the game. Wood can be obtained by chopping trees with a hatchet or pickaxe, fiber is collected from bushes, and hide is acquired by harvesting corpses of small to medium-sized creatures like dodos or raptors.
Once crafted, equip the shield in your off-hand slot. On PC, this is done by dragging the shield to the off-hand slot in your inventory. On consoles, you can equip it by selecting it in your inventory and pressing the appropriate button. With the shield equipped, you can block attacks by holding the right mouse button (PC) or the left trigger (consoles). Blocking reduces incoming damage, but it also consumes stamina. If your stamina runs out, you will no longer be able to block, leaving you vulnerable. Therefore, managing your stamina is crucial when using a shield.
One important tip is to time your blocks carefully. Some creatures, like the Carnotaurus or Rex, have powerful attacks that can break through your shield if you block continuously. Instead, try to block just before the attack lands to conserve stamina and maintain your defense. Additionally, shields are less effective against certain attacks, such as fire or explosions, so be cautious when facing enemies with these abilities.
A common mistake is relying too heavily on the shield without considering your surroundings. For example, if you are backed into a corner or surrounded by multiple enemies, blocking may not be enough to save you. Always be aware of your environment and try to position yourself in open areas where you can maneuver and avoid being overwhelmed. Another mistake is neglecting to repair your shield. Shields have durability and will break after taking too much damage. To repair a shield, place it in a Smithy or your inventory along with the required materials (wood, fiber, and hide for the Wooden Shield).
For advanced players, consider upgrading to stronger shields as you progress. The Metal Shield, unlocked at level 34, offers significantly higher durability and damage reduction compared to the Wooden Shield. However, it requires more advanced materials like metal ingots and polymer, which can be challenging to gather early on. If you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to gather resources efficiently and craft better equipment for everyone. In solo play, focus on taming dinosaurs like the Ankylosaurus or Doedicurus to help gather metal and stone more effectively.
In PvP scenarios, shields can be a game-changer. They allow you to block incoming arrows or melee attacks, giving you an edge in combat. However, be cautious of players using explosives or high-damage weapons, as these can quickly destroy your shield. In such cases, consider using a combination of dodging and blocking to outmaneuver your opponent. Additionally, shields can be used to protect yourself while reviving a fallen teammate, making them invaluable in team-based combat.
Resource management is key when using shields. Always carry extra materials to repair or craft new shields, especially during extended expeditions or raids. If you are exploring dangerous areas like caves or fighting bosses, having multiple shields can save your life. Tamed dinosaurs like the Argentavis or Mammoth can help transport large amounts of resources, making it easier to prepare for challenging encounters.
In summary, crafting and using a shield in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning and resource management. By unlocking the appropriate engrams, gathering materials, and mastering the timing of blocks, you can significantly improve your chances of survival in both PvE and PvP scenarios. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, shields are a versatile tool that can enhance your combat effectiveness and protect you from the dangers of the ARK world.
To craft a shield, you first need to unlock the appropriate engram. The most basic shield, the Wooden Shield, becomes available at level 16. To unlock it, you must spend engram points, which are earned as you level up. Once unlocked, you can craft the shield at a Smithy or your inventory if you have the required resources. The Wooden Shield requires 15 wood, 10 fiber, and 10 hide. These materials are relatively easy to gather early in the game. Wood can be obtained by chopping trees with a hatchet or pickaxe, fiber is collected from bushes, and hide is acquired by harvesting corpses of small to medium-sized creatures like dodos or raptors.
Once crafted, equip the shield in your off-hand slot. On PC, this is done by dragging the shield to the off-hand slot in your inventory. On consoles, you can equip it by selecting it in your inventory and pressing the appropriate button. With the shield equipped, you can block attacks by holding the right mouse button (PC) or the left trigger (consoles). Blocking reduces incoming damage, but it also consumes stamina. If your stamina runs out, you will no longer be able to block, leaving you vulnerable. Therefore, managing your stamina is crucial when using a shield.
One important tip is to time your blocks carefully. Some creatures, like the Carnotaurus or Rex, have powerful attacks that can break through your shield if you block continuously. Instead, try to block just before the attack lands to conserve stamina and maintain your defense. Additionally, shields are less effective against certain attacks, such as fire or explosions, so be cautious when facing enemies with these abilities.
A common mistake is relying too heavily on the shield without considering your surroundings. For example, if you are backed into a corner or surrounded by multiple enemies, blocking may not be enough to save you. Always be aware of your environment and try to position yourself in open areas where you can maneuver and avoid being overwhelmed. Another mistake is neglecting to repair your shield. Shields have durability and will break after taking too much damage. To repair a shield, place it in a Smithy or your inventory along with the required materials (wood, fiber, and hide for the Wooden Shield).
For advanced players, consider upgrading to stronger shields as you progress. The Metal Shield, unlocked at level 34, offers significantly higher durability and damage reduction compared to the Wooden Shield. However, it requires more advanced materials like metal ingots and polymer, which can be challenging to gather early on. If you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to gather resources efficiently and craft better equipment for everyone. In solo play, focus on taming dinosaurs like the Ankylosaurus or Doedicurus to help gather metal and stone more effectively.
In PvP scenarios, shields can be a game-changer. They allow you to block incoming arrows or melee attacks, giving you an edge in combat. However, be cautious of players using explosives or high-damage weapons, as these can quickly destroy your shield. In such cases, consider using a combination of dodging and blocking to outmaneuver your opponent. Additionally, shields can be used to protect yourself while reviving a fallen teammate, making them invaluable in team-based combat.
Resource management is key when using shields. Always carry extra materials to repair or craft new shields, especially during extended expeditions or raids. If you are exploring dangerous areas like caves or fighting bosses, having multiple shields can save your life. Tamed dinosaurs like the Argentavis or Mammoth can help transport large amounts of resources, making it easier to prepare for challenging encounters.
In summary, crafting and using a shield in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning and resource management. By unlocking the appropriate engrams, gathering materials, and mastering the timing of blocks, you can significantly improve your chances of survival in both PvE and PvP scenarios. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, shields are a versatile tool that can enhance your combat effectiveness and protect you from the dangers of the ARK world.