How do I craft and use a GPS for precise navigation in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Crafting and using a GPS in ARK: Survival Evolved is a crucial step for precise navigation, especially when exploring large maps or locating specific resources, creatures, or bases. The GPS is a late-game item that provides exact coordinates of your current location, making it invaluable for navigation and coordination with tribe members. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use a GPS effectively.
To craft a GPS, you must first unlock its engram. The GPS engram becomes available at level 65 and costs 21 engram points. Once unlocked, you will need the following resources to craft it: 100 metal ingots, 50 crystal, 20 electronics, and 10 polymer. These materials are not easy to obtain early in the game, so you will need to progress significantly before you can craft a GPS. Metal ingots are smelted from metal ore in a forge, crystal is gathered from rocks in mountainous areas, electronics are crafted from silica pearls and metal ingots, and polymer can be obtained from organic polymer (found on Kairuku or Mantis) or crafted from obsidian and cementing paste.
Once you have gathered the necessary resources, you can craft the GPS at a fabricator. The fabricator requires gasoline to operate, so ensure you have a steady supply of gasoline by refining oil and hide in a refining forge. After crafting the GPS, equip it in your hotbar and use it like any other tool. When activated, the GPS will display your current latitude, longitude, and elevation. These coordinates are essential for navigating the map, especially when working with a tribe to coordinate movements or mark locations.
Using the GPS effectively requires understanding the coordinate system. The map in ARK is divided into a grid, with latitude and longitude values ranging from 0 to 80. Latitude represents your north-south position, while longitude represents your east-west position. For example, coordinates like 50, 50 would place you near the center of the map. By referencing these coordinates, you can pinpoint your location and navigate to specific areas with precision.
One important tip is to pair the GPS with a map or external resources that provide coordinate-based information. Many online maps and guides for ARK include coordinates for key locations such as caves, resource nodes, and spawn points for rare creatures. By cross-referencing your GPS coordinates with these resources, you can efficiently locate valuable areas. Additionally, when playing in a tribe, sharing coordinates with your teammates can streamline exploration and resource gathering. For example, if a tribe member finds a high-yield metal node, they can share its coordinates so others can easily locate it.
A common mistake players make is relying solely on the GPS without considering other navigation tools. While the GPS is incredibly useful, it does not replace the need for a compass or map. The compass provides directional information, which is helpful for orienting yourself, while the map gives a broader overview of the terrain. Combining these tools with the GPS ensures you can navigate effectively in all situations. Another mistake is not keeping spare batteries for the GPS. The GPS consumes energy over time, and if it runs out of charge, you will need to craft a new one or recharge it using a charge battery. Always carry extra batteries or materials to craft them.
Advanced techniques for using the GPS include marking waypoints and creating coordinate-based navigation systems. For example, you can use the GPS to mark the locations of your base, resource nodes, and taming traps. This is particularly useful in PvP scenarios, where quick navigation and resource management are critical. Additionally, you can use the GPS to track your movement patterns and optimize resource gathering routes. For instance, if you frequently travel between your base and a metal-rich area, you can use the GPS to find the most efficient path.
Resource management is key when preparing to craft a GPS. Since the materials required are relatively rare, you should prioritize gathering metal, crystal, and silica pearls early in the game. Taming dinosaurs like the Ankylosaurus for metal and crystal gathering or the Beaver for wood and cementing paste can significantly speed up the process. Additionally, setting up a base near resource-rich areas can reduce the time spent traveling and increase your efficiency.
Whether playing solo or in a tribe, the GPS is a valuable tool. In solo play, it helps you keep track of your location and plan exploration routes. In a tribe, it facilitates coordination and resource sharing. For example, if your tribe is preparing for a boss fight, you can use the GPS to mark the location of the obelisk and ensure everyone arrives on time. Similarly, in PvP, the GPS can help you coordinate raids or defend your base by tracking enemy movements.
In specific scenarios, the GPS can be a game-changer. For example, when searching for rare creatures like the Quetzal or Giganotosaurus, the GPS allows you to systematically explore the map and mark their spawn points. Similarly, when navigating caves to collect artifacts, the GPS helps you avoid getting lost in the maze-like tunnels. By combining the GPS with other tools and strategies, you can master navigation and thrive in the world of ARK: Survival Evolved.
To craft a GPS, you must first unlock its engram. The GPS engram becomes available at level 65 and costs 21 engram points. Once unlocked, you will need the following resources to craft it: 100 metal ingots, 50 crystal, 20 electronics, and 10 polymer. These materials are not easy to obtain early in the game, so you will need to progress significantly before you can craft a GPS. Metal ingots are smelted from metal ore in a forge, crystal is gathered from rocks in mountainous areas, electronics are crafted from silica pearls and metal ingots, and polymer can be obtained from organic polymer (found on Kairuku or Mantis) or crafted from obsidian and cementing paste.
Once you have gathered the necessary resources, you can craft the GPS at a fabricator. The fabricator requires gasoline to operate, so ensure you have a steady supply of gasoline by refining oil and hide in a refining forge. After crafting the GPS, equip it in your hotbar and use it like any other tool. When activated, the GPS will display your current latitude, longitude, and elevation. These coordinates are essential for navigating the map, especially when working with a tribe to coordinate movements or mark locations.
Using the GPS effectively requires understanding the coordinate system. The map in ARK is divided into a grid, with latitude and longitude values ranging from 0 to 80. Latitude represents your north-south position, while longitude represents your east-west position. For example, coordinates like 50, 50 would place you near the center of the map. By referencing these coordinates, you can pinpoint your location and navigate to specific areas with precision.
One important tip is to pair the GPS with a map or external resources that provide coordinate-based information. Many online maps and guides for ARK include coordinates for key locations such as caves, resource nodes, and spawn points for rare creatures. By cross-referencing your GPS coordinates with these resources, you can efficiently locate valuable areas. Additionally, when playing in a tribe, sharing coordinates with your teammates can streamline exploration and resource gathering. For example, if a tribe member finds a high-yield metal node, they can share its coordinates so others can easily locate it.
A common mistake players make is relying solely on the GPS without considering other navigation tools. While the GPS is incredibly useful, it does not replace the need for a compass or map. The compass provides directional information, which is helpful for orienting yourself, while the map gives a broader overview of the terrain. Combining these tools with the GPS ensures you can navigate effectively in all situations. Another mistake is not keeping spare batteries for the GPS. The GPS consumes energy over time, and if it runs out of charge, you will need to craft a new one or recharge it using a charge battery. Always carry extra batteries or materials to craft them.
Advanced techniques for using the GPS include marking waypoints and creating coordinate-based navigation systems. For example, you can use the GPS to mark the locations of your base, resource nodes, and taming traps. This is particularly useful in PvP scenarios, where quick navigation and resource management are critical. Additionally, you can use the GPS to track your movement patterns and optimize resource gathering routes. For instance, if you frequently travel between your base and a metal-rich area, you can use the GPS to find the most efficient path.
Resource management is key when preparing to craft a GPS. Since the materials required are relatively rare, you should prioritize gathering metal, crystal, and silica pearls early in the game. Taming dinosaurs like the Ankylosaurus for metal and crystal gathering or the Beaver for wood and cementing paste can significantly speed up the process. Additionally, setting up a base near resource-rich areas can reduce the time spent traveling and increase your efficiency.
Whether playing solo or in a tribe, the GPS is a valuable tool. In solo play, it helps you keep track of your location and plan exploration routes. In a tribe, it facilitates coordination and resource sharing. For example, if your tribe is preparing for a boss fight, you can use the GPS to mark the location of the obelisk and ensure everyone arrives on time. Similarly, in PvP, the GPS can help you coordinate raids or defend your base by tracking enemy movements.
In specific scenarios, the GPS can be a game-changer. For example, when searching for rare creatures like the Quetzal or Giganotosaurus, the GPS allows you to systematically explore the map and mark their spawn points. Similarly, when navigating caves to collect artifacts, the GPS helps you avoid getting lost in the maze-like tunnels. By combining the GPS with other tools and strategies, you can master navigation and thrive in the world of ARK: Survival Evolved.