How do I craft and use a rocket launcher for high-damage combat in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Crafting and using a rocket launcher in ARK: Survival Evolved is a powerful way to deal high damage in combat, especially against tough enemies like bosses, large dinosaurs, or enemy bases in PvP. However, it requires significant preparation, resources, and strategy to use effectively. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you master this advanced weapon.
To craft a rocket launcher, you must first unlock its engram. The rocket launcher engram becomes available at level 95, so youÔÇÖll need to level up your character significantly. Once unlocked, youÔÇÖll need the following resources to craft it: 150 metal ingots, 75 polymer, 50 cementing paste, and 50 electronics. These materials are not easy to gather, so youÔÇÖll need to plan ahead. Metal ingots are smelted from metal ore in a forge, polymer can be obtained from killing creatures like Kairuku or by crafting it with organic polymer and obsidian, cementing paste is made from chitin or keratin and stone in a mortar and pestle or by taming a Beelzebufo, and electronics are crafted from silica pearls and metal ingots.
Once you have the rocket launcher, youÔÇÖll need rockets to fire it. Rockets are crafted at a fabricator and require 10 gunpowder, 4 metal ingots, 2 polymer, and 2 sparkpowder per rocket. Gunpowder is made from charcoal and sparkpowder, which are crafted from flint and stone. Stockpiling these resources is essential, as rockets are expensive and youÔÇÖll need many of them for prolonged combat.
Using the rocket launcher effectively requires careful planning. The rocket launcher has a slow reload time and a limited range, so positioning is critical. In PvE, itÔÇÖs best used against large, slow-moving targets like bosses or alpha creatures. In PvP, itÔÇÖs ideal for destroying enemy structures or taking out groups of players. However, the rocket launcher has a significant drawback: it deals splash damage, which can harm you or your allies if youÔÇÖre too close to the explosion. Always maintain a safe distance when firing.
One common mistake is underestimating the resource cost of using a rocket launcher. Rockets are expensive, and firing them indiscriminately can quickly deplete your supplies. Always aim carefully and use the rocket launcher only when necessary. Another mistake is not accounting for the reload time. The rocket launcher takes several seconds to reload, leaving you vulnerable to counterattacks. Always have a backup weapon or a tamed dinosaur to protect you while reloading.
Advanced techniques include using the rocket launcher in combination with other strategies. For example, you can use a high-health dinosaur like a Rex or a Bronto to tank damage while you fire rockets from a safe distance. In PvP, you can use the rocket launcher to breach enemy walls and then send in tamed dinosaurs or allies to finish the job. Additionally, you can use the rocket launcher to destroy enemy turrets or other defenses before launching a full-scale assault.
Resource management is crucial when using a rocket launcher. Always gather extra materials for rockets and repair the launcher when needed. The rocket launcher has durability and will break after repeated use, so keep spare materials to craft a new one if necessary. In a tribe, assign roles to members to ensure efficient resource gathering and crafting. One player can focus on gathering metal, another on polymer, and so on. This division of labor will make it easier to maintain a steady supply of rockets.
In solo play, using a rocket launcher is more challenging due to the resource demands. Focus on taming dinosaurs that can help you gather materials more efficiently, such as an Ankylosaurus for metal or a Doedicurus for stone. You can also use a Quetzal with a platform saddle to transport heavy resources. Prioritize crafting a few rockets at a time and use them sparingly to avoid running out of materials.
Specific scenarios where the rocket launcher shines include boss fights, where its high damage output can quickly take down bosses like the Broodmother or the Megapithecus. In PvP, itÔÇÖs invaluable for raiding enemy bases, especially those with heavy fortifications. For example, you can use the rocket launcher to destroy a metal wall and then send in a pack of Raptors or Carnotaurus to overwhelm the defenders.
In conclusion, the rocket launcher is a powerful but resource-intensive weapon in ARK: Survival Evolved. Crafting and using it effectively requires careful planning, resource management, and strategic thinking. Whether youÔÇÖre fighting bosses, raiding enemy bases, or defending your own, the rocket launcher can be a game-changer when used correctly. Always aim carefully, maintain a safe distance, and ensure you have enough resources to keep it operational. With the right preparation, the rocket launcher can help you dominate the battlefield.
To craft a rocket launcher, you must first unlock its engram. The rocket launcher engram becomes available at level 95, so youÔÇÖll need to level up your character significantly. Once unlocked, youÔÇÖll need the following resources to craft it: 150 metal ingots, 75 polymer, 50 cementing paste, and 50 electronics. These materials are not easy to gather, so youÔÇÖll need to plan ahead. Metal ingots are smelted from metal ore in a forge, polymer can be obtained from killing creatures like Kairuku or by crafting it with organic polymer and obsidian, cementing paste is made from chitin or keratin and stone in a mortar and pestle or by taming a Beelzebufo, and electronics are crafted from silica pearls and metal ingots.
Once you have the rocket launcher, youÔÇÖll need rockets to fire it. Rockets are crafted at a fabricator and require 10 gunpowder, 4 metal ingots, 2 polymer, and 2 sparkpowder per rocket. Gunpowder is made from charcoal and sparkpowder, which are crafted from flint and stone. Stockpiling these resources is essential, as rockets are expensive and youÔÇÖll need many of them for prolonged combat.
Using the rocket launcher effectively requires careful planning. The rocket launcher has a slow reload time and a limited range, so positioning is critical. In PvE, itÔÇÖs best used against large, slow-moving targets like bosses or alpha creatures. In PvP, itÔÇÖs ideal for destroying enemy structures or taking out groups of players. However, the rocket launcher has a significant drawback: it deals splash damage, which can harm you or your allies if youÔÇÖre too close to the explosion. Always maintain a safe distance when firing.
One common mistake is underestimating the resource cost of using a rocket launcher. Rockets are expensive, and firing them indiscriminately can quickly deplete your supplies. Always aim carefully and use the rocket launcher only when necessary. Another mistake is not accounting for the reload time. The rocket launcher takes several seconds to reload, leaving you vulnerable to counterattacks. Always have a backup weapon or a tamed dinosaur to protect you while reloading.
Advanced techniques include using the rocket launcher in combination with other strategies. For example, you can use a high-health dinosaur like a Rex or a Bronto to tank damage while you fire rockets from a safe distance. In PvP, you can use the rocket launcher to breach enemy walls and then send in tamed dinosaurs or allies to finish the job. Additionally, you can use the rocket launcher to destroy enemy turrets or other defenses before launching a full-scale assault.
Resource management is crucial when using a rocket launcher. Always gather extra materials for rockets and repair the launcher when needed. The rocket launcher has durability and will break after repeated use, so keep spare materials to craft a new one if necessary. In a tribe, assign roles to members to ensure efficient resource gathering and crafting. One player can focus on gathering metal, another on polymer, and so on. This division of labor will make it easier to maintain a steady supply of rockets.
In solo play, using a rocket launcher is more challenging due to the resource demands. Focus on taming dinosaurs that can help you gather materials more efficiently, such as an Ankylosaurus for metal or a Doedicurus for stone. You can also use a Quetzal with a platform saddle to transport heavy resources. Prioritize crafting a few rockets at a time and use them sparingly to avoid running out of materials.
Specific scenarios where the rocket launcher shines include boss fights, where its high damage output can quickly take down bosses like the Broodmother or the Megapithecus. In PvP, itÔÇÖs invaluable for raiding enemy bases, especially those with heavy fortifications. For example, you can use the rocket launcher to destroy a metal wall and then send in a pack of Raptors or Carnotaurus to overwhelm the defenders.
In conclusion, the rocket launcher is a powerful but resource-intensive weapon in ARK: Survival Evolved. Crafting and using it effectively requires careful planning, resource management, and strategic thinking. Whether youÔÇÖre fighting bosses, raiding enemy bases, or defending your own, the rocket launcher can be a game-changer when used correctly. Always aim carefully, maintain a safe distance, and ensure you have enough resources to keep it operational. With the right preparation, the rocket launcher can help you dominate the battlefield.