How do I craft and use a compound bow for silent ranged combat in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Crafting and using a compound bow in ARK: Survival Evolved is a valuable skill for players who want to engage in silent ranged combat. The compound bow is a high-tier weapon that deals significant damage and is ideal for stealthy takedowns of creatures or players. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use the compound bow effectively, along with tips and strategies to maximize its potential.
To craft a compound bow, you must first unlock its engram. The compound bow engram becomes available at level 55 and costs 21 engram points. Once unlocked, you will need the following resources to craft it: 20 polymer, 50 metal ingots, 15 cementing paste, 50 fiber, and 15 hide. Polymer can be obtained from killing Kairuku (penguins) or by crafting it using obsidian and cementing paste. Metal ingots are smelted from metal ore in a forge, cementing paste is crafted from chitin/keratin and stone or harvested from beaver dams, and fiber and hide are gathered from plants and creatures, respectively.
Once you have the required resources, craft the compound bow at a fabricator. The fabricator is a mid-to-late-game crafting station that 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 compound bow, you will also need arrows to use it. The compound bow uses metal arrows, which are crafted using 1 metal ingot and 1 flint per arrow. Metal arrows deal more damage than stone arrows, making them ideal for the compound bow.
Using the compound bow effectively requires understanding its mechanics. The compound bow has a charge mechanic, meaning you must hold the attack button to draw the bowstring fully. The longer you hold, the more damage the arrow will deal when released. A fully charged shot deals maximum damage and has increased accuracy. However, holding the bowstring for too long will drain your stamina, so timing is crucial. Aim for headshots to maximize damage, especially when targeting creatures or players with high health.
One of the key advantages of the compound bow is its silence. Unlike firearms, the compound bow does not alert nearby creatures or players when fired, making it ideal for stealthy gameplay. This is particularly useful when hunting aggressive creatures or engaging in PvP without drawing attention. Additionally, the compound bow has a high durability, meaning it can be used for extended periods before needing repairs.
When using the compound bow, positioning is critical. Find elevated or concealed spots to take shots without being detected. For example, when hunting a Rex, position yourself on a cliff or high ground where the Rex cannot reach you. This allows you to take multiple shots safely. In PvP scenarios, use the compound bow to ambush enemies from a distance, ensuring you have an escape route if they spot you.
Resource management is essential when using the compound bow. Metal arrows are resource-intensive, so use them wisely. Consider crafting a large batch of arrows in advance to avoid running out during critical moments. Additionally, always carry a backup weapon, such as a crossbow or firearm, in case you run out of arrows or need to switch to a different combat style.
For tribes, the compound bow can be a valuable tool for coordinated attacks. Assign a designated sniper to use the compound bow while other tribe members engage in close combat or provide support. This strategy works well in raids or defending your base from enemy players. For solo players, the compound bow is an excellent choice for taking down high-level creatures or taming dinosaurs from a safe distance.
Common mistakes to avoid include overcharging the bow, which drains stamina and leaves you vulnerable, and using the compound bow in close-quarters combat, where its range advantage is negated. Always maintain distance and use terrain to your advantage. Additionally, avoid using the compound bow against creatures with high resistance to ranged attacks, such as the Rock Elemental, as it will be less effective.
Advanced techniques include using the compound bow in combination with tamed dinosaurs. For example, use a Pteranodon to scout targets from the air, then dismount and take precise shots with the compound bow. You can also use the bow to tranq creatures for taming by switching to tranq arrows, though this requires careful aim to avoid killing the target.
In summary, the compound bow is a powerful and versatile weapon in ARK: Survival Evolved. By mastering its mechanics, managing resources effectively, and using strategic positioning, you can dominate in both PvE and PvP scenarios. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, the compound bow is a valuable addition to your arsenal for silent and deadly ranged combat.
To craft a compound bow, you must first unlock its engram. The compound bow engram becomes available at level 55 and costs 21 engram points. Once unlocked, you will need the following resources to craft it: 20 polymer, 50 metal ingots, 15 cementing paste, 50 fiber, and 15 hide. Polymer can be obtained from killing Kairuku (penguins) or by crafting it using obsidian and cementing paste. Metal ingots are smelted from metal ore in a forge, cementing paste is crafted from chitin/keratin and stone or harvested from beaver dams, and fiber and hide are gathered from plants and creatures, respectively.
Once you have the required resources, craft the compound bow at a fabricator. The fabricator is a mid-to-late-game crafting station that 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 compound bow, you will also need arrows to use it. The compound bow uses metal arrows, which are crafted using 1 metal ingot and 1 flint per arrow. Metal arrows deal more damage than stone arrows, making them ideal for the compound bow.
Using the compound bow effectively requires understanding its mechanics. The compound bow has a charge mechanic, meaning you must hold the attack button to draw the bowstring fully. The longer you hold, the more damage the arrow will deal when released. A fully charged shot deals maximum damage and has increased accuracy. However, holding the bowstring for too long will drain your stamina, so timing is crucial. Aim for headshots to maximize damage, especially when targeting creatures or players with high health.
One of the key advantages of the compound bow is its silence. Unlike firearms, the compound bow does not alert nearby creatures or players when fired, making it ideal for stealthy gameplay. This is particularly useful when hunting aggressive creatures or engaging in PvP without drawing attention. Additionally, the compound bow has a high durability, meaning it can be used for extended periods before needing repairs.
When using the compound bow, positioning is critical. Find elevated or concealed spots to take shots without being detected. For example, when hunting a Rex, position yourself on a cliff or high ground where the Rex cannot reach you. This allows you to take multiple shots safely. In PvP scenarios, use the compound bow to ambush enemies from a distance, ensuring you have an escape route if they spot you.
Resource management is essential when using the compound bow. Metal arrows are resource-intensive, so use them wisely. Consider crafting a large batch of arrows in advance to avoid running out during critical moments. Additionally, always carry a backup weapon, such as a crossbow or firearm, in case you run out of arrows or need to switch to a different combat style.
For tribes, the compound bow can be a valuable tool for coordinated attacks. Assign a designated sniper to use the compound bow while other tribe members engage in close combat or provide support. This strategy works well in raids or defending your base from enemy players. For solo players, the compound bow is an excellent choice for taking down high-level creatures or taming dinosaurs from a safe distance.
Common mistakes to avoid include overcharging the bow, which drains stamina and leaves you vulnerable, and using the compound bow in close-quarters combat, where its range advantage is negated. Always maintain distance and use terrain to your advantage. Additionally, avoid using the compound bow against creatures with high resistance to ranged attacks, such as the Rock Elemental, as it will be less effective.
Advanced techniques include using the compound bow in combination with tamed dinosaurs. For example, use a Pteranodon to scout targets from the air, then dismount and take precise shots with the compound bow. You can also use the bow to tranq creatures for taming by switching to tranq arrows, though this requires careful aim to avoid killing the target.
In summary, the compound bow is a powerful and versatile weapon in ARK: Survival Evolved. By mastering its mechanics, managing resources effectively, and using strategic positioning, you can dominate in both PvE and PvP scenarios. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, the compound bow is a valuable addition to your arsenal for silent and deadly ranged combat.