How do I craft and use a chainsaw for efficient resource gathering in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Crafting and using a chainsaw in ARK: Survival Evolved is a great way to gather resources efficiently, especially for wood, thatch, and organic polymer. The chainsaw is a late-game tool that requires significant preparation and resources to craft, but its high efficiency makes it worth the effort. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use a chainsaw, along with tips and strategies to maximize its effectiveness.
To craft a chainsaw, you must first unlock its engram. The chainsaw engram becomes available at level 55 and costs 35 engram points. Once unlocked, you will need to gather the necessary resources to craft it. The chainsaw requires 50 metal ingots, 25 polymer, 25 electronics, 50 cementing paste, and 100 gasoline. These materials are not easy to obtain early in the game, so you will need to progress significantly before you can craft a chainsaw. Metal ingots are smelted from metal ore in a forge, polymer can be obtained from killing creatures like Kairuku or by crafting it from organic polymer and obsidian, electronics are crafted from metal ingots and silica pearls, cementing paste is made from chitin or keratin and stone in a mortar and pestle or by using a beaver dam, and gasoline is crafted from oil and hide in a refining forge.
Once you have crafted the chainsaw, you will need to fuel it with gasoline to use it. Each gasoline unit provides 20 minutes of runtime, so it is a good idea to carry extra gasoline in your inventory when using the chainsaw for extended periods. The chainsaw is most effective for gathering wood, thatch, and organic polymer. When you use the chainsaw on trees, it will yield a large amount of wood and some thatch. When used on creatures like Kairuku or Mantis, it will harvest organic polymer efficiently. The chainsaw is also useful for harvesting meat and hide from corpses, though it is less efficient than using a carnivorous dinosaur for this purpose.
One important tip for using the chainsaw is to position yourself correctly when harvesting resources. For trees, aim at the base of the trunk to maximize the amount of wood you gather. For creatures, target the body to ensure you get the most organic polymer or meat. Be mindful of your surroundings, as the chainsaw can attract nearby predators or hostile players in PvP scenarios. Always have a tamed dinosaur or weapon ready to defend yourself if necessary.
A common mistake players make is not carrying enough gasoline when using the chainsaw. Running out of fuel in the middle of a resource run can be frustrating, so always bring extra gasoline. Another mistake is using the chainsaw in areas with limited resources. The chainsaw is most effective in dense forests or areas with many trees and creatures, so plan your resource runs accordingly. Additionally, avoid using the chainsaw on low-level creatures, as it may not yield as much organic polymer or meat compared to higher-level creatures.
For advanced techniques, consider using a tamed dinosaur to carry the resources you gather with the chainsaw. A high-weight dinosaur like a Brontosaurus or Argentavis can help you transport large amounts of wood or organic polymer back to your base. You can also use a chainsaw in combination with other tools like a metal pick or hatchet to gather a variety of resources efficiently. For example, use the chainsaw for wood and thatch, and switch to a pick for stone and metal.
In terms of tribe or solo considerations, the chainsaw is equally useful for both playstyles. In a tribe, you can assign one member to focus on resource gathering with the chainsaw while others handle base defense or taming. For solo players, the chainsaw can save a lot of time and effort when gathering resources, allowing you to focus on other tasks like building or taming. However, solo players should be extra cautious when using the chainsaw in dangerous areas, as they may not have backup in case of an attack.
A specific scenario where the chainsaw shines is when preparing for a boss fight or building a large base. Both activities require a significant amount of resources, and the chainsaw can help you gather wood and organic polymer quickly. For example, if you are building a large wooden structure, the chainsaw can save you hours of gathering compared to using a hatchet. Similarly, if you need organic polymer for crafting advanced items like polymer or riot gear, the chainsaw is the most efficient tool for the job.
In conclusion, the chainsaw is a powerful tool for resource gathering in ARK: Survival Evolved, but it requires careful preparation and planning to use effectively. By following the steps and tips outlined above, you can maximize the efficiency of your chainsaw and make resource gathering a much smoother process. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, the chainsaw is a valuable addition to your arsenal and can significantly improve your survival and progression in the game.
To craft a chainsaw, you must first unlock its engram. The chainsaw engram becomes available at level 55 and costs 35 engram points. Once unlocked, you will need to gather the necessary resources to craft it. The chainsaw requires 50 metal ingots, 25 polymer, 25 electronics, 50 cementing paste, and 100 gasoline. These materials are not easy to obtain early in the game, so you will need to progress significantly before you can craft a chainsaw. Metal ingots are smelted from metal ore in a forge, polymer can be obtained from killing creatures like Kairuku or by crafting it from organic polymer and obsidian, electronics are crafted from metal ingots and silica pearls, cementing paste is made from chitin or keratin and stone in a mortar and pestle or by using a beaver dam, and gasoline is crafted from oil and hide in a refining forge.
Once you have crafted the chainsaw, you will need to fuel it with gasoline to use it. Each gasoline unit provides 20 minutes of runtime, so it is a good idea to carry extra gasoline in your inventory when using the chainsaw for extended periods. The chainsaw is most effective for gathering wood, thatch, and organic polymer. When you use the chainsaw on trees, it will yield a large amount of wood and some thatch. When used on creatures like Kairuku or Mantis, it will harvest organic polymer efficiently. The chainsaw is also useful for harvesting meat and hide from corpses, though it is less efficient than using a carnivorous dinosaur for this purpose.
One important tip for using the chainsaw is to position yourself correctly when harvesting resources. For trees, aim at the base of the trunk to maximize the amount of wood you gather. For creatures, target the body to ensure you get the most organic polymer or meat. Be mindful of your surroundings, as the chainsaw can attract nearby predators or hostile players in PvP scenarios. Always have a tamed dinosaur or weapon ready to defend yourself if necessary.
A common mistake players make is not carrying enough gasoline when using the chainsaw. Running out of fuel in the middle of a resource run can be frustrating, so always bring extra gasoline. Another mistake is using the chainsaw in areas with limited resources. The chainsaw is most effective in dense forests or areas with many trees and creatures, so plan your resource runs accordingly. Additionally, avoid using the chainsaw on low-level creatures, as it may not yield as much organic polymer or meat compared to higher-level creatures.
For advanced techniques, consider using a tamed dinosaur to carry the resources you gather with the chainsaw. A high-weight dinosaur like a Brontosaurus or Argentavis can help you transport large amounts of wood or organic polymer back to your base. You can also use a chainsaw in combination with other tools like a metal pick or hatchet to gather a variety of resources efficiently. For example, use the chainsaw for wood and thatch, and switch to a pick for stone and metal.
In terms of tribe or solo considerations, the chainsaw is equally useful for both playstyles. In a tribe, you can assign one member to focus on resource gathering with the chainsaw while others handle base defense or taming. For solo players, the chainsaw can save a lot of time and effort when gathering resources, allowing you to focus on other tasks like building or taming. However, solo players should be extra cautious when using the chainsaw in dangerous areas, as they may not have backup in case of an attack.
A specific scenario where the chainsaw shines is when preparing for a boss fight or building a large base. Both activities require a significant amount of resources, and the chainsaw can help you gather wood and organic polymer quickly. For example, if you are building a large wooden structure, the chainsaw can save you hours of gathering compared to using a hatchet. Similarly, if you need organic polymer for crafting advanced items like polymer or riot gear, the chainsaw is the most efficient tool for the job.
In conclusion, the chainsaw is a powerful tool for resource gathering in ARK: Survival Evolved, but it requires careful preparation and planning to use effectively. By following the steps and tips outlined above, you can maximize the efficiency of your chainsaw and make resource gathering a much smoother process. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, the chainsaw is a valuable addition to your arsenal and can significantly improve your survival and progression in the game.