How do I craft and use a spear for hunting in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Crafting and using a spear for hunting in ARK: Survival Evolved is one of the most fundamental skills you need to master early in the game. The spear is a versatile tool that serves as both a weapon and a harvesting tool, making it essential for survival, combat, and resource gathering. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use a spear effectively, along with tips and strategies to maximize its utility.
To craft a spear, you first need to gather the necessary resources. The basic spear requires 8 wood, 12 fiber, and 6 flint. Wood can be obtained by punching trees or using a pickaxe or hatchet. Fiber is gathered by harvesting bushes, which can be done by hand or with tools like a sickle. Flint is collected by hitting rocks with a pickaxe. Once you have these materials, open your inventory and navigate to the crafting tab. Look for the spear in the list of craftable items and select it to craft. The spear will then appear in your inventory, ready to use.
Using the spear is straightforward. Equip it by dragging it to your hotbar and selecting it. The spear can be used for both melee attacks and throwing. To perform a melee attack, simply click the left mouse button. This is useful for close-range combat against smaller creatures or for harvesting meat and hide from dead animals. To throw the spear, hold the right mouse button to aim and release to throw. Throwing the spear is effective for hunting at a distance, but keep in mind that the spear will be lost if it misses or hits a target, so use this ability sparingly unless you have multiple spears.
One important tip is to always carry multiple spears. Since they can break or be lost when thrown, having backups ensures you are never left defenseless. Additionally, spears are relatively cheap to craft, so stockpiling them early in the game is a good strategy. Another consideration is the durability of the spear. Each use, whether for melee or throwing, reduces its durability. Keep an eye on its condition and craft new spears as needed.
When hunting with a spear, aim for smaller or weaker creatures like dodos, dilophosaurs, or parasaur. These animals are easier to kill and provide essential resources like meat and hide. Avoid engaging larger or more aggressive creatures like raptors or carnotaurus with just a spear, as they can quickly overwhelm you. Instead, use the spear to weaken them from a distance or as a last resort in close combat.
A common mistake is underestimating the spear's limitations. While it is a great early-game tool, it is not effective against armored or heavily resistant creatures. For example, using a spear against an ankylosaurus or a stegosaurus will result in minimal damage and likely break the spear quickly. In these cases, it is better to use more advanced weapons like bows or crossbows.
Advanced techniques for using the spear include combining it with other tools and strategies. For example, you can use a bola to immobilize a target before throwing a spear for a guaranteed hit. This is particularly effective against fast-moving creatures like raptors. Additionally, using the spear in conjunction with tamed dinosaurs can enhance your hunting efficiency. For instance, a tamed raptor can help you chase down prey while you finish it off with a spear.
Resource management is crucial when using spears. Since they require wood, fiber, and flint, ensure you have a steady supply of these materials. Setting up a small base near a forested area with plenty of rocks and bushes can help you gather resources efficiently. As you progress, consider upgrading to metal tools and weapons, which are more durable and effective.
In a tribe setting, spears can be distributed among members to ensure everyone has a basic weapon for defense and hunting. Solo players should focus on crafting multiple spears and using them strategically to conserve resources. For example, use melee attacks for close-range targets and save throwing spears for critical moments.
In summary, the spear is a vital tool in ARK: Survival Evolved that serves multiple purposes. By crafting and using it wisely, you can effectively hunt, defend yourself, and gather resources in the early stages of the game. Always carry backups, aim for weaker targets, and combine the spear with other tools and strategies to maximize its effectiveness. With proper preparation and resource management, the spear will be a reliable companion as you progress through the game.
To craft a spear, you first need to gather the necessary resources. The basic spear requires 8 wood, 12 fiber, and 6 flint. Wood can be obtained by punching trees or using a pickaxe or hatchet. Fiber is gathered by harvesting bushes, which can be done by hand or with tools like a sickle. Flint is collected by hitting rocks with a pickaxe. Once you have these materials, open your inventory and navigate to the crafting tab. Look for the spear in the list of craftable items and select it to craft. The spear will then appear in your inventory, ready to use.
Using the spear is straightforward. Equip it by dragging it to your hotbar and selecting it. The spear can be used for both melee attacks and throwing. To perform a melee attack, simply click the left mouse button. This is useful for close-range combat against smaller creatures or for harvesting meat and hide from dead animals. To throw the spear, hold the right mouse button to aim and release to throw. Throwing the spear is effective for hunting at a distance, but keep in mind that the spear will be lost if it misses or hits a target, so use this ability sparingly unless you have multiple spears.
One important tip is to always carry multiple spears. Since they can break or be lost when thrown, having backups ensures you are never left defenseless. Additionally, spears are relatively cheap to craft, so stockpiling them early in the game is a good strategy. Another consideration is the durability of the spear. Each use, whether for melee or throwing, reduces its durability. Keep an eye on its condition and craft new spears as needed.
When hunting with a spear, aim for smaller or weaker creatures like dodos, dilophosaurs, or parasaur. These animals are easier to kill and provide essential resources like meat and hide. Avoid engaging larger or more aggressive creatures like raptors or carnotaurus with just a spear, as they can quickly overwhelm you. Instead, use the spear to weaken them from a distance or as a last resort in close combat.
A common mistake is underestimating the spear's limitations. While it is a great early-game tool, it is not effective against armored or heavily resistant creatures. For example, using a spear against an ankylosaurus or a stegosaurus will result in minimal damage and likely break the spear quickly. In these cases, it is better to use more advanced weapons like bows or crossbows.
Advanced techniques for using the spear include combining it with other tools and strategies. For example, you can use a bola to immobilize a target before throwing a spear for a guaranteed hit. This is particularly effective against fast-moving creatures like raptors. Additionally, using the spear in conjunction with tamed dinosaurs can enhance your hunting efficiency. For instance, a tamed raptor can help you chase down prey while you finish it off with a spear.
Resource management is crucial when using spears. Since they require wood, fiber, and flint, ensure you have a steady supply of these materials. Setting up a small base near a forested area with plenty of rocks and bushes can help you gather resources efficiently. As you progress, consider upgrading to metal tools and weapons, which are more durable and effective.
In a tribe setting, spears can be distributed among members to ensure everyone has a basic weapon for defense and hunting. Solo players should focus on crafting multiple spears and using them strategically to conserve resources. For example, use melee attacks for close-range targets and save throwing spears for critical moments.
In summary, the spear is a vital tool in ARK: Survival Evolved that serves multiple purposes. By crafting and using it wisely, you can effectively hunt, defend yourself, and gather resources in the early stages of the game. Always carry backups, aim for weaker targets, and combine the spear with other tools and strategies to maximize its effectiveness. With proper preparation and resource management, the spear will be a reliable companion as you progress through the game.