How do I craft and use a torch for light in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Crafting and using a torch for light in ARK: Survival Evolved is one of the earliest and most essential survival tasks you will undertake. The torch provides light during the night, which is crucial for visibility and safety, as many dangerous creatures become more active in the dark. Additionally, the torch can be used as a basic weapon in emergencies, though it is not particularly effective in combat. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use a torch, along with important tips and considerations.
To craft a torch, you first need to gather the necessary resources. The torch requires 1 wood, 1 flint, and 1 fiber. Wood can be obtained by punching trees or using a pickaxe or hatchet, which are more efficient tools. Flint is commonly found by harvesting rocks with a pickaxe, and fiber can be gathered by hand or with a sickle from bushes and plants. Once you have these materials, open your inventory and navigate to the crafting tab. Look for the torch in the list of available items and craft it. The torch will then appear in your inventory, ready to be equipped.
To use the torch, equip it in your hotbar and select it. Once equipped, you can light it by pressing the appropriate button (default is right-click on PC). The torch will emit a warm, flickering light, illuminating your surroundings. This is particularly useful during the night or in dark areas like caves. However, keep in mind that the torch consumes fuel over time. The fuel for the torch is wood, and it will burn through one piece of wood every 30 seconds. To keep your torch lit, you must ensure you have enough wood in your inventory. If the torch runs out of fuel, it will extinguish, and you will need to relight it with more wood.
One important tip is to always carry extra wood when using a torch, especially if you plan to explore at night or venture into caves. Running out of wood in the middle of a dark area can leave you vulnerable to predators. Additionally, the torch can be used to scare off smaller creatures like dilos or compys, as they are often intimidated by the light. However, larger predators like raptors or carnos will not be deterred by the torch, so do not rely on it for defense in such situations.
A common mistake players make is forgetting to monitor the torch's fuel. It is easy to get caught up in exploration or resource gathering and not notice that the torch is about to go out. To avoid this, keep an eye on the torch's durability bar, which indicates how much fuel is left. Another mistake is using the torch in situations where it is not necessary, such as during the day or in well-lit areas. This wastes wood, which is a valuable resource, especially in the early game. Use the torch sparingly and only when needed.
For advanced players, there are a few optimizations you can consider. One is to craft multiple torches and place them around your base or in key locations. This provides consistent lighting without needing to carry a torch everywhere. Another optimization is to use standing torches or wall-mounted torches, which are more efficient and provide better lighting for your base. These require additional resources like thatch and sparkpowder but are worth the investment for long-term use.
In terms of resource management, always prioritize gathering wood, flint, and fiber early in the game. These materials are not only used for torches but also for many other essential items like tools, weapons, and structures. If you are playing in a tribe, consider assigning roles to different members. For example, one player can focus on gathering wood, while another collects flint and fiber. This division of labor can make resource gathering more efficient and ensure that your tribe always has the materials needed for crafting.
In solo play, you will need to manage all resources yourself, so it is important to plan your activities carefully. For example, if you know night is approaching, gather extra wood before it gets dark. This will ensure you have enough fuel for your torch and can continue exploring or working without interruption. Additionally, consider taming a dinosaur like a parasaur or trike early on. These creatures can help you gather wood and fiber more efficiently, saving you time and effort.
In specific scenarios, such as cave exploration, the torch is invaluable. Caves are dark and filled with dangerous creatures, so having a reliable light source is essential. However, caves also contain valuable resources like crystal, metal, and artifacts, making them worth the risk. When exploring caves, always bring multiple torches and plenty of wood. You may also want to bring a weapon like a spear or bow for defense, as well as some food and water to sustain yourself.
In conclusion, crafting and using a torch in ARK: Survival Evolved is a fundamental skill that every player should master. By gathering the necessary resources, monitoring fuel levels, and using the torch strategically, you can ensure your survival in the game's dangerous world. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, the torch is a versatile tool that provides light, safety, and a small measure of defense. With careful planning and resource management, you can make the most of this essential item and thrive in the world of ARK.
To craft a torch, you first need to gather the necessary resources. The torch requires 1 wood, 1 flint, and 1 fiber. Wood can be obtained by punching trees or using a pickaxe or hatchet, which are more efficient tools. Flint is commonly found by harvesting rocks with a pickaxe, and fiber can be gathered by hand or with a sickle from bushes and plants. Once you have these materials, open your inventory and navigate to the crafting tab. Look for the torch in the list of available items and craft it. The torch will then appear in your inventory, ready to be equipped.
To use the torch, equip it in your hotbar and select it. Once equipped, you can light it by pressing the appropriate button (default is right-click on PC). The torch will emit a warm, flickering light, illuminating your surroundings. This is particularly useful during the night or in dark areas like caves. However, keep in mind that the torch consumes fuel over time. The fuel for the torch is wood, and it will burn through one piece of wood every 30 seconds. To keep your torch lit, you must ensure you have enough wood in your inventory. If the torch runs out of fuel, it will extinguish, and you will need to relight it with more wood.
One important tip is to always carry extra wood when using a torch, especially if you plan to explore at night or venture into caves. Running out of wood in the middle of a dark area can leave you vulnerable to predators. Additionally, the torch can be used to scare off smaller creatures like dilos or compys, as they are often intimidated by the light. However, larger predators like raptors or carnos will not be deterred by the torch, so do not rely on it for defense in such situations.
A common mistake players make is forgetting to monitor the torch's fuel. It is easy to get caught up in exploration or resource gathering and not notice that the torch is about to go out. To avoid this, keep an eye on the torch's durability bar, which indicates how much fuel is left. Another mistake is using the torch in situations where it is not necessary, such as during the day or in well-lit areas. This wastes wood, which is a valuable resource, especially in the early game. Use the torch sparingly and only when needed.
For advanced players, there are a few optimizations you can consider. One is to craft multiple torches and place them around your base or in key locations. This provides consistent lighting without needing to carry a torch everywhere. Another optimization is to use standing torches or wall-mounted torches, which are more efficient and provide better lighting for your base. These require additional resources like thatch and sparkpowder but are worth the investment for long-term use.
In terms of resource management, always prioritize gathering wood, flint, and fiber early in the game. These materials are not only used for torches but also for many other essential items like tools, weapons, and structures. If you are playing in a tribe, consider assigning roles to different members. For example, one player can focus on gathering wood, while another collects flint and fiber. This division of labor can make resource gathering more efficient and ensure that your tribe always has the materials needed for crafting.
In solo play, you will need to manage all resources yourself, so it is important to plan your activities carefully. For example, if you know night is approaching, gather extra wood before it gets dark. This will ensure you have enough fuel for your torch and can continue exploring or working without interruption. Additionally, consider taming a dinosaur like a parasaur or trike early on. These creatures can help you gather wood and fiber more efficiently, saving you time and effort.
In specific scenarios, such as cave exploration, the torch is invaluable. Caves are dark and filled with dangerous creatures, so having a reliable light source is essential. However, caves also contain valuable resources like crystal, metal, and artifacts, making them worth the risk. When exploring caves, always bring multiple torches and plenty of wood. You may also want to bring a weapon like a spear or bow for defense, as well as some food and water to sustain yourself.
In conclusion, crafting and using a torch in ARK: Survival Evolved is a fundamental skill that every player should master. By gathering the necessary resources, monitoring fuel levels, and using the torch strategically, you can ensure your survival in the game's dangerous world. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, the torch is a versatile tool that provides light, safety, and a small measure of defense. With careful planning and resource management, you can make the most of this essential item and thrive in the world of ARK.