How do I craft and use a spyglass for scouting in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Crafting and using a spyglass in ARK: Survival Evolved is a straightforward process, but it requires some preparation and understanding of the game's mechanics. The spyglass is a valuable tool for scouting, allowing you to zoom in on distant creatures, players, or landmarks. This can be especially useful for planning your next move, whether you're taming dinosaurs, preparing for combat, or exploring new areas. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use a spyglass, along with tips and considerations to maximize its effectiveness.

To craft a spyglass, you first need to unlock its engram. The spyglass engram becomes available at level 10 and costs 6 engram points. Once unlocked, you can craft it at a Smithy or your inventory if you have the required resources. The materials needed are 8 metal ingots, 12 hide, and 4 crystal. Metal ingots are obtained by smelting metal ore in a forge, hide is gathered from killing creatures, and crystal is mined from crystal nodes found in mountainous or cave areas. Make sure you have a pickaxe or a metal pickaxe to efficiently gather these resources.

Once you have the materials, open your inventory or the Smithy and navigate to the spyglass in the crafting menu. Click on it to craft. The spyglass does not require any fuel or additional items to function, so once crafted, it is ready to use. Equip the spyglass in your hotbar and select it to hold it in your hand. Right-click to zoom in and left-click to zoom out. The spyglass provides a significant magnification, allowing you to see details from a distance that would otherwise be impossible.

Using the spyglass effectively requires some strategy. When scouting, position yourself in a safe location, such as a high vantage point or behind cover, to avoid being detected by hostile creatures or players. The spyglass is particularly useful for identifying the level and type of dinosaurs before engaging or taming them. For example, if you're planning to tame a high-level Rex, you can use the spyglass to check its level and stats from a safe distance, ensuring you are prepared with the right tools and resources.

One common mistake is using the spyglass in open areas without proper cover. This can make you an easy target for predators or enemy players. Always scout from a secure location, and if you're in a dangerous area, consider bringing a tamed dinosaur for protection. Another mistake is neglecting to repair the spyglass. While it doesn't degrade quickly, it can break over time, so keep an eye on its durability and repair it as needed using metal ingots and hide.

Advanced techniques involve combining the spyglass with other tools and strategies. For example, you can use the spyglass to coordinate attacks with your tribe during PvP scenarios. By scouting enemy bases or players from a distance, you can plan your approach and avoid ambushes. Additionally, the spyglass can be used to monitor the behavior of wild dinosaurs, such as their patrol routes or feeding patterns, which can be useful for setting traps or taming.

Resource management is crucial when preparing to craft a spyglass. Ensure you have a steady supply of metal, hide, and crystal by setting up resource-gathering operations. Tamed dinosaurs like the Ankylosaurus for metal and crystal, and the Therizinosaurus for hide, can significantly speed up the process. If you're playing solo, prioritize gathering these resources early on to unlock the spyglass as soon as possible. In a tribe, assign roles to members to efficiently gather and distribute resources.

In specific scenarios, the spyglass can be a game-changer. For example, when exploring caves, you can use it to spot dangerous creatures or hidden loot from a safe distance. During boss fights, the spyglass can help you assess the boss's movements and plan your attacks accordingly. In PvP, it can give you a tactical advantage by allowing you to scout enemy bases and plan raids without being detected.

In conclusion, the spyglass is an essential tool for survival and combat in ARK: Survival Evolved. By understanding how to craft and use it effectively, you can gain a significant advantage in scouting, taming, and combat. Always prioritize safety when using the spyglass, and combine it with other tools and strategies to maximize its potential. Whether you're playing solo or in a tribe, the spyglass is a valuable asset that can greatly enhance your gameplay experience.