How do I craft and use a flamethrower for combat in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Crafting and using a flamethrower in ARK: Survival Evolved is a powerful way to deal with both creatures and players in combat. The flamethrower is a late-game weapon that requires significant preparation and resources to craft, but its area-of-effect damage and ability to set enemies on fire make it a valuable tool for both PvE and PvP scenarios. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use the flamethrower effectively.

To craft a flamethrower, you must first unlock its engram. The flamethrower engram is available at level 55 and costs 21 engram points. Once unlocked, you will need to gather the necessary resources to craft it. The flamethrower requires 150 metal ingots, 50 polymer, 50 cementing paste, and 50 oil. Metal ingots are smelted from metal ore in a forge, polymer can be obtained from killing creatures like Kairuku or by crafting it with obsidian and cementing paste, cementing paste is made from chitin or keratin and stone in a mortar and pestle or by using a beaver dam, and oil can be harvested from oil nodes in the ocean or by killing Trilobites and Basilosaurus.

Once you have gathered all the resources, you can craft the flamethrower at a fabricator. The fabricator requires gasoline to operate, so make sure you have enough fuel. After crafting the flamethrower, you will also need to craft fuel for it. Flamethrower fuel is made in a cooking pot or industrial cooker using 5 oil, 5 hide, and 5 wood. Each unit of fuel lasts for a limited time, so it is important to stockpile fuel before heading into combat.

Using the flamethrower effectively requires careful planning and positioning. The flamethrower has a short range but deals significant damage over time by setting enemies on fire. It is particularly effective against groups of enemies or large creatures with high health pools. However, the flamethrower consumes fuel quickly, so it is important to use it sparingly and only when necessary. Aim the flamethrower at the ground or walls to create a wall of fire that can block or damage enemies as they pass through it.

One common mistake when using the flamethrower is overusing it and running out of fuel mid-combat. Always carry extra fuel and be mindful of your fuel consumption. Another mistake is using the flamethrower in close quarters without proper protection. The flamethrower can damage you and your allies if you are too close to the flames, so always maintain a safe distance and wear fire-resistant armor if possible.

Advanced techniques for using the flamethrower include combining it with other weapons and tools. For example, you can use a grappling hook to immobilize an enemy and then use the flamethrower to deal massive damage. You can also use the flamethrower in combination with tamed dinosaurs. For example, a Carnotaurus or Rex can hold an enemy in place while you use the flamethrower to finish them off. Additionally, the flamethrower can be used to clear out large groups of smaller creatures, such as Raptors or Dilophosaurs, making it a valuable tool for base defense.

Resource management is crucial when using the flamethrower. Always gather extra oil, hide, and wood to ensure you have enough fuel for extended battles. If you are playing in a tribe, assign roles to different members to streamline resource gathering and crafting. For example, one player can focus on gathering oil while another collects hide and wood. This division of labor will make it easier to maintain a steady supply of flamethrower fuel.

In solo play, the flamethrower can be a lifesaver in tough situations, but it requires careful planning. Make sure you have a secure base with plenty of storage for fuel and resources. Use tamed dinosaurs to help gather materials and defend your base while you focus on crafting and combat.

Specific scenarios where the flamethrower shines include defending your base from a raid, clearing out a cave filled with hostile creatures, or taking on a large boss like the Broodmother or Megapithecus. In PvP, the flamethrower can be used to destroy enemy structures and force players out of cover. However, be cautious when using it in PvP, as it can also damage your own structures and allies.

In conclusion, the flamethrower is a powerful weapon in ARK: Survival Evolved that requires careful preparation and resource management to use effectively. By following the steps outlined above, you can craft and use the flamethrower to dominate in both PvE and PvP scenarios. Always be mindful of your fuel consumption, maintain a safe distance from the flames, and use the flamethrower in combination with other weapons and tools for maximum effectiveness.