How do I craft and use a compound bow for advanced hunting in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Crafting and using a compound bow in ARK: Survival Evolved is a significant step up from basic ranged weapons like the crossbow or simple bow. The compound bow is a powerful tool for advanced hunting, offering higher damage, better range, and improved accuracy. However, it requires careful preparation and understanding of its mechanics to use effectively. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to craft and use the compound bow, along with tips and strategies to maximize its potential.
To craft a compound bow, you must first unlock its engram. The compound bow engram becomes available at level 55 and costs 21 engram points. Once unlocked, youÔÇÖll need the following resources to craft it: 150 fiber, 200 metal ingots, 100 polymer, and 50 cementing paste. These materials are relatively advanced, so youÔÇÖll need to have a solid base and resource-gathering setup. Metal ingots are smelted from metal ore in a forge, polymer can be obtained from killing Kairuku (penguins) or crafting it from obsidian and cementing paste in a fabricator, and cementing paste is made from chitin/keratin and stone in a mortar and pestle or by harvesting beaver dams.
Once youÔÇÖve gathered the materials, craft the compound bow at a fabricator. The fabricator is a mid-to-late-game crafting station that requires electricity to operate, so ensure you have a reliable power source, such as a generator fueled by gasoline. After crafting the bow, youÔÇÖll also need arrows. The compound bow uses metal arrows, which deal more damage than stone arrows. Craft metal arrows using 1 metal ingot, 1 flint, and 2 feathers per arrow. Stockpile these arrows, as they are essential for effective hunting.
Using the compound bow effectively requires practice and strategy. The bow has a unique mechanic where holding the right mouse button (or equivalent on consoles) charges the shot, increasing its damage and range. A fully charged shot deals significantly more damage than a quick shot, making it ideal for taking down larger or tougher creatures. However, charging the shot takes time, so youÔÇÖll need to plan your shots carefully, especially when dealing with fast or aggressive targets.
One of the best uses for the compound bow is hunting high-level dinosaurs or alpha predators. For example, if you encounter an alpha raptor or carnotaur, the compound bowÔÇÖs high damage output can help you take it down from a safe distance. Position yourself on elevated terrain or behind obstacles to avoid being rushed while you charge your shots. Tamed dinosaurs like a high-level Rex or Spino can also assist by drawing aggro while you focus on dealing damage with the bow.
When hunting smaller or faster creatures, such as raptors or sabertooths, aim for headshots to maximize damage and reduce the number of arrows needed. The compound bowÔÇÖs accuracy makes it easier to land precise shots, but youÔÇÖll still need to account for the targetÔÇÖs movement. Practice leading your shots to hit moving targets, especially when they are running toward or away from you.
Resource management is crucial when using the compound bow. Metal arrows are more expensive to craft than stone arrows, so avoid wasting them on weak or low-value targets. Use the bow primarily for high-priority targets, such as alphas, taming candidates, or dangerous predators. For everyday hunting or resource gathering, consider using a crossbow or other cheaper weapons to conserve your metal arrows.
In a tribe setting, the compound bow can be a valuable asset for coordinated hunts or base defense. Assign one or two tribe members as dedicated archers to provide ranged support during raids or large-scale battles. Pairing the compound bow with a tamed dinosaur like a Griffin or Argentavis can enhance mobility and allow for hit-and-run tactics. For solo players, the bow is an excellent tool for taking down threats without engaging in close combat, but always have an escape plan in case things go wrong.
Common mistakes to avoid include overcharging shots in dangerous situations, wasting arrows on low-value targets, and failing to account for the bowÔÇÖs slower firing rate compared to other weapons. Always carry a backup weapon, such as a shotgun or pike, in case you run out of arrows or need to defend yourself at close range.
Advanced techniques include using the compound bow in combination with traps or environmental hazards. For example, lure a large predator into a trap and then use the bow to finish it off safely. You can also use the bow to snipe enemies from a distance during PvP encounters, but be mindful of your visibility and positioning to avoid counterattacks.
In summary, the compound bow is a powerful and versatile weapon for advanced hunting and combat in ARK: Survival Evolved. Crafting it requires significant resources and preparation, but its high damage and accuracy make it worth the effort. Use it strategically for high-value targets, practice your aim, and manage your resources carefully to maximize its effectiveness. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, the compound bow can be a game-changer in your survival arsenal.
To craft a compound bow, you must first unlock its engram. The compound bow engram becomes available at level 55 and costs 21 engram points. Once unlocked, youÔÇÖll need the following resources to craft it: 150 fiber, 200 metal ingots, 100 polymer, and 50 cementing paste. These materials are relatively advanced, so youÔÇÖll need to have a solid base and resource-gathering setup. Metal ingots are smelted from metal ore in a forge, polymer can be obtained from killing Kairuku (penguins) or crafting it from obsidian and cementing paste in a fabricator, and cementing paste is made from chitin/keratin and stone in a mortar and pestle or by harvesting beaver dams.
Once youÔÇÖve gathered the materials, craft the compound bow at a fabricator. The fabricator is a mid-to-late-game crafting station that requires electricity to operate, so ensure you have a reliable power source, such as a generator fueled by gasoline. After crafting the bow, youÔÇÖll also need arrows. The compound bow uses metal arrows, which deal more damage than stone arrows. Craft metal arrows using 1 metal ingot, 1 flint, and 2 feathers per arrow. Stockpile these arrows, as they are essential for effective hunting.
Using the compound bow effectively requires practice and strategy. The bow has a unique mechanic where holding the right mouse button (or equivalent on consoles) charges the shot, increasing its damage and range. A fully charged shot deals significantly more damage than a quick shot, making it ideal for taking down larger or tougher creatures. However, charging the shot takes time, so youÔÇÖll need to plan your shots carefully, especially when dealing with fast or aggressive targets.
One of the best uses for the compound bow is hunting high-level dinosaurs or alpha predators. For example, if you encounter an alpha raptor or carnotaur, the compound bowÔÇÖs high damage output can help you take it down from a safe distance. Position yourself on elevated terrain or behind obstacles to avoid being rushed while you charge your shots. Tamed dinosaurs like a high-level Rex or Spino can also assist by drawing aggro while you focus on dealing damage with the bow.
When hunting smaller or faster creatures, such as raptors or sabertooths, aim for headshots to maximize damage and reduce the number of arrows needed. The compound bowÔÇÖs accuracy makes it easier to land precise shots, but youÔÇÖll still need to account for the targetÔÇÖs movement. Practice leading your shots to hit moving targets, especially when they are running toward or away from you.
Resource management is crucial when using the compound bow. Metal arrows are more expensive to craft than stone arrows, so avoid wasting them on weak or low-value targets. Use the bow primarily for high-priority targets, such as alphas, taming candidates, or dangerous predators. For everyday hunting or resource gathering, consider using a crossbow or other cheaper weapons to conserve your metal arrows.
In a tribe setting, the compound bow can be a valuable asset for coordinated hunts or base defense. Assign one or two tribe members as dedicated archers to provide ranged support during raids or large-scale battles. Pairing the compound bow with a tamed dinosaur like a Griffin or Argentavis can enhance mobility and allow for hit-and-run tactics. For solo players, the bow is an excellent tool for taking down threats without engaging in close combat, but always have an escape plan in case things go wrong.
Common mistakes to avoid include overcharging shots in dangerous situations, wasting arrows on low-value targets, and failing to account for the bowÔÇÖs slower firing rate compared to other weapons. Always carry a backup weapon, such as a shotgun or pike, in case you run out of arrows or need to defend yourself at close range.
Advanced techniques include using the compound bow in combination with traps or environmental hazards. For example, lure a large predator into a trap and then use the bow to finish it off safely. You can also use the bow to snipe enemies from a distance during PvP encounters, but be mindful of your visibility and positioning to avoid counterattacks.
In summary, the compound bow is a powerful and versatile weapon for advanced hunting and combat in ARK: Survival Evolved. Crafting it requires significant resources and preparation, but its high damage and accuracy make it worth the effort. Use it strategically for high-value targets, practice your aim, and manage your resources carefully to maximize its effectiveness. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, the compound bow can be a game-changer in your survival arsenal.