How do I craft and use a chainsaw for resource gathering in ARK: Survival Evolved?

The chainsaw in ARK: Survival Evolved is a powerful tool for resource gathering, particularly for harvesting large amounts of wood, thatch, and organic polymer from trees and certain creatures. It is a late-game item that requires significant preparation and resources to craft and use effectively. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use a chainsaw, along with tips and strategies to maximize its efficiency.

To craft a chainsaw, you must first unlock its engram. The chainsaw engram becomes available at level 55 and costs 35 engram points. Once unlocked, you will need to gather the necessary resources to craft it. The crafting recipe for a chainsaw includes 25 metal ingots, 15 polymer, 50 cementing paste or achatina paste, 50 electronics, and 50 oil. These materials can be challenging to obtain, especially in the early to mid-game, so it is important to plan ahead and gather resources over time. Metal ingots are smelted from metal ore in a forge, polymer can be crafted from obsidian and cementing paste or harvested from creatures like kairuku or mantis, cementing paste is made from chitin or keratin and stone in a mortar and pestle or crafted from achatina paste, electronics are crafted from silica pearls and metal ingots, and oil can be harvested from oil nodes, underwater oil veins, or certain creatures like basilosaurus.

Once you have crafted the chainsaw, you will need fuel to power it. The chainsaw runs on gasoline, which is crafted in a refining forge or industrial forge by combining oil and hide. Each unit of gasoline provides 20 seconds of runtime, so it is important to carry a sufficient amount of fuel when using the chainsaw for extended periods. A full stack of gasoline (100 units) will last for approximately 33 minutes of continuous use.

Using the chainsaw is straightforward. Equip it in your hotbar and activate it by pressing the corresponding key or button. Approach a tree or a creature that drops organic polymer, such as a kairuku or a mantis, and hold the attack button to harvest resources. The chainsaw is highly efficient, yielding large amounts of wood, thatch, or organic polymer in a short amount of time. However, it has a high durability cost, so it is important to repair it regularly using the required materials.

There are several important tips and considerations when using a chainsaw. First, always carry extra gasoline to avoid running out of fuel in the middle of a resource run. Second, be mindful of the chainsaw's durability and repair it frequently to prevent it from breaking. Third, the chainsaw is loud and can attract nearby predators, so be prepared to defend yourself or have a tamed dinosaur nearby for protection. Fourth, the chainsaw is heavy, so ensure you have enough carry weight or use a tamed dinosaur with high weight capacity to transport the resources you gather.

Common mistakes to avoid include forgetting to bring enough gasoline, neglecting to repair the chainsaw, and venturing into dangerous areas without proper protection. Additionally, using the chainsaw on creatures that do not drop organic polymer, such as most dinosaurs, will yield no resources and waste durability.

Advanced techniques for optimizing chainsaw use include pairing it with a high-weight dinosaur like a brontosaurus or a quetzal to carry large amounts of resources. You can also use a chainsaw in conjunction with a wood-gathering dinosaur like a beaver or a therizinosaur to maximize efficiency. For example, use the chainsaw to quickly harvest wood from trees and then transfer the resources to your dinosaur for transport.

In a tribe setting, the chainsaw can be a shared tool for resource gathering, with one member focusing on harvesting while others provide protection or transport. In solo play, it is essential to plan your resource runs carefully and ensure you have the necessary supplies and protection.

Specific scenarios where the chainsaw excels include gathering large amounts of wood for building projects, harvesting organic polymer for crafting advanced items, and quickly clearing areas of trees for base construction. For example, if you are building a large wooden base, the chainsaw can significantly reduce the time and effort required to gather the necessary materials.

In summary, the chainsaw is a powerful and efficient tool for resource gathering in ARK: Survival Evolved, but it requires careful preparation and management. By following the steps and tips outlined above, you can maximize its effectiveness and streamline your resource-gathering efforts.