How do I craft and use a slingshot for taming in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Crafting and using a slingshot for taming in ARK: Survival Evolved is a fundamental skill for early-game survival and progression. The slingshot is one of the first ranged weapons you can craft, and it is particularly useful for taming smaller creatures or knocking out dinosaurs with low torpor resistance. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use a slingshot effectively, along with tips and strategies to maximize its utility.
To craft a slingshot, you need to unlock its engram at level 5. This requires 6 engram points, which is a small investment early in the game. The crafting recipe for a slingshot is simple: you need 20 fiber, 5 hide, and 5 wood. Fiber can be gathered by hand from bushes, hide is obtained by killing small creatures like dodos or dilophosaurs, and wood is collected by punching trees or using a pickaxe. Once you have the materials, open your inventory and craft the slingshot in the weapons section.
The slingshot is a ranged weapon that uses stones as ammunition. Stones are abundant and can be gathered by picking them up from the ground or mining rocks with a pickaxe. Each shot consumes one stone, so it is important to carry a decent supply, especially if you plan to tame multiple creatures. The slingshot deals low damage but inflicts torpor, which is essential for knocking out dinosaurs during the taming process.
When using the slingshot for taming, aim for the head of the target creature to maximize torpor gain. Smaller creatures like dodos, dilos, and lystrosaurus are ideal targets for the slingshot, as they have low health and torpor resistance. Larger creatures like trikes or stegos can also be tamed with a slingshot, but it will take significantly more stones and time. Be cautious when targeting aggressive creatures, as they will attack you if provoked. Always have an escape plan or a safe spot to retreat to if the situation becomes dangerous.
One common mistake is underestimating the time and resources required to knock out larger creatures with a slingshot. For example, taming a trike with a slingshot can take dozens of stones and several minutes of continuous shooting. To avoid wasting resources, consider using a bow and tranq arrows for larger creatures, as they are more efficient and unlock at level 10. Another mistake is not carrying enough stones or backup weapons. Always bring extra stones and a melee weapon like a spear in case you run out of ammunition or need to defend yourself.
Advanced techniques for using the slingshot include kiting and trapping. Kiting involves luring a creature into a safe area where you can shoot it without being attacked. For example, you can lead a dilo into a narrow space or behind a rock to limit its movement. Trapping involves building a simple structure to contain the creature while you knock it out. A common trap is a 2x2 foundation with doorframes and walls, which allows you to shoot the creature while it is unable to reach you. These techniques are especially useful for solo players who lack the support of a tribe.
Resource management is crucial when using a slingshot. Stones are easy to gather, but they can run out quickly if you are not careful. Always gather extra stones before attempting to tame a creature, and consider using a pickaxe to mine rocks for a larger supply. Additionally, prioritize taming creatures that provide utility, such as a parasaur for early-game transportation or a trike for gathering berries. These creatures can help you gather resources more efficiently and improve your overall survival.
In a tribe setting, the slingshot can be used collaboratively to tame creatures faster. One player can distract the target while another shoots it with the slingshot. This teamwork reduces the risk of being attacked and speeds up the taming process. However, communication is key to avoid accidentally killing the creature or wasting resources. Solo players should focus on using traps and kiting to minimize risk and conserve resources.
Specific examples of slingshot taming include taming a dodo for eggs, a dilo for early-game defense, or a lystrosaurus for its XP boost. These creatures are easy to knock out with a slingshot and provide valuable benefits for your survival. For example, a tamed dodo can lay eggs for cooking, while a dilo can help defend your base from small predators. A lystrosaurus, when petted, increases the XP gain for nearby creatures and players, making it a useful companion for leveling up.
In conclusion, the slingshot is a versatile and essential tool for early-game taming in ARK: Survival Evolved. By understanding its mechanics, preparing adequately, and using advanced techniques like kiting and trapping, you can efficiently tame creatures and improve your chances of survival. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, the slingshot is a valuable asset for building your dinosaur army and thriving in the dangerous world of ARK.
To craft a slingshot, you need to unlock its engram at level 5. This requires 6 engram points, which is a small investment early in the game. The crafting recipe for a slingshot is simple: you need 20 fiber, 5 hide, and 5 wood. Fiber can be gathered by hand from bushes, hide is obtained by killing small creatures like dodos or dilophosaurs, and wood is collected by punching trees or using a pickaxe. Once you have the materials, open your inventory and craft the slingshot in the weapons section.
The slingshot is a ranged weapon that uses stones as ammunition. Stones are abundant and can be gathered by picking them up from the ground or mining rocks with a pickaxe. Each shot consumes one stone, so it is important to carry a decent supply, especially if you plan to tame multiple creatures. The slingshot deals low damage but inflicts torpor, which is essential for knocking out dinosaurs during the taming process.
When using the slingshot for taming, aim for the head of the target creature to maximize torpor gain. Smaller creatures like dodos, dilos, and lystrosaurus are ideal targets for the slingshot, as they have low health and torpor resistance. Larger creatures like trikes or stegos can also be tamed with a slingshot, but it will take significantly more stones and time. Be cautious when targeting aggressive creatures, as they will attack you if provoked. Always have an escape plan or a safe spot to retreat to if the situation becomes dangerous.
One common mistake is underestimating the time and resources required to knock out larger creatures with a slingshot. For example, taming a trike with a slingshot can take dozens of stones and several minutes of continuous shooting. To avoid wasting resources, consider using a bow and tranq arrows for larger creatures, as they are more efficient and unlock at level 10. Another mistake is not carrying enough stones or backup weapons. Always bring extra stones and a melee weapon like a spear in case you run out of ammunition or need to defend yourself.
Advanced techniques for using the slingshot include kiting and trapping. Kiting involves luring a creature into a safe area where you can shoot it without being attacked. For example, you can lead a dilo into a narrow space or behind a rock to limit its movement. Trapping involves building a simple structure to contain the creature while you knock it out. A common trap is a 2x2 foundation with doorframes and walls, which allows you to shoot the creature while it is unable to reach you. These techniques are especially useful for solo players who lack the support of a tribe.
Resource management is crucial when using a slingshot. Stones are easy to gather, but they can run out quickly if you are not careful. Always gather extra stones before attempting to tame a creature, and consider using a pickaxe to mine rocks for a larger supply. Additionally, prioritize taming creatures that provide utility, such as a parasaur for early-game transportation or a trike for gathering berries. These creatures can help you gather resources more efficiently and improve your overall survival.
In a tribe setting, the slingshot can be used collaboratively to tame creatures faster. One player can distract the target while another shoots it with the slingshot. This teamwork reduces the risk of being attacked and speeds up the taming process. However, communication is key to avoid accidentally killing the creature or wasting resources. Solo players should focus on using traps and kiting to minimize risk and conserve resources.
Specific examples of slingshot taming include taming a dodo for eggs, a dilo for early-game defense, or a lystrosaurus for its XP boost. These creatures are easy to knock out with a slingshot and provide valuable benefits for your survival. For example, a tamed dodo can lay eggs for cooking, while a dilo can help defend your base from small predators. A lystrosaurus, when petted, increases the XP gain for nearby creatures and players, making it a useful companion for leveling up.
In conclusion, the slingshot is a versatile and essential tool for early-game taming in ARK: Survival Evolved. By understanding its mechanics, preparing adequately, and using advanced techniques like kiting and trapping, you can efficiently tame creatures and improve your chances of survival. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, the slingshot is a valuable asset for building your dinosaur army and thriving in the dangerous world of ARK.