How do I craft a flamethrower for combat in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Crafting a flamethrower in ARK: Survival Evolved is a significant milestone in your progression, as it is a powerful weapon for both PvE and PvP combat. The flamethrower excels at dealing area-of-effect damage, making it particularly effective against groups of enemies or creatures weak to fire. However, crafting and using a flamethrower requires careful preparation, resource gathering, and understanding of its mechanics. Below is a detailed guide to help you craft and use a flamethrower effectively.
To craft a flamethrower, you must first unlock its engram. The flamethrower engram becomes available at level 55 and costs 24 engram points. Once unlocked, you will need to gather the necessary resources to craft it. The flamethrower requires the following materials: 150 metal ingots, 50 polymer, 50 cementing paste, 50 oil, and 20 electronics. These resources can be challenging to obtain, especially in the early to mid-game, so preparation is key.
Metal ingots are crafted by smelting metal ore in a forge. Metal ore is commonly found in mountainous regions or near riverbeds. Use a metal pick or a tamed Ankylosaurus to gather metal ore efficiently. Polymer can be obtained from killing Kairuku (penguins) or by crafting it using organic polymer and obsidian in a fabricator. Cementing paste is crafted from chitin or keratin and stone in a mortar and pestle, or you can gather it by harvesting beaver dams. Oil can be found in underwater nodes, by killing Trilobites, or by harvesting oil rocks in the snow biome. Electronics are crafted in a fabricator using silica pearls and metal ingots. Silica pearls are found in underwater areas or in specific riverbeds.
Once you have gathered all the required resources, you can craft the flamethrower in a fabricator. The fabricator is a late-game crafting station that requires electricity to operate, so ensure you have a reliable power source, such as a generator fueled by gasoline. Place the resources in the fabricator and craft the flamethrower. It is a good idea to craft extra fuel for the flamethrower, as it consumes gasoline quickly during use. Gasoline is crafted in a refinery using oil and hide.
Using the flamethrower effectively requires understanding its mechanics. The flamethrower has a limited range but deals significant damage over time due to its burning effect. It is particularly effective against creatures weak to fire, such as plant-based enemies like the Plant Species X or the Titanomyrma (ants). In PvP, the flamethrower can be devastating against enemy players and structures, as it can set them on fire and cause lingering damage. However, the flamethrower has a short range, so positioning is crucial. Avoid using it in close quarters where you might accidentally damage yourself or your tames.
One common mistake is underestimating the flamethrower's fuel consumption. Always carry extra gasoline when using the flamethrower, as running out of fuel in the middle of a fight can leave you vulnerable. Another mistake is using the flamethrower in areas with flammable structures or tames, as it can cause unintended damage. Be mindful of your surroundings and avoid using it near wooden structures or tames that are not fire-resistant.
Advanced techniques for using the flamethrower include combining it with other weapons and tactics. For example, you can use a long-range weapon like a rifle to weaken enemies from a distance before finishing them off with the flamethrower. In PvP, you can use the flamethrower to destroy enemy structures quickly, especially if they are made of wood or thatch. Pairing the flamethrower with a shield can also be effective, as the shield can block incoming attacks while you close the distance to use the flamethrower.
Resource management is critical when using the flamethrower. Gasoline is a valuable resource, so use the flamethrower sparingly and only when necessary. Consider setting up a dedicated oil and gasoline production system near your base to ensure a steady supply. Taming creatures like the Ankylosaurus for metal gathering and the Beaver for cementing paste can also streamline your resource collection.
In a tribe setting, the flamethrower can be a powerful tool for coordinated attacks. Assign roles to tribe members, such as one player using the flamethrower while others provide cover with ranged weapons or tames. In solo play, the flamethrower can be a lifesaver in tight situations, but you must be cautious about its limitations and resource requirements.
Specific scenarios where the flamethrower shines include defending your base against large groups of enemies, clearing out caves filled with hostile creatures, or raiding enemy bases in PvP. For example, in the Swamp Cave, the flamethrower can quickly dispatch the numerous insects and leeches that inhabit the area. In PvP, using the flamethrower to destroy enemy wooden structures can give you a significant advantage.
In conclusion, crafting and using a flamethrower in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and strategic thinking. By following the steps outlined above, you can effectively incorporate the flamethrower into your arsenal and dominate in both PvE and PvP scenarios. Always be mindful of its limitations and resource requirements, and use it wisely to maximize its potential.
To craft a flamethrower, you must first unlock its engram. The flamethrower engram becomes available at level 55 and costs 24 engram points. Once unlocked, you will need to gather the necessary resources to craft it. The flamethrower requires the following materials: 150 metal ingots, 50 polymer, 50 cementing paste, 50 oil, and 20 electronics. These resources can be challenging to obtain, especially in the early to mid-game, so preparation is key.
Metal ingots are crafted by smelting metal ore in a forge. Metal ore is commonly found in mountainous regions or near riverbeds. Use a metal pick or a tamed Ankylosaurus to gather metal ore efficiently. Polymer can be obtained from killing Kairuku (penguins) or by crafting it using organic polymer and obsidian in a fabricator. Cementing paste is crafted from chitin or keratin and stone in a mortar and pestle, or you can gather it by harvesting beaver dams. Oil can be found in underwater nodes, by killing Trilobites, or by harvesting oil rocks in the snow biome. Electronics are crafted in a fabricator using silica pearls and metal ingots. Silica pearls are found in underwater areas or in specific riverbeds.
Once you have gathered all the required resources, you can craft the flamethrower in a fabricator. The fabricator is a late-game crafting station that requires electricity to operate, so ensure you have a reliable power source, such as a generator fueled by gasoline. Place the resources in the fabricator and craft the flamethrower. It is a good idea to craft extra fuel for the flamethrower, as it consumes gasoline quickly during use. Gasoline is crafted in a refinery using oil and hide.
Using the flamethrower effectively requires understanding its mechanics. The flamethrower has a limited range but deals significant damage over time due to its burning effect. It is particularly effective against creatures weak to fire, such as plant-based enemies like the Plant Species X or the Titanomyrma (ants). In PvP, the flamethrower can be devastating against enemy players and structures, as it can set them on fire and cause lingering damage. However, the flamethrower has a short range, so positioning is crucial. Avoid using it in close quarters where you might accidentally damage yourself or your tames.
One common mistake is underestimating the flamethrower's fuel consumption. Always carry extra gasoline when using the flamethrower, as running out of fuel in the middle of a fight can leave you vulnerable. Another mistake is using the flamethrower in areas with flammable structures or tames, as it can cause unintended damage. Be mindful of your surroundings and avoid using it near wooden structures or tames that are not fire-resistant.
Advanced techniques for using the flamethrower include combining it with other weapons and tactics. For example, you can use a long-range weapon like a rifle to weaken enemies from a distance before finishing them off with the flamethrower. In PvP, you can use the flamethrower to destroy enemy structures quickly, especially if they are made of wood or thatch. Pairing the flamethrower with a shield can also be effective, as the shield can block incoming attacks while you close the distance to use the flamethrower.
Resource management is critical when using the flamethrower. Gasoline is a valuable resource, so use the flamethrower sparingly and only when necessary. Consider setting up a dedicated oil and gasoline production system near your base to ensure a steady supply. Taming creatures like the Ankylosaurus for metal gathering and the Beaver for cementing paste can also streamline your resource collection.
In a tribe setting, the flamethrower can be a powerful tool for coordinated attacks. Assign roles to tribe members, such as one player using the flamethrower while others provide cover with ranged weapons or tames. In solo play, the flamethrower can be a lifesaver in tight situations, but you must be cautious about its limitations and resource requirements.
Specific scenarios where the flamethrower shines include defending your base against large groups of enemies, clearing out caves filled with hostile creatures, or raiding enemy bases in PvP. For example, in the Swamp Cave, the flamethrower can quickly dispatch the numerous insects and leeches that inhabit the area. In PvP, using the flamethrower to destroy enemy wooden structures can give you a significant advantage.
In conclusion, crafting and using a flamethrower in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and strategic thinking. By following the steps outlined above, you can effectively incorporate the flamethrower into your arsenal and dominate in both PvE and PvP scenarios. Always be mindful of its limitations and resource requirements, and use it wisely to maximize its potential.