What are the best early-game weapons for surviving combat in ARK: Survival Evolved?
In ARK: Survival Evolved, early-game survival and combat rely heavily on crafting effective weapons to defend yourself against hostile creatures and other players. The best early-game weapons are simple to craft, require minimal resources, and are versatile enough to handle a variety of threats. Below is a detailed guide on the best early-game weapons, how to use them, and strategies to maximize their effectiveness.
The first weapon you should craft is the Stone Pickaxe. While primarily a tool for gathering resources, it can also serve as a basic melee weapon in emergencies. It deals decent damage and is easy to craft, requiring only 1 wood, 1 stone, and 10 fiber. However, its durability is low, so it is not ideal for prolonged combat. Use it to fend off small creatures like Dodos or Dilophosaurs while gathering resources.
Next, craft the Spear, which is one of the most versatile early-game weapons. It can be used as both a melee and ranged weapon. To craft a Spear, you need 8 wood, 2 stone, and 12 fiber. The Spear deals moderate damage and has a decent range, making it effective against small to medium-sized creatures like Raptors or Parasaur. However, it has limited durability and can break after a few uses, so always carry multiple Spears. Aim for headshots when throwing the Spear to maximize damage.
The Slingshot is another essential early-game weapon, especially for taming. It requires 20 fiber, 5 wood, and 10 hide to craft. While it deals minimal damage, it is excellent for knocking out small creatures like Dodos or Lystrosaurus for taming. Use stones as ammunition, which are easy to gather. The Slingshot is not ideal for combat against aggressive creatures, but it can be useful for kiting enemies or creating distance.
Once you unlock the Bow at level 10, it becomes your primary ranged weapon. The Bow requires 15 fiber, 25 wood, and 10 hide to craft. It uses Stone Arrows, which are crafted from 1 stone, 1 wood, and 2 fiber. The Bow deals significant damage and has a longer range than the Spear, making it ideal for hunting or defending against larger threats like Carnotaurus or aggressive players. Aim for weak spots, such as the head, to deal extra damage. Always carry extra arrows, as they can be consumed quickly in combat.
For melee combat, the Pike is a significant upgrade over the Spear. Unlocked at level 25, it requires 12 wood, 35 metal ingots, and 15 hide to craft. The Pike has higher durability and damage than the Spear, making it effective against tougher enemies like Sabertooths or Alpha creatures. Its extended reach allows you to attack from a safer distance, reducing the risk of taking damage.
When using early-game weapons, positioning and timing are crucial. Avoid engaging multiple enemies at once, as you can quickly become overwhelmed. Use terrain to your advantage, such as climbing rocks or trees to create distance from ground-based threats. If you are playing solo, always have an escape plan, such as a nearby tamed dinosaur or a safe base to retreat to.
Resource management is vital for maintaining your weapons. Always gather extra materials to craft replacements, as early-game weapons break easily. Prioritize gathering fiber, wood, and stone, as these are used in most early-game recipes. Hide can be obtained by hunting small creatures or using a tamed dinosaur like a Raptor to gather it more efficiently.
Common mistakes to avoid include engaging large predators without proper preparation, such as Carnotaurus or Rexes. These creatures can easily overpower you with early-game weapons. Instead, focus on taming dinosaurs like Trikes or Raptors to assist in combat. Another mistake is neglecting to repair or replace weapons, leaving you vulnerable in critical moments. Always check your weapon durability before venturing out.
Advanced techniques include using tamed dinosaurs to complement your weapons. For example, a tamed Raptor can deal significant damage while you provide ranged support with a Bow. Additionally, crafting Bolas at level 9 can immobilize small to medium creatures, giving you time to attack or escape. Bolas require 5 fiber, 1 hide, and 3 stone to craft and are invaluable for taming or combat.
In tribe scenarios, coordinate with your teammates to maximize efficiency. One player can focus on melee combat with a Pike, while another provides ranged support with a Bow. Sharing resources and crafting responsibilities can also speed up progression and ensure everyone is well-equipped.
In summary, the best early-game weapons in ARK: Survival Evolved are the Spear, Slingshot, Bow, and Pike. These weapons are easy to craft, versatile, and effective against a variety of threats. Prioritize resource gathering, use terrain to your advantage, and avoid engaging overly dangerous creatures without preparation. With proper strategy and resource management, you can survive and thrive in the early stages of the game.
The first weapon you should craft is the Stone Pickaxe. While primarily a tool for gathering resources, it can also serve as a basic melee weapon in emergencies. It deals decent damage and is easy to craft, requiring only 1 wood, 1 stone, and 10 fiber. However, its durability is low, so it is not ideal for prolonged combat. Use it to fend off small creatures like Dodos or Dilophosaurs while gathering resources.
Next, craft the Spear, which is one of the most versatile early-game weapons. It can be used as both a melee and ranged weapon. To craft a Spear, you need 8 wood, 2 stone, and 12 fiber. The Spear deals moderate damage and has a decent range, making it effective against small to medium-sized creatures like Raptors or Parasaur. However, it has limited durability and can break after a few uses, so always carry multiple Spears. Aim for headshots when throwing the Spear to maximize damage.
The Slingshot is another essential early-game weapon, especially for taming. It requires 20 fiber, 5 wood, and 10 hide to craft. While it deals minimal damage, it is excellent for knocking out small creatures like Dodos or Lystrosaurus for taming. Use stones as ammunition, which are easy to gather. The Slingshot is not ideal for combat against aggressive creatures, but it can be useful for kiting enemies or creating distance.
Once you unlock the Bow at level 10, it becomes your primary ranged weapon. The Bow requires 15 fiber, 25 wood, and 10 hide to craft. It uses Stone Arrows, which are crafted from 1 stone, 1 wood, and 2 fiber. The Bow deals significant damage and has a longer range than the Spear, making it ideal for hunting or defending against larger threats like Carnotaurus or aggressive players. Aim for weak spots, such as the head, to deal extra damage. Always carry extra arrows, as they can be consumed quickly in combat.
For melee combat, the Pike is a significant upgrade over the Spear. Unlocked at level 25, it requires 12 wood, 35 metal ingots, and 15 hide to craft. The Pike has higher durability and damage than the Spear, making it effective against tougher enemies like Sabertooths or Alpha creatures. Its extended reach allows you to attack from a safer distance, reducing the risk of taking damage.
When using early-game weapons, positioning and timing are crucial. Avoid engaging multiple enemies at once, as you can quickly become overwhelmed. Use terrain to your advantage, such as climbing rocks or trees to create distance from ground-based threats. If you are playing solo, always have an escape plan, such as a nearby tamed dinosaur or a safe base to retreat to.
Resource management is vital for maintaining your weapons. Always gather extra materials to craft replacements, as early-game weapons break easily. Prioritize gathering fiber, wood, and stone, as these are used in most early-game recipes. Hide can be obtained by hunting small creatures or using a tamed dinosaur like a Raptor to gather it more efficiently.
Common mistakes to avoid include engaging large predators without proper preparation, such as Carnotaurus or Rexes. These creatures can easily overpower you with early-game weapons. Instead, focus on taming dinosaurs like Trikes or Raptors to assist in combat. Another mistake is neglecting to repair or replace weapons, leaving you vulnerable in critical moments. Always check your weapon durability before venturing out.
Advanced techniques include using tamed dinosaurs to complement your weapons. For example, a tamed Raptor can deal significant damage while you provide ranged support with a Bow. Additionally, crafting Bolas at level 9 can immobilize small to medium creatures, giving you time to attack or escape. Bolas require 5 fiber, 1 hide, and 3 stone to craft and are invaluable for taming or combat.
In tribe scenarios, coordinate with your teammates to maximize efficiency. One player can focus on melee combat with a Pike, while another provides ranged support with a Bow. Sharing resources and crafting responsibilities can also speed up progression and ensure everyone is well-equipped.
In summary, the best early-game weapons in ARK: Survival Evolved are the Spear, Slingshot, Bow, and Pike. These weapons are easy to craft, versatile, and effective against a variety of threats. Prioritize resource gathering, use terrain to your advantage, and avoid engaging overly dangerous creatures without preparation. With proper strategy and resource management, you can survive and thrive in the early stages of the game.