How do I craft a water skin and keep it filled in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Crafting and maintaining a water skin in ARK: Survival Evolved is an essential early-game task that helps you manage your thirst, especially when exploring areas far from water sources. The water skin is a basic item that allows you to carry water, but it requires careful management to keep it filled and functional. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft a water skin, keep it filled, and use it effectively in your survival journey.
To craft a water skin, you first need to unlock its engram. The water skin engram is available at level 8 and costs 3 engram points. Once unlocked, you can craft it using the following resources: 4 hide, 12 fiber, and 2 cementing paste. Hide is obtained by harvesting creatures like dodos, dilos, or raptors. Fiber is gathered by hand-picking plants or using a sickle. Cementing paste is a bit more complex to obtain early on, as it requires either chitin/keratin and stone in a mortar and pestle or by harvesting beaver dams for pre-made cementing paste. If you donÔÇÖt have access to beaver dams, focus on killing insects like ants or trilobites for chitin.
Once you have the required materials, open your inventory or a crafting station like the mortar and pestle, and craft the water skin. After crafting, equip it in your hotbar for easy access. To fill the water skin, you need to approach a water source such as a river, lake, or ocean. Stand in the water or near its edge, open your inventory, and drag the water skin to the water source. Alternatively, you can use the radial menu by holding the interact key (E on PC) while looking at the water source and selecting "Fill Water Skin." Each water skin can hold up to 100 units of water, which will slowly deplete as you drink or if it leaks over time.
One important consideration is that water skins are prone to leaking. Over time, even if you donÔÇÖt use the water skin, it will lose water. This means you need to refill it regularly, especially before long journeys. To minimize water loss, avoid carrying multiple water skins unless absolutely necessary, as they will all leak simultaneously. Instead, focus on upgrading to more advanced water storage options like canteens or water jars as soon as possible. These items do not leak and hold more water, making them more efficient for long-term use.
When exploring, always plan your route to include water sources where you can refill your water skin. If youÔÇÖre traveling with a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to ensure everyone has access to water. In solo play, consider taming a dinosaur like a Parasaur or Iguanodon early on, as they can help you gather resources like berries, which can also restore a small amount of water. Additionally, some dinosaurs like the Phiomia can be used to carry extra supplies, including water skins, making them useful for extended trips.
A common mistake players make is forgetting to refill their water skin before leaving their base. Always check your water levels before heading out, especially if youÔÇÖre venturing into arid or dangerous areas like the desert or caves. Another mistake is relying solely on water skins for hydration. While they are useful early on, they are not a long-term solution. Prioritize unlocking and crafting canteens or water jars as soon as you reach the required level (20 for canteens, 30 for water jars). These items are more durable and efficient, saving you time and resources in the long run.
For advanced players, consider building a small outpost near water sources with a water reservoir or irrigation system. This allows you to refill your water containers quickly and efficiently. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, assign a member to manage water resources, ensuring that everyone has access to clean water at all times. In PvP scenarios, water management becomes even more critical, as dehydration can weaken you during combat. Always carry extra water containers and consider using preserving bins or refrigerators to store water for emergencies.
In summary, crafting and maintaining a water skin in ARK: Survival Evolved is a straightforward but essential task for early-game survival. Gather the necessary resources, craft the water skin, and refill it regularly at water sources. Be mindful of its limitations, such as leaking, and plan your exploration routes accordingly. Upgrade to better water storage options as you progress, and consider using dinosaurs or base-building strategies to optimize your water management. By following these tips, youÔÇÖll ensure that your character stays hydrated and ready to face the challenges of ARKÔÇÖs dangerous world.
To craft a water skin, you first need to unlock its engram. The water skin engram is available at level 8 and costs 3 engram points. Once unlocked, you can craft it using the following resources: 4 hide, 12 fiber, and 2 cementing paste. Hide is obtained by harvesting creatures like dodos, dilos, or raptors. Fiber is gathered by hand-picking plants or using a sickle. Cementing paste is a bit more complex to obtain early on, as it requires either chitin/keratin and stone in a mortar and pestle or by harvesting beaver dams for pre-made cementing paste. If you donÔÇÖt have access to beaver dams, focus on killing insects like ants or trilobites for chitin.
Once you have the required materials, open your inventory or a crafting station like the mortar and pestle, and craft the water skin. After crafting, equip it in your hotbar for easy access. To fill the water skin, you need to approach a water source such as a river, lake, or ocean. Stand in the water or near its edge, open your inventory, and drag the water skin to the water source. Alternatively, you can use the radial menu by holding the interact key (E on PC) while looking at the water source and selecting "Fill Water Skin." Each water skin can hold up to 100 units of water, which will slowly deplete as you drink or if it leaks over time.
One important consideration is that water skins are prone to leaking. Over time, even if you donÔÇÖt use the water skin, it will lose water. This means you need to refill it regularly, especially before long journeys. To minimize water loss, avoid carrying multiple water skins unless absolutely necessary, as they will all leak simultaneously. Instead, focus on upgrading to more advanced water storage options like canteens or water jars as soon as possible. These items do not leak and hold more water, making them more efficient for long-term use.
When exploring, always plan your route to include water sources where you can refill your water skin. If youÔÇÖre traveling with a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to ensure everyone has access to water. In solo play, consider taming a dinosaur like a Parasaur or Iguanodon early on, as they can help you gather resources like berries, which can also restore a small amount of water. Additionally, some dinosaurs like the Phiomia can be used to carry extra supplies, including water skins, making them useful for extended trips.
A common mistake players make is forgetting to refill their water skin before leaving their base. Always check your water levels before heading out, especially if youÔÇÖre venturing into arid or dangerous areas like the desert or caves. Another mistake is relying solely on water skins for hydration. While they are useful early on, they are not a long-term solution. Prioritize unlocking and crafting canteens or water jars as soon as you reach the required level (20 for canteens, 30 for water jars). These items are more durable and efficient, saving you time and resources in the long run.
For advanced players, consider building a small outpost near water sources with a water reservoir or irrigation system. This allows you to refill your water containers quickly and efficiently. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, assign a member to manage water resources, ensuring that everyone has access to clean water at all times. In PvP scenarios, water management becomes even more critical, as dehydration can weaken you during combat. Always carry extra water containers and consider using preserving bins or refrigerators to store water for emergencies.
In summary, crafting and maintaining a water skin in ARK: Survival Evolved is a straightforward but essential task for early-game survival. Gather the necessary resources, craft the water skin, and refill it regularly at water sources. Be mindful of its limitations, such as leaking, and plan your exploration routes accordingly. Upgrade to better water storage options as you progress, and consider using dinosaurs or base-building strategies to optimize your water management. By following these tips, youÔÇÖll ensure that your character stays hydrated and ready to face the challenges of ARKÔÇÖs dangerous world.