How do I craft a bola and use it to immobilize enemies in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Crafting and using a bola in ARK: Survival Evolved is a fundamental skill that can greatly enhance your survival and combat capabilities, especially in the early game. A bola is a simple yet effective tool used to immobilize small to medium-sized creatures, making them easier to tame or defeat. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use a bola effectively, along with tips and strategies to maximize its utility.
To craft a bola, you will need to gather specific resources. The recipe requires 5 fiber, 9 hide, and 15 stone. Fiber can be collected by hand from bushes or using a sickle for faster gathering. Hide is obtained by killing creatures like dodos, dilos, or raptors, and stone can be collected by hitting rocks with a pickaxe or by hand. Once you have the necessary materials, open your inventory and navigate to the crafting tab. Search for the bola in the engram list (it is unlocked at level 9) and craft it. Each bola is a single-use item, so it is wise to craft multiple bolas if you plan to use them frequently.
Using a bola is straightforward but requires precision. Equip the bola in your hotbar and aim at your target. When you throw it, the bola will spin through the air and wrap around the legs of the target if it hits. This immobilizes the creature for 30 seconds, giving you time to either tame it, attack it, or escape. Bolas are particularly effective against fast-moving creatures like raptors, sabertooths, and even players in PvP scenarios. However, they do not work on larger creatures like rexes or brontos, so it is important to know which creatures can be immobilized.
One common mistake players make is misjudging the range of the bola. The bola has a limited throwing distance, so you need to be relatively close to your target. If you are too far, the bola will miss, and you will waste it. Another mistake is not having enough bolas prepared. Since they are single-use, running out in the middle of a fight can leave you vulnerable. Always carry at least 5-10 bolas when exploring or hunting.
Advanced techniques involve combining bolas with other tools and strategies. For example, if you are taming a raptor, you can bola it to immobilize it, then use tranquilizer arrows or a slingshot to knock it out. This method is safer than trying to knock it out while it is still mobile. In PvP, bolas can be used to immobilize enemy players, giving you time to attack or retreat. However, be cautious, as experienced players may carry bolas of their own and use them against you.
Resource management is crucial when using bolas. Since they require hide and stone, which are also used for other essential items, you need to balance your resource allocation. Prioritize gathering hide from smaller creatures and stone from rocks near your base. If you are in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to gather resources efficiently. Solo players should focus on building a small stockpile of bolas before venturing into dangerous areas.
In terms of progression, bolas are most useful in the early to mid-game. As you unlock more advanced tools like tranquilizer darts and longneck rifles, the bola becomes less essential but still valuable in specific situations. For example, even in the late game, bolas can be useful for immobilizing smaller threats quickly without wasting ammunition.
Specific scenarios where bolas shine include taming raptors, sabertooths, or even pteranodons. For instance, if you encounter a raptor in the wild, bola it to stop its movement, then use tranquilizer arrows to knock it out safely. Another scenario is defending your base from smaller predators. If a pack of dilos or raptors attacks, bolas can help you neutralize the threat without taking damage.
In conclusion, the bola is a versatile and essential tool in ARK: Survival Evolved. By understanding its mechanics, crafting it efficiently, and using it strategically, you can greatly improve your chances of survival and success in the game. Always prepare adequately, avoid common mistakes, and combine bolas with other tools for maximum effectiveness. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, mastering the bola will give you a significant advantage in both PvE and PvP scenarios.
To craft a bola, you will need to gather specific resources. The recipe requires 5 fiber, 9 hide, and 15 stone. Fiber can be collected by hand from bushes or using a sickle for faster gathering. Hide is obtained by killing creatures like dodos, dilos, or raptors, and stone can be collected by hitting rocks with a pickaxe or by hand. Once you have the necessary materials, open your inventory and navigate to the crafting tab. Search for the bola in the engram list (it is unlocked at level 9) and craft it. Each bola is a single-use item, so it is wise to craft multiple bolas if you plan to use them frequently.
Using a bola is straightforward but requires precision. Equip the bola in your hotbar and aim at your target. When you throw it, the bola will spin through the air and wrap around the legs of the target if it hits. This immobilizes the creature for 30 seconds, giving you time to either tame it, attack it, or escape. Bolas are particularly effective against fast-moving creatures like raptors, sabertooths, and even players in PvP scenarios. However, they do not work on larger creatures like rexes or brontos, so it is important to know which creatures can be immobilized.
One common mistake players make is misjudging the range of the bola. The bola has a limited throwing distance, so you need to be relatively close to your target. If you are too far, the bola will miss, and you will waste it. Another mistake is not having enough bolas prepared. Since they are single-use, running out in the middle of a fight can leave you vulnerable. Always carry at least 5-10 bolas when exploring or hunting.
Advanced techniques involve combining bolas with other tools and strategies. For example, if you are taming a raptor, you can bola it to immobilize it, then use tranquilizer arrows or a slingshot to knock it out. This method is safer than trying to knock it out while it is still mobile. In PvP, bolas can be used to immobilize enemy players, giving you time to attack or retreat. However, be cautious, as experienced players may carry bolas of their own and use them against you.
Resource management is crucial when using bolas. Since they require hide and stone, which are also used for other essential items, you need to balance your resource allocation. Prioritize gathering hide from smaller creatures and stone from rocks near your base. If you are in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to gather resources efficiently. Solo players should focus on building a small stockpile of bolas before venturing into dangerous areas.
In terms of progression, bolas are most useful in the early to mid-game. As you unlock more advanced tools like tranquilizer darts and longneck rifles, the bola becomes less essential but still valuable in specific situations. For example, even in the late game, bolas can be useful for immobilizing smaller threats quickly without wasting ammunition.
Specific scenarios where bolas shine include taming raptors, sabertooths, or even pteranodons. For instance, if you encounter a raptor in the wild, bola it to stop its movement, then use tranquilizer arrows to knock it out safely. Another scenario is defending your base from smaller predators. If a pack of dilos or raptors attacks, bolas can help you neutralize the threat without taking damage.
In conclusion, the bola is a versatile and essential tool in ARK: Survival Evolved. By understanding its mechanics, crafting it efficiently, and using it strategically, you can greatly improve your chances of survival and success in the game. Always prepare adequately, avoid common mistakes, and combine bolas with other tools for maximum effectiveness. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, mastering the bola will give you a significant advantage in both PvE and PvP scenarios.