How do I craft a rocket launcher and use it for combat in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Crafting and using a rocket launcher in ARK: Survival Evolved is a significant milestone in your progression, as it is one of the most powerful weapons in the game. However, it requires advanced resources, careful planning, and strategic use to maximize its effectiveness. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use a rocket launcher, along with tips and considerations for survival and combat.

To craft a rocket launcher, you must first unlock its engram. The rocket launcher engram becomes available at level 85 and costs 35 engram points. Once unlocked, you will need to gather the necessary resources to craft it. The crafting recipe for a rocket launcher includes 150 metal ingots, 75 polymer, 50 cementing paste, and 50 electronics. These materials are not easy to obtain, especially in the early to mid-game, so you will need to focus on resource gathering and progression.

Metal ingots are smelted from metal ore in a forge. Metal ore can be found in large quantities 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 creatures like Kairuku or by crafting it using obsidian and cementing paste 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. Electronics are crafted in a fabricator using silica pearls and metal ingots. Silica pearls are found in underwater locations or in certain caves.

Once you have gathered all the materials, you can craft the rocket launcher in a fabricator. The fabricator requires gasoline to operate, so ensure you have a steady supply of gasoline by refining oil and hide in a refining forge. After crafting the rocket launcher, you will also need to craft rockets to use it. Rockets are crafted in a fabricator using 10 gunpowder, 10 metal ingots, and 5 cementing paste. Gunpowder is made from charcoal and sparkpowder in a mortar and pestle.

Using the rocket launcher in combat requires careful planning. The rocket launcher has a slow reload time and limited ammo capacity, so it is best used in situations where you need high burst damage. It is particularly effective against large creatures, enemy structures, or during PvP encounters. However, the rocket launcher has a significant knockback effect, so be cautious when using it in close quarters or near cliffs, as you could knock yourself back and take fall damage.

One common mistake is using the rocket launcher without proper preparation. Always ensure you have enough rockets and a backup weapon in case you run out of ammo. Additionally, the rocket launcher is loud and will attract nearby creatures or players, so use it strategically to avoid drawing unwanted attention. Another mistake is using the rocket launcher against small or fast-moving targets, as the rockets are slow and can be easily dodged.

Advanced techniques for using the rocket launcher include combining it with other weapons or tamed dinosaurs. For example, you can use a tamed Argentavis or Quetzal to carry the rocket launcher and fire from the air, giving you a tactical advantage. You can also use the rocket launcher to destroy enemy turrets or structures during raids, but be prepared for retaliation. In PvP scenarios, coordinate with your tribe to use the rocket launcher in combination with other weapons or traps to maximize its effectiveness.

Resource management is crucial when using the rocket launcher. Rockets are expensive to craft, so use them sparingly and only when necessary. Prioritize gathering resources like metal, obsidian, and silica pearls to ensure you have a steady supply of materials for crafting rockets. Tamed dinosaurs like the Ankylosaurus, Doedicurus, and Beaver can help you gather resources more efficiently.

In solo play, the rocket launcher can be a powerful tool for defending your base or taking down large creatures. However, it requires significant time and effort to gather the necessary resources. In a tribe, you can divide the workload among members to speed up the process. For example, one member can focus on gathering metal, while another collects polymer and cementing paste.

Specific scenarios where the rocket launcher shines include boss fights, where its high damage output can quickly take down boss creatures. It is also effective during raids, where you can use it to destroy enemy defenses or structures. However, always be mindful of the rocket launcher's limitations and plan your attacks carefully to avoid wasting resources or putting yourself in danger.

In summary, crafting and using a rocket launcher in ARK: Survival Evolved requires advanced resources, careful planning, and strategic use. Focus on gathering materials like metal, polymer, and cementing paste, and use the rocket launcher in situations where its high damage output can make a significant impact. Avoid common mistakes like using it in close quarters or against small targets, and consider advanced techniques like combining it with tamed dinosaurs or coordinating with your tribe. With proper preparation and strategy, the rocket launcher can be a game-changing weapon in your arsenal.