How do I craft a compound bow and use it for stealth attacks in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Crafting and using a compound bow in ARK: Survival Evolved is a valuable skill for players looking to engage in stealth attacks and ranged combat. The compound bow is a high-tier weapon that offers superior damage and accuracy compared to earlier bows, making it ideal for taking down enemies quietly or from a distance. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and effectively use the compound bow, along with tips and strategies to maximize its potential.

To craft a compound bow, you must first unlock its engram. The compound bow engram becomes available at level 55 and costs 21 engram points. Once unlocked, you will need the following resources to craft it: 15 polymer, 50 metal ingots, 20 fiber, 10 hide, and 5 silica pearls. Polymer can be obtained from killing Kairuku, Mantis, or by crafting it using organic polymer or obsidian and cementing paste. Metal ingots are smelted from metal ore in a forge, fiber is gathered from plants, hide is obtained from killing animals, and silica pearls are found in underwater locations or near rivers.

Once you have gathered the required resources, you can craft the compound bow at a fabricator. The fabricator is a mid-to-late-game crafting station that requires gasoline to operate, so ensure you have a steady supply of gasoline or a nearby source of oil and hide to craft it. After crafting the compound bow, you will also need arrows to use it. The compound bow uses metal arrows, which deal more damage than stone arrows. Metal arrows require 2 metal ingots, 1 flint, and 1 feather to craft.

Using the compound bow for stealth attacks requires careful planning and execution. The compound bow has a high damage output and a long range, making it ideal for taking down enemies before they can react. To maximize stealth, crouch to reduce your visibility and noise. This will allow you to get closer to your target without alerting them. When aiming, take your time to line up a headshot, as this will deal significantly more damage and potentially kill the target in one hit. The compound bow also has a zoom feature, which can be activated by holding the right mouse button (on PC) or the left trigger (on consoles). This zoom feature helps you aim more precisely at distant targets.

One important tip is to use the compound bow in conjunction with a tamed dinosaur that can provide cover or distraction. For example, a tamed Raptor or Carnotaurus can draw the attention of hostile creatures while you take them out from a distance. Additionally, using the compound bow from an elevated position, such as a cliff or a tree platform, can give you a tactical advantage and make it harder for enemies to reach you.

A common mistake to avoid is engaging multiple enemies at once without a plan. The compound bow is powerful, but it has a slow firing rate, making it difficult to handle multiple targets quickly. Always prioritize high-threat targets, such as predators or enemy players, and take them out first. Another mistake is neglecting to carry enough arrows. Metal arrows are heavy, so ensure you have enough inventory space and weight capacity to carry a sufficient supply.

Advanced techniques for using the compound bow include combining it with other tools and strategies. For example, using a grappling hook to reach high vantage points can give you a clear line of sight for sniping enemies. Additionally, pairing the compound bow with a crossbow or longneck rifle allows you to switch weapons quickly if you miss a shot or need to engage in close combat. In PvP scenarios, using the compound bow to ambush enemy players from a hidden position can give you a significant advantage.

Resource management is crucial when using the compound bow. Metal arrows are expensive to craft, so use them sparingly and aim carefully to avoid wasting resources. Consider setting up a dedicated crafting station near a metal-rich area to streamline the production of metal ingots and arrows. If you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to gather resources efficiently and share the workload of crafting and maintaining equipment.

In solo play, the compound bow is an excellent tool for surviving in dangerous areas. For example, when exploring caves or hunting aggressive dinosaurs, the compound bow allows you to deal high damage from a safe distance. Always carry a backup weapon, such as a pike or shotgun, in case you are forced into close combat. Additionally, consider taming a pack of small, fast dinosaurs like Raptors to assist you in combat and provide an extra layer of protection.

In summary, the compound bow is a powerful and versatile weapon in ARK: Survival Evolved that excels in stealth and ranged combat. By carefully crafting and using it, you can take down enemies efficiently and safely. Remember to plan your attacks, manage your resources, and use the environment to your advantage. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, the compound bow is a valuable addition to your arsenal that can greatly enhance your survival and combat capabilities.