How do I craft and use a slingshot for early-game taming in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Crafting and using a slingshot in ARK: Survival Evolved is a crucial early-game strategy for taming smaller creatures and defending yourself against threats. The slingshot is one of the first ranged weapons you can craft, and it is particularly useful for knocking out creatures like Dodos, Dilophosaurs, and even smaller dinosaurs like the Parasaur. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to craft and use a slingshot effectively.
To craft a slingshot, you need to unlock its engram at level 5. This requires 6 engram points, which are earned as you level up. Once unlocked, you can craft the slingshot at a crafting station or directly from your inventory. The resource requirements for a slingshot are 20 fiber, 5 wood, and 5 hide. Fiber can be gathered by hand from bushes, wood is obtained by punching trees or using a pickaxe, and hide is collected by killing small creatures like Dodos or Lystrosaurus. These resources are relatively easy to gather early in the game, making the slingshot an accessible tool for new players.
Once crafted, the slingshot uses stones as ammunition. Stones are abundant and can be collected by picking them up from the ground or mining rocks with a pickaxe. Each slingshot shot consumes one stone, so itÔÇÖs a good idea to carry a stack of stones with you when using the slingshot. The slingshot has a limited range and deals low damage, but its primary purpose is to inflict torpor, which is the mechanic used to knock out creatures for taming.
To use the slingshot effectively, aim for the head of the target creature. Headshots deal more torpor and are more likely to knock out the creature faster. However, be cautious when engaging aggressive creatures like Dilophosaurs, as they can quickly close the distance and attack you. ItÔÇÖs best to keep your distance and use terrain to your advantage, such as hiding behind rocks or trees to avoid being hit. If youÔÇÖre taming a passive creature like a Dodo, you can simply stand still and shoot it until it is knocked out.
One common mistake players make is underestimating the slingshotÔÇÖs limitations. While it is useful for early-game taming, it is not effective against larger or more dangerous creatures like Raptors or Carnotaurus. Attempting to use a slingshot against these creatures will likely result in your death. Additionally, the slingshot has a slow firing rate, so you need to time your shots carefully to avoid being overwhelmed by fast-moving enemies.
Advanced techniques for using the slingshot include kiting, which involves luring a creature into a trap or confined space where it cannot easily attack you. For example, you can build a simple trap using wooden structures to funnel a creature into a small area, making it easier to hit with the slingshot. This is particularly useful for taming creatures like the Parasaur, which can be difficult to knock out in the open. Another optimization is to use the slingshot in combination with other tools, such as bolas, to immobilize creatures temporarily, giving you more time to land shots.
Resource management is important when using the slingshot. Since stones are abundant, you donÔÇÖt need to worry too much about running out of ammunition. However, you should always carry extra stones and repair materials for the slingshot, as it has low durability and will break after extended use. Repairing the slingshot requires the same materials used to craft it, so keep a stockpile of fiber, wood, and hide in your base.
For solo players, the slingshot is a reliable tool for early-game taming and defense. However, in a tribe setting, you can coordinate with other players to use the slingshot more effectively. For example, one player can distract a creature while another uses the slingshot to knock it out. This teamwork can make taming larger or more aggressive creatures easier, even with basic tools.
In specific scenarios, the slingshot can be a lifesaver. For instance, if you encounter a pack of Dilophosaurs early in the game, using the slingshot to knock them out one by one can prevent them from overwhelming you. Similarly, if you find a high-level Dodo or Parasaur that you want to tame, the slingshot is a cost-effective way to do so without wasting valuable resources on more advanced tools.
In conclusion, the slingshot is a versatile and essential tool for early-game survival in ARK: Survival Evolved. By understanding its mechanics, using it strategically, and avoiding common mistakes, you can effectively tame creatures and defend yourself against threats. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, the slingshot is a valuable asset that can help you progress through the early stages of the game.
To craft a slingshot, you need to unlock its engram at level 5. This requires 6 engram points, which are earned as you level up. Once unlocked, you can craft the slingshot at a crafting station or directly from your inventory. The resource requirements for a slingshot are 20 fiber, 5 wood, and 5 hide. Fiber can be gathered by hand from bushes, wood is obtained by punching trees or using a pickaxe, and hide is collected by killing small creatures like Dodos or Lystrosaurus. These resources are relatively easy to gather early in the game, making the slingshot an accessible tool for new players.
Once crafted, the slingshot uses stones as ammunition. Stones are abundant and can be collected by picking them up from the ground or mining rocks with a pickaxe. Each slingshot shot consumes one stone, so itÔÇÖs a good idea to carry a stack of stones with you when using the slingshot. The slingshot has a limited range and deals low damage, but its primary purpose is to inflict torpor, which is the mechanic used to knock out creatures for taming.
To use the slingshot effectively, aim for the head of the target creature. Headshots deal more torpor and are more likely to knock out the creature faster. However, be cautious when engaging aggressive creatures like Dilophosaurs, as they can quickly close the distance and attack you. ItÔÇÖs best to keep your distance and use terrain to your advantage, such as hiding behind rocks or trees to avoid being hit. If youÔÇÖre taming a passive creature like a Dodo, you can simply stand still and shoot it until it is knocked out.
One common mistake players make is underestimating the slingshotÔÇÖs limitations. While it is useful for early-game taming, it is not effective against larger or more dangerous creatures like Raptors or Carnotaurus. Attempting to use a slingshot against these creatures will likely result in your death. Additionally, the slingshot has a slow firing rate, so you need to time your shots carefully to avoid being overwhelmed by fast-moving enemies.
Advanced techniques for using the slingshot include kiting, which involves luring a creature into a trap or confined space where it cannot easily attack you. For example, you can build a simple trap using wooden structures to funnel a creature into a small area, making it easier to hit with the slingshot. This is particularly useful for taming creatures like the Parasaur, which can be difficult to knock out in the open. Another optimization is to use the slingshot in combination with other tools, such as bolas, to immobilize creatures temporarily, giving you more time to land shots.
Resource management is important when using the slingshot. Since stones are abundant, you donÔÇÖt need to worry too much about running out of ammunition. However, you should always carry extra stones and repair materials for the slingshot, as it has low durability and will break after extended use. Repairing the slingshot requires the same materials used to craft it, so keep a stockpile of fiber, wood, and hide in your base.
For solo players, the slingshot is a reliable tool for early-game taming and defense. However, in a tribe setting, you can coordinate with other players to use the slingshot more effectively. For example, one player can distract a creature while another uses the slingshot to knock it out. This teamwork can make taming larger or more aggressive creatures easier, even with basic tools.
In specific scenarios, the slingshot can be a lifesaver. For instance, if you encounter a pack of Dilophosaurs early in the game, using the slingshot to knock them out one by one can prevent them from overwhelming you. Similarly, if you find a high-level Dodo or Parasaur that you want to tame, the slingshot is a cost-effective way to do so without wasting valuable resources on more advanced tools.
In conclusion, the slingshot is a versatile and essential tool for early-game survival in ARK: Survival Evolved. By understanding its mechanics, using it strategically, and avoiding common mistakes, you can effectively tame creatures and defend yourself against threats. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, the slingshot is a valuable asset that can help you progress through the early stages of the game.