How do I craft a pike for melee combat in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Crafting a pike in ARK: Survival Evolved is a straightforward process, but it requires careful preparation and resource management. The pike is a powerful melee weapon that deals significant damage and has a longer reach compared to other early-game weapons like the spear. It is particularly useful for defending against aggressive creatures or engaging in close-quarters combat with other players in PvP scenarios. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft a pike, including mechanics, strategies, and tips to optimize your gameplay.
To craft a pike, you must first unlock its engram. The pike engram becomes available at level 25 and costs 12 engram points. Once unlocked, you can craft it at a Smithy or a Fabricator. The Smithy is the more accessible option for early to mid-game players, as it requires fewer advanced resources compared to the Fabricator. The resource requirements for crafting a pike are 20 metal ingots, 75 wood, and 35 fiber. These materials are relatively easy to gather, but you need to plan your resource collection efficiently.
Metal ingots are obtained by smelting metal ore in a forge. Metal ore can be found in rocky areas, often near mountains or cliffs. Use a pickaxe to gather metal ore, as it yields more ore compared to other tools. Once you have enough metal ore, place it in a lit forge along with fuel, such as wood or thatch, to smelt it into metal ingots. Wood can be gathered by hitting trees with an axe or a pickaxe, while fiber is collected by harvesting bushes or using a sickle for higher yields.
After gathering the necessary resources, approach a Smithy and open its inventory. Place the required materials (20 metal ingots, 75 wood, and 35 fiber) into the Smithy's inventory. Then, select the pike from the crafting menu and initiate the crafting process. The pike will take a few seconds to craft and will appear in the Smithy's inventory once completed. You can then transfer it to your own inventory and equip it for use.
When using the pike, keep in mind its strengths and limitations. The pike has a longer reach than most melee weapons, allowing you to attack enemies from a safer distance. This is particularly useful when fighting aggressive creatures like raptors or carnos, as it reduces the risk of taking damage. However, the pike has a slower attack speed compared to weapons like the sword, so timing your strikes is crucial. Aim for the head or weak spots of creatures to maximize damage output.
One common mistake players make is underestimating the durability of the pike. While it is a durable weapon, it will eventually break after prolonged use. Always carry a backup weapon or repair materials to avoid being caught defenseless in the middle of a fight. Additionally, avoid using the pike against creatures with high health or armor, as it may not be the most efficient choice. In such cases, consider using ranged weapons or tamed dinosaurs to handle the threat.
For advanced players, optimizing the use of the pike involves combining it with other tools and strategies. For example, you can use a shield in your off-hand to block incoming attacks while striking with the pike. This combination is particularly effective in PvP scenarios, where blocking and counterattacking can give you an edge over opponents. Additionally, consider pairing the pike with a tamed dinosaur for added protection and damage output. A well-trained raptor or saber-toothed cat can distract enemies while you deal damage with the pike.
Resource management is key when crafting and using the pike. Always gather extra materials to account for repairs or crafting additional pikes. If you are part of a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to ensure a steady supply of resources. For solo players, prioritize gathering metal ore and wood early in the game to prepare for crafting the pike as soon as you reach level 25.
In summary, crafting a pike in ARK: Survival Evolved involves unlocking its engram, gathering the necessary resources, and using a Smithy to craft it. The pike is a versatile and powerful melee weapon that excels in both PvE and PvP scenarios. By understanding its mechanics, optimizing its use, and managing resources effectively, you can enhance your survival and combat capabilities in the game. Whether you are playing solo or as part of a tribe, the pike is a valuable tool for defending yourself and dominating the dangerous world of ARK.
To craft a pike, you must first unlock its engram. The pike engram becomes available at level 25 and costs 12 engram points. Once unlocked, you can craft it at a Smithy or a Fabricator. The Smithy is the more accessible option for early to mid-game players, as it requires fewer advanced resources compared to the Fabricator. The resource requirements for crafting a pike are 20 metal ingots, 75 wood, and 35 fiber. These materials are relatively easy to gather, but you need to plan your resource collection efficiently.
Metal ingots are obtained by smelting metal ore in a forge. Metal ore can be found in rocky areas, often near mountains or cliffs. Use a pickaxe to gather metal ore, as it yields more ore compared to other tools. Once you have enough metal ore, place it in a lit forge along with fuel, such as wood or thatch, to smelt it into metal ingots. Wood can be gathered by hitting trees with an axe or a pickaxe, while fiber is collected by harvesting bushes or using a sickle for higher yields.
After gathering the necessary resources, approach a Smithy and open its inventory. Place the required materials (20 metal ingots, 75 wood, and 35 fiber) into the Smithy's inventory. Then, select the pike from the crafting menu and initiate the crafting process. The pike will take a few seconds to craft and will appear in the Smithy's inventory once completed. You can then transfer it to your own inventory and equip it for use.
When using the pike, keep in mind its strengths and limitations. The pike has a longer reach than most melee weapons, allowing you to attack enemies from a safer distance. This is particularly useful when fighting aggressive creatures like raptors or carnos, as it reduces the risk of taking damage. However, the pike has a slower attack speed compared to weapons like the sword, so timing your strikes is crucial. Aim for the head or weak spots of creatures to maximize damage output.
One common mistake players make is underestimating the durability of the pike. While it is a durable weapon, it will eventually break after prolonged use. Always carry a backup weapon or repair materials to avoid being caught defenseless in the middle of a fight. Additionally, avoid using the pike against creatures with high health or armor, as it may not be the most efficient choice. In such cases, consider using ranged weapons or tamed dinosaurs to handle the threat.
For advanced players, optimizing the use of the pike involves combining it with other tools and strategies. For example, you can use a shield in your off-hand to block incoming attacks while striking with the pike. This combination is particularly effective in PvP scenarios, where blocking and counterattacking can give you an edge over opponents. Additionally, consider pairing the pike with a tamed dinosaur for added protection and damage output. A well-trained raptor or saber-toothed cat can distract enemies while you deal damage with the pike.
Resource management is key when crafting and using the pike. Always gather extra materials to account for repairs or crafting additional pikes. If you are part of a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to ensure a steady supply of resources. For solo players, prioritize gathering metal ore and wood early in the game to prepare for crafting the pike as soon as you reach level 25.
In summary, crafting a pike in ARK: Survival Evolved involves unlocking its engram, gathering the necessary resources, and using a Smithy to craft it. The pike is a versatile and powerful melee weapon that excels in both PvE and PvP scenarios. By understanding its mechanics, optimizing its use, and managing resources effectively, you can enhance your survival and combat capabilities in the game. Whether you are playing solo or as part of a tribe, the pike is a valuable tool for defending yourself and dominating the dangerous world of ARK.