How do I craft and use a flamethrower for combat in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Crafting and using a flamethrower in ARK: Survival Evolved is a powerful way to deal with both creatures and players in combat. The flamethrower is a late-game weapon that requires significant preparation and resources to craft, but its area-of-effect damage and ability to set enemies on fire make it a valuable tool in both PvE and PvP scenarios. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use the flamethrower effectively.

To craft a flamethrower, you must first unlock its engram. The flamethrower engram becomes available at level 55 and costs 21 engram points. Once unlocked, you will need the following resources to craft it: 150 metal ingots, 50 polymer, 50 cementing paste, 50 oil, and 20 electronics. These materials are not easy to gather early in the game, so you will need to progress significantly before attempting to craft this weapon. Metal ingots are obtained by smelting metal ore in a forge, polymer can be crafted from organic polymer or obsidian and cementing paste, cementing paste is made from chitin or keratin and stone in a mortar and pestle or from a beaver dam, oil can be harvested from oil nodes in the ocean or from certain creatures like trilobites, and electronics are crafted from metal ingots, silica pearls, and oil.

Once you have gathered all the required materials, you can craft the flamethrower at a fabricator. The fabricator is a high-tier crafting station that requires gasoline to operate, so make sure you have a steady supply of gasoline before attempting to craft the flamethrower. Gasoline is made by refining oil and hide in a refining forge or industrial forge.

Using the flamethrower effectively requires careful planning and resource management. The flamethrower consumes gasoline as ammunition, so you will need to keep a good supply of gasoline on hand. Each shot from the flamethrower consumes a small amount of gasoline, and the weapon has a limited range, so you will need to get relatively close to your target to use it effectively. The flamethrower deals damage over time by setting enemies on fire, making it particularly effective against groups of enemies or large creatures with high health pools.

One important tip for using the flamethrower is to avoid using it in close quarters or near your own structures. The flamethrower can cause significant damage to your own base or tamed creatures if you are not careful. Always make sure you have a clear line of fire and enough space to maneuver when using the flamethrower. Additionally, the flamethrower has a short cooldown period between bursts, so you will need to time your attacks carefully to avoid being overwhelmed by enemies.

In PvP scenarios, the flamethrower can be a devastating weapon when used correctly. It is particularly effective against players who are not wearing flame-resistant armor, as the fire damage can quickly wear down their health. However, the flamethrower's short range makes it vulnerable to long-range weapons like rifles and crossbows, so you will need to close the distance quickly to use it effectively. Using a fast mount like a raptor or a pteranodon can help you get into range quickly and avoid taking too much damage.

In PvE, the flamethrower is particularly useful for dealing with large groups of smaller creatures or for taking down larger creatures with high health pools. For example, using the flamethrower against a swarm of raptors or a pack of direwolves can quickly thin out their numbers and make the fight much easier. However, be cautious when using the flamethrower against creatures that can deal significant damage in close quarters, such as rexes or spinos, as you may not have enough time to deal sufficient damage before they can retaliate.

One common mistake to avoid when using the flamethrower is running out of gasoline in the middle of a fight. Always make sure you have a good supply of gasoline before heading into combat, and consider carrying extra gasoline in your inventory or on a mount to avoid running out at a critical moment. Additionally, be mindful of the flamethrower's durability, as it will degrade over time with use. Repairing the flamethrower requires additional resources, so make sure you have enough materials to keep it in good condition.

Advanced techniques for using the flamethrower include combining it with other weapons and tactics to maximize its effectiveness. For example, using a long-range weapon like a rifle to weaken enemies from a distance before closing in with the flamethrower can be an effective strategy. Additionally, using the flamethrower in combination with traps or tamed creatures can help you control the battlefield and keep enemies at bay while you deal damage.

In terms of tribe and solo considerations, the flamethrower can be a valuable asset for both playstyles. In a tribe, the flamethrower can be used to defend your base against raids or to clear out enemy structures during an attack. In solo play, the flamethrower can be a powerful tool for taking on difficult PvE challenges or defending yourself against aggressive players. However, the high resource cost of crafting and maintaining the flamethrower means that it may be more practical for tribes to pool resources and share the weapon rather than each member crafting their own.

In conclusion, the flamethrower is a powerful and versatile weapon in ARK: Survival Evolved, but it requires significant preparation and resource management to use effectively. By following the steps outlined above and keeping these tips and considerations in mind, you can make the most of this devastating weapon and dominate in both PvE and PvP scenarios.