How do I craft and use a crossbow in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Crafting and using a crossbow in ARK: Survival Evolved is a key step in progressing from early-game survival to mid-game combat and resource gathering. The crossbow is a versatile ranged weapon that offers more power and accuracy than the basic bow, making it essential for hunting, taming, and defending against threats. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to craft and use a crossbow effectively.
To craft a crossbow, you first need to unlock its engram. The crossbow engram becomes available at level 25 and costs 12 engram points. Once unlocked, you can craft it at a Smithy, which requires level 20 to unlock and build. The Smithy is a crafting station used for more advanced items, so make sure you have one set up in your base. The resources needed to craft a crossbow are 75 wood, 50 fiber, 15 hide, and 10 metal ingots. Wood and fiber are easily gathered from trees and bushes, while hide is obtained by killing creatures like dodos, raptors, or other small to medium-sized animals. Metal ingots require smelting metal ore in a forge, so youÔÇÖll need to gather metal ore from rocks, usually found in mountainous areas or near riverbeds.
Once you have the resources, place them in the Smithy and craft the crossbow. ItÔÇÖs a good idea to craft multiple crossbows if you have the resources, as they can break during use. The crossbow uses arrows as ammunition, so make sure you have a steady supply. Regular arrows are crafted from 1 wood, 1 stone, and 2 fiber at a crafting station or in your inventory. Tranquilizer arrows, which are used for taming, require 1 arrow, 1 narcotic, and 1 stone. Narcotics are crafted from spoiled meat and narcoberries in a mortar and pestle.
Using the crossbow effectively requires practice and strategy. The crossbow has a slower firing rate than the bow, but it deals more damage and has better range. This makes it ideal for taking down larger creatures or players in PvP. When aiming, account for the slight drop of the arrow over long distances. Aim slightly above your target if they are far away. The crossbow is particularly useful for taming creatures, as tranquilizer arrows can knock them out without killing them. Aim for the head to maximize torpor, but be careful not to kill the creature with too much damage.
One common mistake is not carrying enough arrows or backup crossbows. Running out of ammunition in the middle of a fight or taming attempt can be disastrous. Always carry extra arrows and at least one spare crossbow. Another mistake is using the crossbow in close-quarters combat. The slow firing rate makes it less effective against fast-moving enemies like raptors or players. In these situations, switch to a melee weapon or a faster-firing ranged weapon like a pistol.
Advanced techniques include using the crossbow from a high vantage point or while riding a flying mount. This allows you to attack from a safe distance and avoid retaliation. For example, you can use an Argentavis or Pteranodon to hover above a target and shoot tranquilizer arrows to tame it. Another advanced strategy is combining the crossbow with traps. Build a trap using stone foundations, walls, and a large bear trap to immobilize a creature, then use the crossbow to knock it out safely.
Resource management is crucial when using the crossbow. Always gather extra materials for arrows and crossbows, especially if you plan to engage in prolonged combat or taming. Tamed dinosaurs like the Ankylosaurus can help gather metal ore more efficiently, while a Therizinosaur can gather wood and fiber. These dinosaurs can significantly reduce the time and effort needed to prepare for crafting.
In a tribe setting, the crossbow can be a shared resource. Assign roles to tribe members, such as one person gathering materials while another crafts the crossbows and arrows. This division of labor can speed up preparation and ensure everyone is well-equipped. For solo players, focus on building a secure base with a Smithy and storage for resources. Prioritize taming dinosaurs that can help with gathering and transportation, as this will make resource collection much easier.
Specific scenarios where the crossbow shines include taming a Rex or Spino. These large predators are dangerous to approach on foot, but using a crossbow from a safe distance with tranquilizer arrows can make the process manageable. Another scenario is defending your base from a raid. The crossbowÔÇÖs high damage and range make it an excellent weapon for picking off attackers from a distance, especially if you have a fortified position.
In summary, the crossbow is a powerful and versatile weapon in ARK: Survival Evolved. Crafting it requires a Smithy and resources like wood, fiber, hide, and metal ingots. Use it for hunting, taming, and combat, but always carry extra arrows and backup crossbows. Advanced techniques include using it from high vantage points or with traps. Manage your resources efficiently and consider tribe roles or tamed dinosaurs to aid in preparation. With practice and strategy, the crossbow can become one of your most valuable tools in the game.
To craft a crossbow, you first need to unlock its engram. The crossbow engram becomes available at level 25 and costs 12 engram points. Once unlocked, you can craft it at a Smithy, which requires level 20 to unlock and build. The Smithy is a crafting station used for more advanced items, so make sure you have one set up in your base. The resources needed to craft a crossbow are 75 wood, 50 fiber, 15 hide, and 10 metal ingots. Wood and fiber are easily gathered from trees and bushes, while hide is obtained by killing creatures like dodos, raptors, or other small to medium-sized animals. Metal ingots require smelting metal ore in a forge, so youÔÇÖll need to gather metal ore from rocks, usually found in mountainous areas or near riverbeds.
Once you have the resources, place them in the Smithy and craft the crossbow. ItÔÇÖs a good idea to craft multiple crossbows if you have the resources, as they can break during use. The crossbow uses arrows as ammunition, so make sure you have a steady supply. Regular arrows are crafted from 1 wood, 1 stone, and 2 fiber at a crafting station or in your inventory. Tranquilizer arrows, which are used for taming, require 1 arrow, 1 narcotic, and 1 stone. Narcotics are crafted from spoiled meat and narcoberries in a mortar and pestle.
Using the crossbow effectively requires practice and strategy. The crossbow has a slower firing rate than the bow, but it deals more damage and has better range. This makes it ideal for taking down larger creatures or players in PvP. When aiming, account for the slight drop of the arrow over long distances. Aim slightly above your target if they are far away. The crossbow is particularly useful for taming creatures, as tranquilizer arrows can knock them out without killing them. Aim for the head to maximize torpor, but be careful not to kill the creature with too much damage.
One common mistake is not carrying enough arrows or backup crossbows. Running out of ammunition in the middle of a fight or taming attempt can be disastrous. Always carry extra arrows and at least one spare crossbow. Another mistake is using the crossbow in close-quarters combat. The slow firing rate makes it less effective against fast-moving enemies like raptors or players. In these situations, switch to a melee weapon or a faster-firing ranged weapon like a pistol.
Advanced techniques include using the crossbow from a high vantage point or while riding a flying mount. This allows you to attack from a safe distance and avoid retaliation. For example, you can use an Argentavis or Pteranodon to hover above a target and shoot tranquilizer arrows to tame it. Another advanced strategy is combining the crossbow with traps. Build a trap using stone foundations, walls, and a large bear trap to immobilize a creature, then use the crossbow to knock it out safely.
Resource management is crucial when using the crossbow. Always gather extra materials for arrows and crossbows, especially if you plan to engage in prolonged combat or taming. Tamed dinosaurs like the Ankylosaurus can help gather metal ore more efficiently, while a Therizinosaur can gather wood and fiber. These dinosaurs can significantly reduce the time and effort needed to prepare for crafting.
In a tribe setting, the crossbow can be a shared resource. Assign roles to tribe members, such as one person gathering materials while another crafts the crossbows and arrows. This division of labor can speed up preparation and ensure everyone is well-equipped. For solo players, focus on building a secure base with a Smithy and storage for resources. Prioritize taming dinosaurs that can help with gathering and transportation, as this will make resource collection much easier.
Specific scenarios where the crossbow shines include taming a Rex or Spino. These large predators are dangerous to approach on foot, but using a crossbow from a safe distance with tranquilizer arrows can make the process manageable. Another scenario is defending your base from a raid. The crossbowÔÇÖs high damage and range make it an excellent weapon for picking off attackers from a distance, especially if you have a fortified position.
In summary, the crossbow is a powerful and versatile weapon in ARK: Survival Evolved. Crafting it requires a Smithy and resources like wood, fiber, hide, and metal ingots. Use it for hunting, taming, and combat, but always carry extra arrows and backup crossbows. Advanced techniques include using it from high vantage points or with traps. Manage your resources efficiently and consider tribe roles or tamed dinosaurs to aid in preparation. With practice and strategy, the crossbow can become one of your most valuable tools in the game.