How do I craft a cryopod to store and transport creatures in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Crafting a cryopod in ARK: Survival Evolved is a crucial step for efficiently storing and transporting creatures. Cryopods allow you to shrink dinosaurs into a portable form, making it easier to move them across the map or store them when not in use. This is especially useful for managing large tames or transporting creatures through dangerous areas. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use cryopods, along with tips and considerations to optimize their use.

To craft a cryopod, you must first unlock its engram. The cryopod engram becomes available at level 51 and costs 15 engram points. Once unlocked, you can craft cryopods at an Obelisk, Supply Crate, or Tek Replicator. The crafting recipe requires 15 polymer, 10 metal ingots, 5 crystal, 5 fiber, and 2 hide. Polymer can be obtained from killing Kairuku (penguins) or by crafting it using organic polymer or obsidian and cementing paste. Metal ingots are smelted from metal ore in a forge, crystal is mined from rocks in mountainous areas, fiber is gathered from plants, and hide is obtained from killing animals.

Once you have the required materials, head to an Obelisk, Supply Crate, or Tek Replicator. Access the crafting menu and select the cryopod. Crafting a cryopod takes a few seconds, and once completed, it will appear in your inventory. Cryopods have a limited charge, which depletes over time or when used to store or release a creature. Each cryopod starts with 30 charges, and you can recharge them by placing them in a cryofridge, which is a specialized storage unit for cryopods.

To use a cryopod, equip it in your hotbar and aim it at the creature you want to store. Press the use button, and the creature will be sucked into the cryopod. The cryopod will display the creatureÔÇÖs name, level, and remaining charge. To release the creature, throw the cryopod onto the ground by pressing the use button again. Be cautious when releasing creatures, as they may spawn in a hostile state or in a dangerous location.

One important tip is to always check the cryopodÔÇÖs charge before using it. If the charge runs out while a creature is stored, the creature will be released automatically, which can be problematic if youÔÇÖre in a dangerous area. To avoid this, keep cryopods in a cryofridge when not in use to maintain their charge. Cryofridges are unlocked at level 89 and require a significant amount of resources, including polymer, metal ingots, and electronics, so plan accordingly.

Another consideration is the size of the creature youÔÇÖre storing. Cryopods can store most creatures, but there are exceptions, such as Titans and certain boss creatures. Additionally, some creatures, like the Giganotosaurus, may require multiple cryopods due to their size. Always test the cryopod on a creature before relying on it for transportation.

For solo players, cryopods are invaluable for managing tames without the need for large pens or multiple bases. They allow you to carry multiple creatures in your inventory, making it easier to explore or relocate. For tribes, cryopods can streamline resource gathering and combat strategies by allowing quick deployment of specialized tames, such as Ankylosaurs for mining or Rexes for boss fights.

A common mistake is forgetting to recharge cryopods, leading to unexpected releases. Always keep a cryofridge in your base or carry extra cryopods as backups. Additionally, avoid using cryopods in areas with high enemy density, as releasing a creature in such locations can result in immediate combat.

Advanced techniques include using cryopods to bypass certain map restrictions. For example, you can store creatures in cryopods to bring them into caves or areas where they wouldnÔÇÖt normally fit. This can give you a significant advantage in challenging environments. Cryopods can also be used to quickly swap out tames during boss fights, allowing you to adapt to different phases of the battle.

In summary, crafting and using cryopods in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning and resource management. By unlocking the engram, gathering the necessary materials, and maintaining cryopod charges, you can efficiently store and transport creatures. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, cryopods are a game-changing tool that can enhance your survival and combat strategies. Always be mindful of their limitations and plan ahead to avoid common pitfalls.