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8 Must-Have Weapons and Tools in Ark Survival Evolved
September 24th, 2024 - By Steve Chang

Welcome to the untamed world of Ark: Survival Evolved, a game where survival is not just a strategy but an art form. As you navigate through this prehistoric landscape teeming with dinosaurs, hostile players, and the ever-present struggle for resources, having the right tools and weapons can spell the difference between life and death. Whether you're a rookie survivor setting up your first thatch hut or a seasoned player exploring the dangerous depths of the game's numerous caves, equipping yourself with the right gear is crucial for thriving in this hostile environment.

In this immersive survival game, the plethora of weapons and tools available can sometimes be overwhelming. How do you choose the best items to keep you alive against a raging Tyrannosaurus or a cunning player intent on raiding your base? This article aims to break down the indispensable weapons and tools you must have in your inventory to ensure you not only survive but thrive in Ark's unforgiving world.

From basic melee weapons to advanced firearms, from simple stone tools to sophisticated electronic gadgets, each item has its unique advantages and specific use-cases. Investing time and resources into crafting and mastering these items pays off tremendously when the heat of survival kicks in. Ready to become the apex survivor? Let's dive in.


Essential Gear for Beginner Survivors

If you are new to the world of Ark Survival Evolved, you're stepping into a thrilling realm where every moment counts. Your first priority should be gathering the essential gear that will not only ensure your survival but also set you up for success in this harsh, unforgiving environment.

One crucial piece of gear is the Stone Pick. This versatile tool is your best friend when it comes to gathering basic resources like thatch, flint, and raw meat. Crafting one early on is easy and a key step in advancing your gameplay. All you need is one stone, one wood, and ten pieces of thatch. This simple tool will help you progress from a defenseless beginner to a resourceful survivor.

Alongside your trusty Stone Pick, you will need a Stone Hatchet. While the Stone Pick is mainly used for gathering flint and thatch, the Stone Hatchet allows you to collect essential materials like wood and stone more efficiently. By having both tools in your arsenal, you're ensuring that you can gather everything you need to build a secure base and defend yourself against predators.

No beginner survivor can overlook the importance of a solid weapon. The Simple Spear is one of the first weapons you should craft. It's fairly easy to make, requiring just a few pieces of wood, flint, and fiber, which you can gather using your Stone Pick and Hatchet. The Simple Spear not only allows you to defend yourself but also makes hunting smaller creatures possible, providing a necessary food source early in the game.

Another vital piece of gear is the Campfire. Crafting a campfire is essential for cooking food, which increases its nutritional value and prevents it from spoiling quickly. To make a campfire, gather a few pieces of wood, flint, stone, and thatch. Once you light it, you can start cooking the raw meat you collect, which will be crucial for maintaining your health and stamina.

Don\'t forget about Torches. Craft a few of these to keep your surroundings illuminated at night. This not only allows you to see where you're going but also helps deter smaller, nocturnal predators. With a torch, you'll be able to navigate effectively and stay productive even after the sun sets.

In addition to these fundamental tools, a Slingshot can be a game-changer in the initial stages. This ranged weapon lets you keep a safe distance while dealing with some of the island's more aggressive creatures. By knocking out these creatures, you can begin taming your first dinosaurs, which offers a huge advantage for gathering resources and defending yourself.

Lastly, having a basic Storage Box is incredibly important. As you gather resources, you'll quickly find that your inventory space becomes limited. A Storage Box is easy to craft and allows you to keep your essential items safe. This way, if you happen to die, you won't lose all the resources you've painstakingly collected.

Summary:

  • Start by crafting a Stone Pick for gathering essential resources like thatch, flint, and raw meat, and a Stone Hatchet for efficiently collecting wood and stone.
  • Create a Simple Spear for defense and hunting, a Campfire for cooking food to boost health and stamina, and Torches to navigate safely at night.
  • Use a Slingshot for ranged attacks to tame dinosaurs and ensure you have a Storage Box to keep your resources safe and organized.

The Almighty Longneck Rifle

When traversing the treacherous terrains of Ark Survival Evolved, few weapons command as much respect and utility as The Almighty Longneck Rifle. This high-precision firearm isn't just another instrument of destruction; it's a game-changer that can significantly tilt the odds in your favor.

The Longneck Rifle stands out for its remarkable accuracy and power, making it an indispensable tool for both seasoned veterans and newbie survivors. Crafted from a combination of metal ingots and wood, it\'s a testament to advanced weaponry in the dangerous world of Ark.

One of the defining features of the Longneck Rifle is its ability to use multiple types of ammunition. The most common is the Simple Rifle Ammo, which delivers devastating damage to wildlife and rival players alike. But for those who prefer a more strategic approach, the rifle can also be loaded with Tranquilizer Darts, perfect for subduing those high-level creatures you aim to tame.

Mastering the Longneck Rifle requires an understanding of its strengths and limitations. The weapon boasts exceptional range and impressive damage, but it also has a slower reload time and limited magazine capacity. Finally, consider augmenting your rifle with a Scope Attachment or a Silencer, enhancing its precision for long-range engagements and improving stealth operations respectively.

No risk should be underestimated in Ark Survival Evolved. Carrying a Longneck Rifle offers not just a safety net but a force multiplier, turning the tide of battles and making survival that much more achievable. Whether you're on a solo expedition or part of a tribe, this rifle is a must-have weapon that deserves a prime spot in your arsenal. Equip it wisely, and may your aim be as true as the rifle itself!

Summary:

  • The Almighty Longneck Rifle in Ark: Survival Evolved is a high-precision firearm known for its remarkable accuracy and power, making it a vital tool for both veteran players and newcomers.
  • This rifle stands out due to its versatility in ammunition with options like Simple Rifle Ammo for high damage and Tranquilizer Darts for taming creatures, enhancing its strategic value.
  • While the Longneck Rifle offers exceptional range and damage, it has slower reload times and limited capacity, but attachments like a Scope or Silencer can improve its precision and stealth capabilities.

Harnessing Power with the Metal Pick

The Metal Pick in Ark Survival Evolved is an essential tool that elevates your resource-gathering game to new heights. This indispensable instrument is crafted using 1 Metal Ingot, 10 Wood, and 1 Hide, and becomes available when you reach level 20. The Metal Pick excels in harvesting high-quality resources efficiently, making it a must-have for any serious survivor.

Where the Stone Pick might struggle, the Metal Pick shines by offering substantially better yields. For example, hitting a rock with a Metal Pick will predominantly give you Metal and Flint rather than basic Stone. This makes it particularly valuable when you are in dire need of crafting advanced items or upgrading your base. Similarly, when it comes to gathering resources like Obsidian and Crystal, the Metal Pick vastly improves the efficiency and quantity of what you can collect.

The durability of the Metal Pick is another highlight. With 40 points of durability, it outlasts its Stone counterpart by a significant margin, allowing you to continue your resource collection journey without the constant need for crafting repairs. Pairing it with a high-durability Metal Hatchet acts as a powerhouse dual combo, ensuring you're prepared for a variety of tasks.

When venturing into richer resource nodes, such as the caves of the The Island or the mountainous regions in The Center, the Metal Pick's superior efficiency makes it your best companion. Imagine clearing a path through rich metal deposits in the Volcano region and walking away with enough metal to fuel your entire tribe's needs for days. The time you save translates into more opportunities to explore and dominate the landscape.

Don\'t forget to store a backup Metal Pick in a secure storage box in your base camp. Despite its durability, even the best tools can wear down after extended use. Being prepared with an extra ensures you won\'t face any sudden interruptions in your harvesting operations.

In summary, the Metal Pick is more than just a tool—it\'s an investment in efficiency, durability, and resource superiority. Equip yourself with this powerhouse at the earliest opportunity, and experience firsthand the significant advantages it brings to your survival journey in the wild world of Ark.

Summary:

  • The Metal Pick in Ark: Survival Evolved is a crucial tool for efficient resource gathering, crafted from 1 Metal Ingot, 10 Wood, and 1 Hide, and available at level 20.
  • It excels in harvesting high-quality resources like Metal, Flint, Obsidian, and Crystal, far outpacing the Stone Pick in yield and efficiency.
  • With 40 points of durability, the Metal Pick is long-lasting and pairs well with a Metal Hatchet; always keep a backup in a secure storage box to avoid interruptions.

Survival Essential The Crossbow

In the perilous world of Ark Survival Evolved, mastering your environment is essential for survival. One of the standout tools you must acquire is the crossbow. This weapon is not just a means of defense; it's a multifaceted tool that opens up a world of possibilities.

The crossbow is primarily revered for its unparalleled versatility. Whether you're hunting, defending your base, or even taming the prehistoric creatures that roam the land, this weapon is indispensable. Unlike its primitive counterpart, the bow, the crossbow boasts a superior range and damage capacity, which can be a game-changer during confrontations with hostile dinosaurs or rival survivors.

Crafting the crossbow requires some effort and resources. You'll need 7 Melted Metal Ingots, 7 Wood, and 35 Fiber. These materials might seem daunting to gather, but the investment is well worth it. Once crafted, the crossbow uses various types of ammunition, from standard Stone Arrows to Tranq Arrows for non-lethal engagements.

For taming operations, the crossbow excels when using Tranq Arrows. An example scenario could be taming a Raptor. After locating your target, position yourself at a safe distance. Load your crossbow with Tranq Arrows and aim for the head to maximize your effectiveness. A few well-placed shots, and before you know it, the raptor will be incapacitated and ready for taming.

However, the crossbow's uses go beyond just combat and taming. Its ability to function underwater makes it a vital tool for underwater exploration and combat. Imagine navigating the depths with the need to defend yourself against aggressive sea creatures like the Megalodon. The crossbow\'s reliability doesn't waver even in these challenging conditions, making it your trusty companion beneath the waves.

Moreover, the crossbow is known for its high durability. Unlike more delicate weapons, this tool can withstand multiple uses before requiring repairs. This longevity ensures you're always prepared, whether you're exploring dangerous caves or securing essential resources.

In summary, the crossbow in Ark Survival Evolved is far more than just a weapon; it's an essential survival tool. From its high damage output and long-range capabilities to its effectiveness in taming and underwater utility, acquiring this robust tool promises to elevate your survival experience. Equip yourself with a crossbow and confidently face the myriad challenges this prehistoric world presents.

Summary:

  • The crossbow in Ark: Survival Evolved is essential for its versatility, offering superior range and damage compared to the bow, useful for hunting, base defense, and taming prehistoric creatures.
  • Crafting the crossbow requires 7 Melted Metal Ingots, 7 Wood, and 35 Fiber; it can use various ammunition types, such as Stone Arrows and Tranq Arrows for non-lethal engagements.
  • The crossbow excels in taming operations with Tranq Arrows, is functional underwater for exploration and combat, and boasts high durability, making it a reliable tool in various survival scenarios.

Resource Gathering with the Chainsaw

When it comes to resource gathering in Ark Survival Evolved, the chainsaw stands out as one of the most efficient tools available. This powerful device not only speeds up the harvesting process but also maximizes the yield of materials, making it an essential tool for any serious player.

The chainsaw is particularly effective in gathering wood, thatch, and organic polymer. For example, when applied to trees, the chainsaw can net you significantly more wood and thatch compared to traditional tools like the stone axe or metal hatchet. This is especially beneficial when you need to build large structures or craft numerous items.

Using the chainsaw on creatures such as the Mantis or Kairuku yields a vast amount of organic polymer, a resource crucial for advanced crafting recipes. Imagine needing to stockpile organic polymer for fabricating weapons: the chainsaw can streamline this process immensely by doubling or even tripling your usual harvest.

It's important to note that the chainsaw requires gasoline to operate. Gasoline can be crafted by combining hide and oil in a refining forge. Keeping a steady supply of gasoline on hand ensures that your chainsaw is always ready for use. The key is to balance your harvesting efforts with maintaining the resources needed to fuel this powerful tool.

Additionally, the chainsaw's secondary effect—intimidating sound and visual presence—can be useful for deterring smaller, aggressive creatures. While not designed as a weapon, the chainsaw's loud roar can sometimes fend off pests like raptors or dilos, giving you valuable time to react or escape.

For the best results, consider using the chainsaw in conjunction with a dinosaur companion, such as a Mammoth or Therizinosaurus, to carry additional resources back to your base. This combination allows you to focus on the high-speed gathering while your dino handles transportation, optimizing both your inventory space and time efficiency.

The chainsaw does have durability limits and will need occasional repairs at a smithy, so make sure this is part of your routine maintenance procedure. Keeping it in top condition ensures you won\'t be left without your best resource-gathering tool in a critical moment.

In conclusion, mastering the use of the chainsaw in Ark Survival Evolved can significantly amplify your resource collection efficiency, giving you a substantial edge in survival and crafting.

Summary:

  • The chainsaw in Ark Survival Evolved is highly efficient for gathering wood, thatch, and organic polymer, outperforming traditional tools.
  • It requires gasoline to operate, which can be crafted from hide and oil, and its loud presence can deter smaller, aggressive creatures.
  • Using the chainsaw with a dinosaur companion like a Mammoth can optimize resource transportation, though it requires regular repairs at a smithy due to durability limits.

Ultimate Protection the Riot Shield

When it comes to survival in Ark: Survival Evolved, the Riot Shield stands out as an essential piece of equipment for any survivor. This defensive tool offers unparalleled protection against both human and dinosaur threats, making it a must-have for those looking to thrive in the harsh environments of the game.

The Riot Shield is crafted from advanced materials, requiring a combination of Polymer, Crystal, Cementing Paste, and Metal Ingots. While it may seem costly, the investment is well worth it. The shield boasts high durability and a substantial increase in damage resistance compared to lower-tier shields like the Wooden or Metal Shield.

Equipped with the Riot Shield, players can mitigate a significant amount of damage from both melee and ranged attacks. Its durability ensures that it won't easily break during intense combat scenarios, whether you are up against a pack of Raptors or defending your base from a rival tribe.

An excellent example of the Riot Shield's utility is during cave explorations. Caves are notorious for being filled with dangerous creatures and tight spaces. Holding up your Riot Shield while navigating these treacherous areas allows you to block incoming attacks effectively, giving you the vital seconds needed to react and counterattack.

One of the standout features of the Riot Shield is its ability to stagger enemies upon impact. When a foe's attack hits the shield, they experience a brief stun, giving you a decisive advantage in combat. This can be crucial during PvP encounters where every moment counts.

Moreover, the Riot Shield pairs exceptionally well with a one-handed weapon like a Sword or Pike. This combination allows players to maintain a defensive posture while still dealing substantial damage. The versatility of this setup is perfect for both solo adventurers and those in tribe warfare.

In summary, the Riot Shield is a game-changer in Ark: Survival Evolved. It provides top-tier protection, enhances your combat strategy, and is indispensable for navigating perilous environments. For any serious survivor, this tool is not just a precaution—it's a necessity.

Summary:

  • The Riot Shield in Ark: Survival Evolved offers essential protection against both human and dinosaur threats, making it a must-have for surviving harsh environments.
  • Crafted from advanced materials like Polymer, Crystal, Cementing Paste, and Metal Ingots, it boasts high durability and significant damage resistance compared to lower-tier shields.
  • Its standout features include the ability to stagger enemies on impact and compatibility with one-handed weapons, enhancing both your defense and offense during combat scenarios.

Versatility of the Compound Bow

The Versatility of the Compound Bow in Ark Survival Evolved cannot be overstated. This sophisticated weapon is much more than a simple ranged tool; it's a game-changer in both PvE and PvP scenarios.

Crafted from advanced materials such as polymer and metal ingots, the Compound Bow offers significant durability and damage output. Unlike traditional bows, this weapon can utilize a variety of specialized ammunition types, making it highly adaptable to different situations. Whether you're using metal arrows for increased damage or tranquilizer arrows for taming, the Compound Bow delivers superior performance.

One of the key advantages is its efficiency in resource usage. Unlike firearms that require constant replenishment of gunpowder and other consumables, the Compound Bow allows you to achieve deadly precision with relatively common resources. This makes it an excellent choice for long expeditions where inventory space is limited and resource management is crucial.

Engaging in a raid? The Compound Bow\'s power comes into its own in PvP settings. Its silent operation allows for stealthy eliminations, enabling players to take out targets without attracting a horde of enemies. This can be particularly useful for sniping key opponents or defending your base from invaders.

When exploring the vast wilderness, you'll find the Compound Bow indispensable for its versatility. Encounter a herd of aggressive creatures? Its high-penetration metal arrows can make quick work of them. Need to tranquilize and tame a powerful dinosaur? Switch to tranquilizer arrows and take advantage of its precision to hit vital spots with ease.

Lastly, the Compound Bow\'s design is refined for customization. Players can equip it with various attachments like scopes for improved accuracy and stability. This makes it adaptable to various playstyles, whether you prefer to be up close and personal or a long-range sharpshooter.

In summary, the Compound Bow stands out as one of Ark Survival Evolved\'s most versatile weapons. Its ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently—from combat to taming—makes it an indispensable tool for any survivor.

Summary:

  • The Compound Bow in Ark: Survival Evolved offers significant durability and damage output, crafted from advanced materials and capable of using specialized ammunition types such as metal and tranquilizer arrows.
  • It is resource-efficient, requiring common resources rather than constant replenishment like firearms, making it ideal for long expeditions and crucial resource management.
  • The Compound Bow is highly versatile in both PvE and PvP scenarios, featuring silent, powerful attacks for stealthy eliminations, high-penetration arrows for aggressive creatures, tranquilizer arrows for taming, and customization options like scopes for improved accuracy.

Underwater Slate the Harpoon Launcher

When exploring the vast aquatic realms of Ark Survival Evolved, one indispensable weapon you simply must have is the Harpoon Launcher. Facing off against the ocean's elite predators requires a specific set of tools, and the Harpoon Launcher is designed to give you the upper hand.

The Harpoon Launcher is not just your run-of-the-mill weapon; it's a specially crafted tool engineered to excel in underwater combat. Unlike regular firearms, which malfunction underwater, the Harpoon Launcher remains steadfast and reliable. This makes it an essential asset for players who spend a significant amount of time scuba diving or exploring submerged caves.

What sets the Harpoon Launcher apart is its versatility. Equipped with both Regular Harpoon Bolts and Torpedoes, you can adapt to various combat situations with ease. For example, Regular Harpoon Bolts are excellent for hunting smaller to medium-sized aquatic creatures, providing precision and a good damage output. On the other hand, Torpedoes offer explosive power, ideal for taking down more formidable foes like the intimidating Mosasaurus or the cunning Plesiosaur.

Another crucial feature of the Harpoon Launcher is its effective range. It's built with a longer range compared to other underwater weapons, allowing you to strike from a safer distance. This comes in handy when you're going head-to-head with aggressive sea creatures that could otherwise overwhelm you in close quarters.

A key advantage of the Harpoon Launcher is its capability to immobilize targets with tranquilizer bolts. This turns capturing wild aquatic creatures, like the speedy Icthyosaurus or the dangerous Megalodon, into a manageable task, making it easier to tame these majestic beasts for your underwater expeditions.

To maximize the effectiveness of your Harpoon Launcher, make sure you have the right armor and gear. The SCUBA Suit is your best bet, providing the necessary oxygen supply and movement speed boost to complement your harpoon-based exploits. Combine this with a strategic approach, and you'll transform into an underwater force to be reckoned with.

In conclusion, the Harpoon Launcher is an essential weapon for any Ark Survival Evolved player serious about underwater conquest. Its versatility, powerful ammunition options, and effective range make it a standout tool for both offense and defense in the game's aquatic environments. So, arm yourself with this phenomenal tool and dive headfirst into the myriad underwater challenges awaiting you!

Summary:

  • The Harpoon Launcher in Ark: Survival Evolved is a must-have weapon for underwater combat, designed to work effectively where regular firearms fail.
  • It offers versatility with Regular Harpoon Bolts and Torpedoes, making it suitable for both smaller creatures and formidable foes like the Mosasaurus and Plesiosaur.
  • The Harpoon Launcher boasts a longer range and can immobilize targets with tranquilizer bolts, making it easier to capture and tame aquatic creatures, especially when complemented with the SCUBA Suit for enhanced mobility and oxygen supply.