The Best Guns in ARK: Survival Evolved – A Comprehensive Guide
In the vast and unforgiving world of ARK: Survival Evolved, survival depends on your ability to adapt, gather resources, and defend yourself against the island’s formidable creatures and rival players. Among the many tools at your disposal, firearms stand out as game-changers, offering both offensive and defensive capabilities. But with so many guns available, determining the best gun in ARK can be a daunting task. This guide will break down the top firearms in the game, their strengths, and how to use them effectively.
Understanding the Role of Guns in ARK
Before diving into the best guns in ARK, it’s essential to understand their role in the game. Guns are a late-game tool, requiring advanced resources like metal and sulfur to craft. They are incredibly versatile, capable of dealing massive damage to both creatures and players. However, their effectiveness depends on the situation, the player’s skill level, and the quality of the weapon.
Top Guns in ARK: Survival Evolved
1. Assault Rifle
The Assault Rifle is often considered the best gun in ARK for its balanced performance. It excels in medium-range combat, making it ideal for taking down both creatures and enemy players.
Pros: High rate of fire, moderate damage, and decent range.
Cons: Less effective at long range compared to sniper rifles.
Tip: Pair it with a scope for improved accuracy in PvP scenarios.
2. Sniper Rifle
For long-range engagements, the Sniper Rifle is unparalleled. Its high damage and precision make it a favorite among players for taking out enemies from a distance.
Pros: Exceptional range, high damage per shot, and stealthy when equipped with a suppressor.
Cons: Slow reload time and less effective in close-quarters combat.
Tip: Use it to pick off enemies from afar before they can retaliate.
3. Shotgun
The Shotgun is a beast in close-range combat. Its wide spread and high damage make it perfect for fending off multiple attackers or taking down large creatures quickly.
Pros: Devastating at close range, excellent for defending bases.
Cons: Ineffective at medium to long range.
Tip: Equip it with slugs for better range and damage against armored enemies.
4. Pump-Action Shotgun
A variant of the shotgun, the Pump-Action Shotgun offers a faster reload time, making it more versatile in dynamic combat situations.
Pros: Faster reload compared to the standard shotgun, reliable in close-range fights.
Cons: Slightly lower damage per shot than the standard shotgun.
Tip: Use it in PvP for its ability to quickly finish off wounded players.
5. Rocket Launcher
The Rocket Launcher is a heavy hitter, capable of dealing massive area-of-effect damage. It’s a game-changer in both PvE and PvP.
Pros: High damage, excellent against structures and groups of enemies.
Cons: Heavy, slow to reload, and consumes a lot of resources.
Tip: Use it sparingly to conserve resources and avoid wasting rockets.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Gun
1. Enemy Type
Different enemies require different strategies. For example, the Assault Rifle is ideal for taking down fast-moving creatures like the Raptor, while the Sniper Rifle is better suited for larger, slower targets like the T-Rex.
2. Resource Availability
Crafting high-tier guns requires a significant amount of resources. Ensure you have a steady supply of metal, sulfur, and other materials before investing in advanced firearms.
3. Player Skill
Mastery of a gun takes time. Practice with different firearms to find what suits your playstyle best.
Case Study: PvP vs. PvE
In PvP, the Assault Rifle and Sniper Rifle are the most popular choices due to their versatility and effectiveness in combat. However,