Embarking on a journey in the vast, untamed wilderness of ARK: Ascended often means relying on your wits and basic survival skills. One of the most fundamental tasks you'll need to master is starting a campfire. A well-built campfire not only provides warmth and light but also serves as a deterrent to wild creatures and a beacon for fellow survivors. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to light a campfire in ARK: Ascended.
Before we dive into the steps, it's crucial to understand that fire is a precious resource in ARK. It's used for cooking, smithing, and taming creatures, so always ensure you have a sustainable supply of fuel and a safe place to start your fire.
Gathering Materials
To start a campfire, you'll need three primary materials: a source of ignition, fuel, and an oxygen source.
1. **Source of Ignition**: You can use a variety of items to start a fire, such as Flint and Steel, a Sparkpowder, or even a Gasoline Canister. The latter two are more powerful and can ignite even wet fuel, but they're also harder to come by.
Flint and Steel
Flint and Steel is the most common and readily available source of ignition. You can craft it using 1 Flint and 1 Steel Ingot at a Smithy or a Forge. To use it, simply equip the item and left-click on a combustible resource to create a spark.
Pro tip: For a higher chance of ignition, try to create a spark on a dry, flat surface like a rock or a wooden platform.
Sparkpowder and Gasoline Canister
Sparkpowder and Gasoline Canisters are more powerful ignition sources. Sparkpowder can be crafted using 10 Charcoal and 5 Gunpowder at an Industrial Forge. Gasoline Canisters can be found in Gasoline Deposits or crafted using 10 Gasoline at a Refinery.
To use them, equip the item and left-click on a combustible resource. Sparkpowder will create a larger spark, while Gasoline Canisters will create a small explosion, both increasing the chances of ignition.
Preparing the Fire Site
Once you have your ignition source, it's time to prepare the fire site. Choose a flat, dry area, preferably on a rock or a wooden platform to prevent the fire from spreading.
1. **Fuel**: Gather plenty of combustible resources like Wood, Thatch, or even certain plants like the Reeds or the Fungal Bush. Wet resources will be harder to ignite, so try to collect dry ones.
2. **Oxygen Source**: Ensure there's enough oxygen around your fire site. Avoid starting fires in enclosed spaces or underwater, as this will suffocate the fire and put it out.
Building the Fire Structure
Now that you have your materials, it's time to build your fire structure. The classic teepee structure is a good starting point, as it allows oxygen to flow and promotes a strong, sustainable fire.
Start by placing a small pile of your chosen fuel in the center of your fire site. This will be your base. Next, arrange larger pieces of fuel around the base in a teepee structure, leaving space for oxygen to flow. Make sure the fuel is close enough to ignite but not so close that it smothers the fire.
Lighting the Fire
With your fire structure ready, it's time to light it. Equip your ignition source and left-click on the base of your fire structure. If everything is set up correctly, you should see sparks and hear the sound of a burning fire.
If your fire doesn't light immediately, don't worry. Sometimes it takes a few tries, especially with wet fuel or a weak ignition source. Keep trying, and remember to be patient.
Maintaining and Extinguishing the Fire
Congratulations, you've successfully started a campfire! But your work isn't done yet. Fires in ARK require constant maintenance to keep them burning.
1. **Feeding the Fire**: Add more fuel to your fire regularly to keep it burning. Remember to maintain the teepee structure to ensure oxygen can flow.
2. **Extinguishing the Fire**: When you're ready to put out your fire, simply left-click on it. This will extinguish it, leaving behind a pile of Ash that can be used for various crafting recipes.
And there you have it! With a bit of practice, starting and maintaining campfires in ARK: Ascended will become second nature. Happy exploring, and remember, a well-built fire can make all the difference in the wild world of ARK.