Can You Put C4 on Wild Dinos in Ark: Survival Evolved? A Demolition Expert’s Guide

Yes, you absolutely can attach C4 charges to wild dinos in Ark: Survival Evolved. This opens up a world of strategic, and sometimes chaotic, possibilities, from clearing out troublesome areas to creating makeshift flying bombers. However, there are intricacies and dangers involved that every aspiring dino-demolitionist needs to understand. Let’s dive into the explosive details!

The Allure of Dino-Mounted Explosives

The idea of strapping C4 to a wild dinosaur is enticing for several reasons:

• Area Denial: Imagine a pack of aggressive Raptors constantly harassing your base. A well-placed, C4-laden dino can quickly disperse or eliminate the threat.
• Resource Gathering: Certain resources, like metal nodes defended by tough creatures, can be more easily acquired with a carefully executed C4 blast.
• Base Raiding (PvP): While ethically questionable for some, using a remotely detonated, C4-carrying dino to breach enemy defenses is a tried-and-true (albeit risky) tactic in Player vs. Player (PvP) scenarios.
• Just Plain Fun: Let’s be honest, sometimes you just want to see what happens. The creative sandbox nature of Ark encourages experimentation, and C4 on dinos is a classic example.

The Mechanics: How to Stick and Detonate

The process itself is relatively straightforward:

1. Acquire C4 Charges and Detonator: Crafting these requires specific resources, so ensure you’re prepared.
2. Approach the Target Dino: This is the tricky part. Wild dinos are unpredictable. Stealth, Ghillie Suits, and well-timed distractions are your friends.
3. Place the Charges: While equipped with the detonator, use the left mouse button to place charges on the dino. The more, the merrier (and boomier!). Consider areas that will maximize damage to structures or surrounding creatures.
4. Retreat to a Safe Distance: You don’t want to be caught in the blast radius.
5. Detonate!: Using the right mouse button on the detonator will trigger all placed charges simultaneously.

The Dangers and Considerations

Before you go full C4 cowboy, be aware of the potential pitfalls:

• Aggression: Placing C4 on a wild dino will almost certainly provoke it. Be prepared for a fight or have a quick escape route.
• Friendly Fire: The blast radius of C4 is significant. Be absolutely sure you aren’t going to obliterate your own base, tames, or tribe mates.
• Turrets: As the article mentioned, turrets prioritize targeting C4. Placing charges in locations where they won’t be immediately shot off is crucial.
• Dino Behavior: Some dinos are more cooperative (read: less immediately hostile) than others. Experiment to see what works best. Dimorphs, as mentioned, are popular choices for “dive bombers.”
• Network Latency: In online play, lag can be a serious issue. A delayed detonation can result in you being caught in the blast.

Optimizing Your Dino-C4 Strategy

To maximize the effectiveness of your explosive endeavors:

• Target Selection: Choose dinos appropriate for the task. Smaller, faster creatures (like Raptors or Dimorphs) are good for hit-and-run tactics. Larger, tankier dinos can carry more C4 for massive damage.
• Placement is Key: Spread charges strategically to maximize damage to the intended target. Concentrating them in one spot can be less effective than distributing them.
• Teamwork (Multiplayer): Coordinate with tribe mates to distract or herd the target dino into the desired location.

Ethical Considerations (PvP)

Using C4 on dinos in PvP can be a controversial tactic. Consider the potential consequences:

• Retaliation: Expect the targeted tribe to respond in kind, potentially escalating conflicts.
• Server Rules: Some servers may have rules against certain types of PvP tactics, including using C4 in specific ways.
• Sportsmanship: While winning is the goal, consider the impact your actions have on the overall gaming experience for others.

FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions about using C4 on wild dinos in Ark: Survival Evolved:

1. Can I tame a dino with C4 already attached?

No. Placing C4 on a dino will almost certainly make it aggressive, making taming impossible.

2. How much damage does C4 do to a dino with a saddle?

Saddles provide significant armor. The damage reduction varies depending on the saddle’s quality and the creature’s stats, but expect a substantial decrease compared to unsaddled creatures.

3. Can I use other explosives besides C4?

While other explosives exist (like grenades), C4 offers the best combination of damage, blast radius, and ease of placement on dinos.

4. Can I detonate C4 underwater?

Yes, C4 detonates underwater, but the damage may be slightly reduced.

5. How can I protect myself from C4 explosions?

Armor, distance, and terrain can mitigate the damage. Hiding behind solid structures offers the best protection.

6. Does C4 damage structures differently than dinos?

Yes. As mentioned in the article, the damage to structures is different than the damage to creatures. Always plan accordingly.

7. Can I attach C4 to tamed dinos?

Yes, you can attach C4 to tamed dinos, opening up further tactical possibilities within your tribe.

8. What’s the best dino to use as a C4 bomber?

Dimorphs are popular due to their speed and maneuverability. Larger dinos like Carbonemys or Stegos can carry more weight in C4.

9. Will wild dinos attack C4 charges?

No, wild dinos generally do not target C4 unless provoked by its placement on them.

10. Can I use C4 to harvest resources?

Yes, C4 can be used to clear out clusters of trees or rocks, but it’s often an inefficient method compared to dedicated harvesting tools or dinos.

11. How far away do I need to be to avoid the C4 blast?

A safe distance is approximately 20-30 foundations away. Use your best judgement.

12. Does the environment affect C4’s effectiveness?

Rain or water immersion doesn’t affect C4‘s detonation, but line of sight obstructions can reduce the blast radius’s effective area.

13. Is C4 a good way to kill Alpha dinos?

Yes, in most cases, C4 is a good way to kill Alpha dinos, if you are looking to cheese it.

14. Can I use C4 on bosses?

Yes, C4 can be used against some bosses, though the effectiveness varies depending on the boss’s resistances and the arena layout.

15. Are there any mods that enhance C4 functionality?

Yes, several mods improve C4, allowing you to control the radius, timer and more!

Beyond the Boom: The Importance of Creative Play

While the destructive potential of C4 on dinos is undeniable, remember that Ark: Survival Evolved is, at its heart, a game about creativity and collaboration. Use your newfound knowledge responsibly, experiment with different tactics, and most importantly, have fun! Explore the vast possibilities, and don’t forget the important role of games in education. The Games Learning Society offers resources and research on the intersection of games and learning. You can find more information at GamesLearningSociety.org. Embrace the chaos, and may your explosions be strategically sound!