Mastering Resource Acquisition in Ark: Leech Blood and Sap

So, you’re venturing into the wild and untamed world of Ark: Survival Evolved, and you need to get your hands on some leech blood or sap. These resources are essential for crafting crucial items and surviving the harsh environment. Here’s the lowdown on acquiring these valuable resources, from a seasoned Ark survivor like myself.

To get leech blood, you’ll primarily be hunting leeches, which are found in swampy areas. Killing them with a Metal Hatchet or other weapons and then harvesting their bodies will yield the desired resource. As an alternative to leech blood you can also harvest Woolly Rhino Horns, Ammonite Bile or Deathworm Horns to craft a Lesser Antidote.

To obtain sap, you’ll need to find Redwood Trees and use a Tree Sap Tap. The Tree Sap Tap is crafted and then placed on a Redwood Tree, allowing you to collect sap periodically. Alternatively, on Scorched Earth, you can harvest Joshua Trees (“furry” ones) using a Pickaxe, Hatchet, or Chainsaw to obtain sap.

Leech Blood: The Swamp Dweller’s Delight

Finding Leeches

The key to getting leech blood is finding leeches. These little bloodsuckers are most commonly found in the swamps. On The Center map, leeches tend to lurk in deeper waters. A swarm of leeches will often attack you if you are in the water when it is raining.

Harvesting Techniques

• The Raft Method: One of the safest methods is building a Wooden Raft with a small enclosed area for protection and an open deck. Sail into the swamp, and from the safety of your deck, use a crossbow or other ranged weapon to pick off the leeches before they attach to you. Then, hop off and harvest them with a Metal Hatchet or similar tool.

• Mounted Combat: A more direct approach involves using a strong mount, ideally a Dire Wolf, as they excel at harvesting leech blood. Ride your mount into the swamp and attack the leeches. The mount’s attacks will kill the leeches, and its harvesting ability will gather the blood.

• On Foot (Proceed with Caution): If you’re feeling brave (or foolish!), you can wade into the water yourself. However, be prepared to be swarmed. Use a fast-attacking weapon to kill the leeches quickly and then harvest them. Be sure to carry Lesser Antidotes, in case you contract Swamp Fever from a Diseased Leech.

• Swamp Cave Farming: The Swamp Cave is a dangerous but lucrative location for farming Leech Blood. Numerous leeches reside in the ponds within the cave, offering a high yield of Leech Blood if you can survive the other dangers within.

Using Leech Blood

Leech blood is primarily used to craft Lesser Antidote, which cures Swamp Fever. It can also be used as bait for fishing.

Sap: Tapping into Nature’s Resources

Finding Redwood Trees

Redwood Trees are the primary source of sap. These giant trees are easily recognizable by their massive size and reddish bark. They are primarily found in specific biomes, depending on the Ark map you are playing on.

Harvesting Sap

• Tree Sap Tap: Craft a Tree Sap Tap. Equip the tap and approach a Redwood Tree. Interact with the tree to place the tap. After a period of time, the tap will produce sap, which you can collect by interacting with the tap again.
• Joshua Trees (Scorched Earth): On the Scorched Earth map, you can harvest Joshua Trees (“furry” ones) for sap. Simply use a Pickaxe, Hatchet, or Chainsaw to harvest the tree.

Using Sap

Sap is used in a variety of crafting recipes, including some advanced structures and items.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Leech Blood used for in Ark?

   Leech Blood is primarily used to craft Lesser Antidote to cure Swamp Fever. It’s also used as bait for fishing.

2. What is Sap used for in Ark?

   Sap is used in various crafting recipes, including some advanced structures and items.

3. How do I cure Swamp Fever?

   Craft and consume a Lesser Antidote, which requires Leech Blood. Swamp Fever persists after death until the Survivor levels up and can be cured with the Lesser Antidote.

4. Where is the best place to find Leeches?

   Leeches are most commonly found in the swamps. Look for them in shallow, protected waters among aquatic plants or under debris.

5. Can I tame a Leech?

   Leeches can be ‘tamed’ using Fish Basket. However, as they lack the required intelligence, they will not return once they have latched onto someone or something.

6. What is an alternative to Leech Blood?

   Woolly Rhino Horns, Ammonite Bile, or Deathworm Horns can be used as alternatives to Leech Blood when crafting Lesser Antidote.

7. How do I avoid getting Swamp Fever?

   Avoid being bitten by Diseased Leeches. Kill them from a distance or use a mount.

8. What Dino is best for collecting Leech Blood?

   The Dire Wolf is excellent for farming Leech Blood due to its damage output and harvesting ability.

9. Where do I find Redwood Trees?

   Redwood Trees are found in specific biomes designated on each Ark map, usually in mountainous or heavily forested areas.

10. How often does a Tree Sap Tap produce sap?

    The rate at which a Tree Sap Tap produces sap varies, but it generally produces sap every few minutes.

11. Can I use Leech Blood as fishing bait?

    Yes, Leech Blood can be used as fishing bait.

12. How do I get Giant Bee Honey?

    It is gathered from a Bee Hive that is produced by a tamed Giant Bee. Honey can also be gathered from wild bee hives, on a fifteen minute timer.

13. Can I get Human Hair in Ark?

    Yes, Human Hair is obtained by cutting your hair or other players hair with Scissors.

14. What are some good tips to survive in the Ark Swamps?

    Always be prepared with the antidote to Swamp Fever, stay on a mount, and be extra careful of the dangerous creatures.

15. What color is leech blood?

    Leeches have green colored blood.

Acquiring leech blood and sap can be challenging but essential. Knowing the best methods and locations is key to thriving in the world of Ark. Good luck, survivor! For more insight into learning and gaming, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.