How to Make Scuba Flippers in Ark: Survival Evolved
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Making scuba flippers in Ark: Survival Evolved unlocks a whole new dimension of underwater exploration and resource gathering. These essential pieces of diving gear dramatically increase your swimming speed and maneuverability, allowing you to navigate the depths with ease. To craft scuba flippers, you’ll need to be level 25 and have learned the Engram for Scuba Flippers. Once you have these prerequisites, gather the required resources: 8 Hide, 6 Fiber, and 6 Keratin. Head to a Smithy or an Industrial Forge, place the materials inside, and craft your scuba flippers. Now you’re ready to dive into the depths!
Gathering Resources for Scuba Flippers
Before you can experience the freedom of underwater movement, you need to gather the resources necessary to craft the scuba flippers. These materials are relatively easy to acquire early in the game, but knowing the best methods can save you time and effort.
Hide
Hide is one of the most common resources in Ark. You can obtain it by harvesting corpses of creatures using tools like a Stone Hatchet or a Metal Hatchet. Some creatures yield more hide than others; Dilophosaurs, Dodos, and Lystrosaurus are easily accessible early-game targets. Higher-tier dinos like Raptors and Carnotaurus will provide significantly more, but pose a greater threat. Using a metal hatchet is generally more efficient than using a stone one. Taming a Thylacoleo or direbear for hide collection is highly recommended as you progress.
Fiber
Fiber can be gathered by hand from plants scattered across the island. While effective, this method is time-consuming. A far better method is to tame a Gigantopithecus (Bigfoot). These creatures are excellent fiber collectors, capable of gathering large quantities very quickly. Other good options for automated fiber farming include the Therizinosaur and the Woolly Rhino. Another effective method is to use a Sickle on plants which increases the amount you harvest per plant.
Keratin
Keratin is obtained by harvesting creatures with chitin or keratinous exoskeletons. Common sources include Trilobites, Scorpions, and Arthropleura. Trilobites, though small and easily killed, offer a readily available supply, especially early in the game. Scorpions, found primarily in caves and desert regions, provide larger quantities but pose a greater risk. Arthropleura, found exclusively in caves, are a valuable source but extremely dangerous and require specific strategies to defeat. Using a Metal Hatchet or a Sabertooth can significantly increase your keratin harvest.
Crafting the Scuba Flippers
Once you have all the necessary resources, it’s time to craft the scuba flippers. This process requires a crafting station capable of creating advanced items.
Smithy vs. Industrial Forge
The Smithy is the standard crafting station for items like scuba flippers. You need to be level 20 to learn and craft a smithy. If you have access to an Industrial Forge, it can also be used to craft scuba flippers. The Industrial Forge is more advanced than the smithy and can craft many items simultaneously and at a faster rate. It requires more resources to build and operates on gasoline but provides increased efficiency and speed, making it a worthwhile investment in the long run.
Crafting Process
Regardless of whether you use a Smithy or an Industrial Forge, the process remains the same. Open the crafting station, locate the Scuba Flippers Engram in the item list, and place the required resources (8 Hide, 6 Fiber, and 6 Keratin) into the crafting station’s inventory. Initiate the crafting process, and after a short time, your scuba flippers will be ready.
Using Scuba Flippers Effectively
Now that you have your Scuba Flippers, it’s essential to understand how to use them effectively to maximize their benefits.
Increased Swimming Speed
The primary benefit of scuba flippers is their significant increase in swimming speed. This allows you to quickly traverse underwater environments, evade dangerous creatures, and reach desired locations with much greater efficiency. Remember to manage your oxygen level effectively while using them, as running out of air can quickly lead to death.
Enhanced Maneuverability
In addition to speed, scuba flippers improve your maneuverability in the water. You can turn more quickly and navigate tight spaces with greater ease. This is particularly useful when exploring underwater caves or engaging in combat with aquatic creatures. Practice your underwater movement to become comfortable with the increased speed and responsiveness.
Combining with Other Scuba Gear
Scuba flippers are most effective when used in conjunction with other scuba gear, such as the Scuba Tank, Scuba Mask, and Scuba Shirt/Scuba Pants. The Scuba Tank provides a significantly increased oxygen supply, allowing you to stay underwater for extended periods. The Scuba Mask improves visibility, and the Scuba Shirt and Scuba Pants provide insulation against the cold water temperatures. Together, this full set of scuba gear will allow you to explore the depths of the Ark with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions related to making and using scuba flippers in Ark: Survival Evolved.
1. What level do I need to be to unlock the Scuba Flippers Engram?
You need to be at least level 25 to unlock the Scuba Flippers Engram.
2. What are the exact resources needed to craft Scuba Flippers?
The resources needed are: 8 Hide, 6 Fiber, and 6 Keratin.
3. Can I craft Scuba Flippers without a Smithy?
While the Smithy is the most common crafting station, you can also use an Industrial Forge to craft Scuba Flippers.
4. Do Scuba Flippers break or have durability?
Yes, Scuba Flippers have durability and will eventually break with use. You need to repair them using the same resources as crafting them.
5. Are there better versions of Scuba Flippers?
Yes, Scuba Flippers can come in different qualities (Primitive, Ramshackle, Apprentice, Journeyman, Mastercraft, and Ascendant). Higher-quality versions have better durability and provide a greater speed boost. These can be found in loot crates, drops, or crafted from blueprints.
6. How much faster do Scuba Flippers make you swim?
The increase in swimming speed depends on the quality of the flippers. Primitive flippers offer a noticeable increase, while Ascendant flippers provide a significant boost.
7. Do Scuba Flippers affect oxygen consumption?
No, Scuba Flippers themselves do not directly affect oxygen consumption. However, the increased swimming speed may cause you to explore further and stay underwater longer, thus potentially depleting your oxygen faster.
8. Can dinosaurs wear Scuba Flippers?
No, only humans can equip Scuba Flippers. Dinosaurs cannot wear them or benefit from their effects.
9. Are Scuba Flippers useful in caves?
Yes, Scuba Flippers are incredibly useful in underwater caves, allowing you to navigate tight spaces and evade dangerous creatures effectively.
10. What’s the best way to find Keratin early in the game?
Early in the game, Trilobites are the best and most easily accessible source of keratin. They are usually found on beaches and in shallow water.
11. Can I use a Mortar and Pestle instead of a Smithy for crafting Scuba Flippers?
No, a Mortar and Pestle is not suitable for crafting Scuba Flippers. You require either a Smithy or an Industrial Forge.
12. What happens if my Scuba Flippers break while I’m underwater?
If your Scuba Flippers break underwater, your swimming speed will revert to normal. It’s crucial to monitor their durability and carry a spare pair or the necessary resources to repair them.
13. Do Scuba Flippers work in all bodies of water?
Yes, Scuba Flippers work in all bodies of water in Ark: Survival Evolved, including oceans, rivers, and lakes.
14. Can Scuba Flippers be dyed?
Yes, Scuba Flippers can be dyed to change their appearance. This allows you to customize your gear and distinguish yourself from other players.
15. Are there any mods that affect Scuba Flippers?
Yes, many mods can alter the stats, crafting requirements, or functionality of Scuba Flippers. Always check the mod description to understand how it affects the game.
By following these guidelines and understanding the nuances of crafting and using Scuba Flippers in Ark: Survival Evolved, you can become a proficient underwater explorer and conquer the depths with confidence. Good luck, survivor!