Unlocking the Shackles: A Comprehensive Guide to Handcuffs in ARK: Survival Evolved
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In the harsh and unforgiving world of ARK: Survival Evolved, player interaction can range from cooperative alliances to brutal betrayals. Among the tools available to survivors, handcuffs play a unique and often controversial role. But what exactly do handcuffs do in ARK, and how can you use them effectively? This article will delve into the mechanics, uses, and implications of handcuffs in the game, providing a comprehensive guide for both new and seasoned players.
What Do Handcuffs Do in ARK?
In ARK, handcuffs are primarily a tool for restraining other players, both online and offline. They serve two primary purposes: limiting a player’s actions and facilitating the transport of prisoners. Unlike real-world handcuffs, these digital restraints don’t rely on keys for locking or unlocking. Instead, their functionality revolves around player interaction and specific game mechanics.
When applied to an unconscious player, handcuffs occupy the “hands” slot in their inventory. Once equipped, the affected player is severely limited. They cannot use tools, weapons, or items in their inventory. Furthermore, they cannot perform actions such as building, crafting, or interacting with most game elements. Their movement is also restricted.
The most significant application of handcuffs, however, is in conjunction with benches. A cuffed player, when positioned near enough to a bench, can be locked to the bench. This action entirely immobilizes the player, limiting them to only looking around. This combination of handcuffing and bench locking enables the transport of prisoners via rafts or other vehicles and effectively prevents escape. This mechanic applies equally to online and offline players, making the transportation of captured players or unconscious bodies significantly easier.
How to Use Handcuffs in ARK
Using handcuffs in ARK is a straightforward process, but it requires finesse and proper timing. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
- Acquire Handcuffs: You’ll need to obtain a pair of handcuffs. They are crafted using specific resources, which can be found by examining their crafting recipe.
- Incapacitate the Target: Handcuffs can only be applied to unconscious players. You’ll need to knock out your target using a tranquilizer dart, club, or similar method.
- Access the Target’s Inventory: Open the inventory of the unconscious player. This is typically done by approaching the player and pressing the designated interaction key (usually E).
- Apply the Handcuffs: Drag the handcuffs from your inventory and place them into the “hands” slot in the unconscious player’s inventory. Alternatively, you can select the handcuffs in your inventory and choose the “use” option when having their inventory open.
- Lock to Bench (Optional): If you wish to lock the cuffed player to a bench, make sure the player is close enough to a bench and interact with the bench. A menu will allow you to lock a player to it.
Once applied, the target is considered a prisoner until the handcuffs are removed.
Handcuffs and Griefing: A Cautionary Note
While handcuffs can be useful for strategic gameplay, such as transporting prisoners or managing aggressive players, they are also a common tool for griefing. Griefing occurs when players intentionally harass other players or disrupt their gameplay experience. The ability to restrain and immobilize other players using handcuffs can be easily abused, leading to frustration and a negative experience for the victims.
It’s important to use handcuffs responsibly and ethically, keeping in mind that ARK is a game meant to be enjoyed by all. Abusive use of handcuffs is discouraged by most ARK communities and can lead to negative consequences within those communities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about handcuffs in ARK: Survival Evolved to provide a more in-depth understanding of their mechanics and uses:
1. Can handcuffs be removed by the player wearing them?
No, a player cannot remove handcuffs once they have been applied by another player. The handcuffs must be removed by another player who has access to the cuffed players’ inventory.
2. Can a player resist being handcuffed?
No, the handcuffs can only be applied when a player is unconscious, making it impossible to resist the application process.
3. Do handcuffs have durability?
No, handcuffs in ARK do not have a durability stat and will not break due to usage. They are a permanent piece of equipment until removed from the player.
4. Can a handcuffed player interact with their inventory?
Yes and no. A handcuffed player can view their inventory, but they cannot use any items inside it. This means they can see their belongings but are unable to interact with them, adding to their helplessness.
5. Can handcuffs be applied while a player is mounted on a creature?
No, handcuffs cannot be applied to a player while they are mounted on a creature. You must first dismount the player and then incapacitate them before applying handcuffs.
6. Can handcuffed players use the radial menu?
No, handcuffed players cannot use the radial menu. This significantly restricts their ability to interact with the game world.
7. Can handcuffed players be harmed or killed?
Yes, handcuffed players can still be harmed or killed by other players or environmental hazards. Handcuffs don’t provide any form of damage reduction.
8. What happens to a player if they disconnect while handcuffed and on a bench?
When a player disconnects while handcuffed to a bench, they will remain locked to the bench upon rejoining the game. This means that an offline, cuffed player is still vulnerable and unable to defend themselves.
9. Do handcuffs prevent a player from respawning after dying?
No, handcuffs do not prevent a player from respawning after death. They only affect the player’s actions while they are alive.
10. Can handcuffs be used to immobilize NPCs or wild creatures?
No, handcuffs can only be used on player characters. NPCs or wild creatures cannot be restrained with handcuffs.
11. Is there a limit to how many players can be locked to one bench?
Only one player can be locked to one bench at a time.
12. Is there a way to craft handcuff keys?
No, there is no need for handcuff keys, or that function in game. Handcuffs are removed directly from the inventory.
13. How long does it take to craft handcuffs?
The crafting time of the handcuffs is dependent upon your crafting skill but is generally quite fast. It requires only minimal resources.
14. How can you counter someone attempting to handcuff you?
The only counter to being handcuffed is to avoid being rendered unconscious. Preventing being tranquilized or knocked out is key to not being handcuffed.
15. Can handcuffs be used in conjunction with other restraints like nets?
Yes, handcuffs can be used in conjunction with other restraints, such as nets. Nets restrict movement for a limited time, allowing you to tranquilize the player and apply handcuffs while they are still incapacitated.
Conclusion
Handcuffs in ARK: Survival Evolved are a unique and controversial game mechanic. While they can be useful for strategic gameplay, they also come with the risk of misuse. By understanding how handcuffs work and their implications, you can make informed decisions about their use. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about utilizing and navigating the world of handcuffs in ARK, allowing you to either protect yourself from their effects or to utilize them strategically. Always remember to play fairly and responsibly in your server to avoid any negative effects of abusing gameplay mechanics.