ARK: Tools, items - useful engrams ARK Survival Evolved guide, tips
Last update: 12 June 2020
Tools are items used to gather all of the game's resources. You can use dinosaurs, obviously, but in the beginning of the game, you're left with a pickaxe or an axe. Other items described below will help you survive and explore The Island. Some of the items can be created in a Smithy.
Below you can see a list of tools and items that let you mine resources and explore the land faster.
Name | Icon | Requirements | Description/Use |
Metal Hatchet |  | Level: 25 Engram Points: 6 Required engram - Stone Hatchet Resources: Metal Ingot - 8 units Wood - 1 unit Hide - 10 units | An upgraded version of the basic Stone Hatchet. It allows you to gather more resources in less time than the basic version. Best to gather: Wood, Hide, Leech Blood, Angler Gel and Pelt. |
Metal Pick |  | Level: 25 Engram Points: 6 Required engram - Stone Pick Resources: Metal Ingot - 1 unit Wood - 1 unit Hide - 10 units | A better version of the basic Stone Pick. It lets you gather more resources in less time than the basic version. Additionally, it increases your chance of mining more metal. Best to gather: Flint, Stone, Metal, Obsidian, All kinds of meat and Crystal. |
Metal Sickle |  | Level: 30 Engram Points: 12 Required engram - Metal Hatchet and Metal Pick Resources: Metal Ingot - 18 units Wood - 4 units Hide - 16 units | This tool makes collecting Fiber easier. In a minute you can get hundreds of units of it when you use the sickle. |
Waterskin |  | Level: 3 Engram Points: 6 Resources: Hide - 4 units Fiber - 12 units | It lets you carry water inland. It is the base version so the water leaks. It will be drained in 36 minutes and 40 seconds. The water can also be used for cooking or making paint. |
Water Jar |  | Level: 30 Engram Points: 12 Required engram - Waterskin Resources: Cementing Paste - 7 units Hide - 5 units Crystal - 2 units | A better version of the Waterskin that does not leak. The water can also be used for cooking or making paint. |
Canteen |  | Level: 50 Engram Points: 25 Required engram - Water Jar and Fabricator Resources: Cementing Paste - 4 units Hide - 2 units Metal Ingot - 1 unit Polymer - 10 units | It holds the largest amount of water. It can be used three times to replenish 100 thirst points. The water can also be used for cooking or making paint. |
Blood Extraction Syringe |  | Level: 5 Engram Points: 6 Required engram - Waterskin Resources: Chitin or Keratin - 1 unit Hide - 10 units | Using it makes you lose 25 HP, but it gives you an item that restores 15 HP in 2 seconds. It can be reused after 5 seconds. Blood Pack - Item created by using the Extraction Syringe. It spoils after 30 minutes. |
Torch |  | Level: 0 Engram Points: 0 Resources: Flint - 1 unit Wood - 1 unit Stone - 1 unit | It lights the way and warms your character a bit. A torch lasts about 15 minutes. It can be thrown on the ground while it's still on fire. |
Compass |  | Level: 10 Engram Points: 5 Resources: Metal - 5 units Flint - 5 units Fiber - 30 units | The red dial shows north. Extremely useful during exploration. |
GPS |  | Level: 45 Engram Points: 21 Required engram - Compass Resources: Polymer - 5 units Electronics - 20 units | A better version of the compass. It shows the direction you are facing as well as your latitude and longitude. |
Spyglass |  | Level: 10 Engram Points: 2 Resources: Hide - 10 units Fiber - 10 units Wood - 5 units Crystal - 5 units | The spyglass will show you from a distance: Animal level Animal sex Other players Area in front of you |
Parachute |  | Level: 15 Engram Points: 6 Resources: Hide - 10 units Fiber - 20 units Thatch - 40 units | Used for slowing down falls from high mountains and cliffs. It can save you from deadly damage you would take in such a situation. |
Paintbrush |  | Level: 5 Engram Points: 3 Resources: Hide - 3 units Wood - 1 unit Thatch - 10 units | It allows you to paint your items and animals. Requires paint to work. |