When you're out in the wild, facing down a rampaging Rex or trying to secure a rare resource, the weapon in your hand makes all the difference. It's not just about having a weapon; it's about having the right weapon for the job. And in Ark: Survival Evolved, that means understanding the raw numbers – the damage output of your arsenal.
Let's start with the basics, the trusty melee options. A simple Wooden Club might feel primitive, but it packs a surprising punch with 5 damage and a hefty 20 torpor. Move up to a Sword, and you're looking at a solid 90 damage. For those underwater excursions, the Shocking Electrobat (though it can't be used underwater, which is a bit of a quirk!) offers a mere 1 damage but a staggering 266 torpor – perfect for a quick, albeit unconventional, incapacitation.
When you need a bit more distance, the ranged category opens up. The humble Slingshot deals 14 damage, but it's the Boomerang that offers an interesting split: 30 damage for both melee and ranged, with a significant 70.5 torpor on its ranged attack, especially when charged. Then there are the arrows. A standard Bow with Stone Arrows hits for 55 damage, but if you're aiming to knock out creatures, the Tranquilizer Arrow is your friend, delivering a decent chunk of damage (20) alongside a substantial torpor boost. The Crossbow ups the ante with 95 damage for Stone Arrows and 35 for Tranquilizer Arrows, while the Compound Bow offers a middle ground with 75 damage for Stone Arrows and 27 for Tranquilizer Arrows. For sheer stopping power, the Harpoon Launcher with its bolts clocks in at a hefty 140 damage.
Moving into firearms, things get serious. The Simple Pistol delivers a respectable 100 damage. The Longneck Rifle is a versatile beast, capable of firing standard bullets for 280 damage, or specialized darts like the Tranquilizer Dart for 26 damage but with a significant torpor effect. Shotguns, like the Shotgun (64 x 10 rounds) and Pump-Action Shotgun (46 x 14 rounds), excel at close-range devastation. The Assault Rifle offers a consistent 47 damage per shot, while the Sniper Rifle brings precision and power at 165 damage. And for area denial or dealing with swarms, the Flamethrower can range from 12 to 100 damage, depending on its use.
Tek Tier weapons represent the pinnacle of Ark's destructive capabilities. The Tek Rifle boasts 150 damage, and the Tek Grenade is a sticky, explosive threat dealing 300 damage. For stationary defense, the Tek Turret is a powerhouse, with 500 ranged damage and 400 explosive damage. The Tek Sword offers a massive 200 melee damage, and the Tek Shield, while not a damage dealer itself, is invaluable for its defensive capabilities and durability. The Tek Railgun hits hard at 850 damage, and the Tek Cruise Missile is a single-use, high-impact weapon whose damage is dependent on range.
It's fascinating to see how these numbers stack up. While raw damage is crucial for taking down tougher foes quickly, the torpor-inducing capabilities of weapons like Tranquilizer Arrows and Darts are essential for the taming process. And remember, for flying creatures, non-bullet ranged weapons get a 1.5x damage bonus, which can be a game-changer. Understanding this spectrum of damage and utility is key to mastering your survival in Ark.
