Understanding the Chemical Bench
Crafting is the lifeblood of Ark: Survival Evolved. It’s the means by which survivors build, survive, and conquer the dangers that lurk in the primordial landscapes. Among the many essential crafting stations, the Chemical Bench stands out as a cornerstone for advanced item creation, playing a crucial role in the progress from early survival to high-tech weaponry and defensive strategies. This guide serves as your detailed companion, offering an in-depth look at everything the Chemical Bench in Ark has to offer – from its basic functions to advanced strategies and tips for maximizing its potential. Let’s delve into the world of resource management and crafting to truly master the ark.
The Chemical Bench, a vital piece of equipment, unlocks a wide array of high-level items and components. Its primary function is to transform raw materials into more complex ingredients, which are then used in crafting other, more advanced items. Think of it as an upgrade to the basic crafting stations, such as the Smithy or Fabricator, allowing you to reach new heights of survival and dominance in the Ark. Its presence indicates a commitment to further development.
The Chemical Bench is generally found in the later stages of the game. You will need to reach a specific level before you can craft and build it. Once you have the engram available, it’s time to gather resources. You can learn it at level 44. This bench offers a wide array of essential recipes required to survive.
To build a Chemical Bench, you’ll need to find the recipe in the engram. It requires a combination of various components such as metal, polymer, and electronics, among other resources. The exact ingredients will vary slightly depending on the specific Ark environment you’re playing, whether it’s the Island, Scorched Earth, or Aberration. It’s recommended to build it inside your base or a secure location to prevent it from being destroyed by other players or creatures.
The Chemical Bench has a distinct appearance, appearing as a rectangular structure, typically with a work surface and containers, and often with pipes and other mechanical details. This design clearly separates it from other crafting stations.
Crafting: The Heart of the Chemical Bench
The core of the Chemical Bench is its crafting interface. Once placed and powered, you can interact with it to access a list of available recipes. This menu displays the item name, the required resources, and the time needed for crafting.
Crafting with the Chemical Bench involves gathering the necessary resources and placing them in the bench. As you craft, the items are used to produce the finished good. The interface will show you how many of each item you have. It will also tell you how much time the item takes to produce.
The list of items you can craft at the Chemical Bench is extensive. It includes key components crucial for surviving and succeeding in Ark:
- Gunpowder: A fundamental ingredient for ammunition. The Chemical Bench allows you to produce gunpowder quickly and efficiently.
- Electronics: The building block of many advanced structures and weapons.
- Polymer: A critical resource for crafting certain structures and items.
- C4 Explosives: Essential for demolishing enemy bases and clearing obstacles.
- Stimulants: Useful for stamina recovery and for resisting certain effects.
- Narcotics: Used to keep creatures unconscious during taming.
- Preserving Salt: Extends the spoiling timer of food, helping to manage food supplies.
Crafting specific items, such as electronics, will require a specific set of ingredients. For example, electronics will require metal ingots, polymer, and crystal. The Chemical Bench streamlines the process, allowing you to combine raw materials efficiently.
Efficient Resource Management: A Key Strategy
Efficient resource management is essential for making the most of the Chemical Bench. You must understand the locations of all the items. The Chemical Bench requires you to collect resources and store them in an organized manner.
To make the most of the Chemical Bench you will need to go out and gather the resources needed for various recipes. Metal is available, as is crystal. The process is not always easy. Having a plan and proper strategies in place will increase your chances of success.
Organize your base to have a dedicated area for resource storage, crafting, and other activities. This way, you’ll easily find the items you need.
Advanced Strategies: Elevating Your Gameplay
Once you get the basics down, start experimenting with the advanced features offered by the Chemical Bench. Use it to create items for defense, offense, and utility. The Chemical Bench offers far more than just basic crafting.
The strategic use of the items crafted at the Chemical Bench can significantly impact your Ark experience. For example, C4 can be used to dismantle enemy bases. Narcotics are essential for taming high-level creatures. Electronics can be used in base building and weapon construction. The ability to control these items and the resources to make them puts you in control of the game.
Overcoming Challenges
Even veteran players face challenges from time to time. Here are common challenges and how to work through them.
One common mistake is running out of necessary resources. Ensure you’re constantly gathering resources to keep your benches running.
Another challenge is making incorrect crafting decisions. Before crafting something, check the resource costs to ensure you are using your resources in the most efficient way.
The Chemical Bench and Other Structures
The Chemical Bench works well with several other base-building structures in Ark. A prime example is the Industrial Forge. The Industrial Forge allows you to smelt a huge amount of metal very quickly. The faster you smelt, the faster you can craft electronics and other items. The Chemical Bench then combines these resources to produce essential items.
The Conclusion
The Chemical Bench is an integral part of your journey in Ark: Survival Evolved. It is more than just a crafting station. The bench represents the pathway to new items and greater strengths.
By understanding its function, crafting recipes, and resource management strategies, you can effectively utilize this tool to enhance your overall gameplay. From crafting the explosives necessary to dismantle enemy defenses to producing the advanced electronics needed for high-tech structures, the Chemical Bench empowers you to adapt and succeed in the harsh world of Ark. Master this important tool, and you are well on your way to thriving. Be sure to go back and experiment!
