The ARK Longneck Rifle: Your Guide to Precision and Power

Introduction

Imagine yourself stranded on the mysterious ARK, surrounded by prehistoric beasts and hostile survivors. You need a reliable weapon, something that can take down a dilophosaur at a distance or tranquillize a brontosaurus for taming. Enter the Longneck Rifle, a game-changing firearm in *ARK: Survival Evolved*. This isn’t just a weapon; it’s a survivor’s best friend, offering unmatched range, accuracy, and versatility. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a fresh spawn, understanding the power of the Longneck is key to thriving in this unforgiving world. The Longneck Rifle is a tool that elevates the player’s capabilities from survival to dominion. It’s the cornerstone of any serious hunter, tamer, or tribe leader’s arsenal. Its ability to deliver pinpoint accuracy at long range makes it invaluable for a multitude of situations. So, let’s dive into the world of the Longneck and unlock its secrets.

Delving into the Longneck Rifle

The Longneck Rifle stands as a testament to human ingenuity within the ARK. It’s a single-shot, bolt-action rifle characterized by its sleek design and formidable presence. Its appearance is immediately recognizable, a symbol of power and control. Its metallic barrel and wooden stock give it a sense of both ruggedness and sophistication. In terms of stats, the Longneck boasts impressive damage, remarkable range, and reasonable durability. While it may not have the rapid-fire capability of an assault rifle, its single shot packs a serious punch.

Compared to other ranged weapons like bows, crossbows, or shotguns, the Longneck occupies a unique niche. Bows are rudimentary and lack range. Crossbows are slower to reload. Shotguns are devastating at close range but ineffective at a distance. The Longneck, however, bridges the gap with its accuracy and range. This makes it ideal for situations where precision is paramount.

What truly sets the Longneck apart is its adaptability. It’s not just a weapon; it’s a tool. It can be loaded with various types of ammunition, making it equally effective for hunting, taming, and combat. This versatility is why the Longneck is a staple for many survivors.

Crafting Your Own Longneck Rifle

Obtaining a Longneck Rifle requires dedication and resourcefulness. To craft one, you’ll need a blueprint and the necessary materials. Blueprints can be found in supply drops, underwater loot crates, or purchased from certain vendors. Once you have the blueprint, you’ll need to gather the required resources: metal ingots, wood, and hide. Metal ingots are created by smelting metal ore in a refining forge. Wood is harvested from trees, and hide is obtained from the corpses of various creatures.

Once you’ve collected these resources, you’ll need a Smithy or a Fabricator to craft the Longneck. The Smithy is a mid-game crafting station, while the Fabricator is an advanced station capable of crafting more complex items. Place the resources and the blueprint into the crafting station, and after a short period, your Longneck Rifle will be ready.

To optimize your crafting efficiency, consider investing points into the crafting skill. This will reduce the cost of resources and the time required to craft the Longneck. Additionally, using a high-quality crafting station can further improve the outcome. With a little effort, you can have your own Longneck Rifle and be ready for any challenge that the ARK throws your way.

Ammunition: The Key to Versatility

The true power of the Longneck Rifle lies in its diverse range of ammunition. Each type of ammo serves a specific purpose, allowing you to tailor your approach to any situation. Let’s explore the various ammunition options:

Simple Rifle Ammo

This is the standard ammunition for the Longneck. It’s relatively inexpensive to craft and deals moderate damage. Simple Rifle Ammo is ideal for early-game hunting and defense, providing a reliable means of dispatching weaker creatures. Its cost-effectiveness makes it a practical choice when resources are scarce.

Advanced Rifle Bullet

When you need more firepower, Advanced Rifle Bullets are the way to go. These bullets deal significantly more damage than Simple Rifle Ammo, making them effective against larger and tougher creatures. However, they are also more expensive to craft, requiring gunpowder and metal ingots. Advanced Rifle Bullets are best reserved for mid-to-late game hunting and combat scenarios where damage is crucial.

Tranquilizer Dart

This is where the Longneck truly shines. Tranquilizer Darts are non-lethal ammunition designed to induce torpor in creatures, making them ideal for taming. These darts contain a potent narcotic that gradually increases the target’s torpor level. The effectiveness of Tranquilizer Darts varies depending on the creature and its torpor resistance. It’s essential to aim for the head for maximum effect and to maintain a safe distance to avoid aggression.

Advanced Tranquilizer Dart

For taming high-level creatures or those with high torpor resistance, Advanced Tranquilizer Darts are a must. These darts deliver a much larger dose of narcotic, quickly incapacitating even the most formidable beasts. They are more expensive to craft than regular Tranquilizer Darts but can save you valuable time and resources in the long run.

The ammunition you choose depends on the situation. For basic defense, simple rifle ammo may be sufficient. If you want to take down a big dino, you will need advanced rifle bullets. Tranquilizer darts are a must for taming, particularly advanced tranquilizer darts for the bigger and tougher creatures.

Using Your Longneck Rifle Effectively

The Longneck Rifle is more than just a weapon; it’s a tool that demands skill and strategy. Here are some tips for using it effectively in various scenarios:

Hunting

The Longneck is a hunter’s best friend. Its range and accuracy allow you to take down prey from a safe distance, minimizing the risk of being attacked. Aim for the head to maximize damage and use advanced rifle bullets for tougher targets. Remember to account for bullet drop and travel time, especially when shooting at long range.

Taming

Taming with the Longneck requires patience and precision. Choose the right Tranquilizer Dart for the creature you’re targeting and aim for the head. Maintain a safe distance and monitor the creature’s torpor level. Use a taming calculator like Dododex to determine the exact number of darts needed. Be prepared to defend yourself against other predators or hostile survivors during the taming process.

Player versus Player Combat

In PvP, the Longneck is a formidable weapon for long-range engagements. Utilize cover and concealment to avoid being detected and aim for headshots. Be aware of your surroundings and anticipate your opponent’s movements. The slow rate of fire of the Longneck can be a disadvantage in close quarters, so be prepared to switch to a different weapon if necessary.

Defense

Defending your base with the Longneck requires careful planning. Set up defensive positions with clear lines of sight and use the Longneck to pick off enemies from a distance. Prioritize targets that pose the greatest threat, such as attacking dinosaurs or heavily armed players. Coordinate with your tribe members to create a layered defense and maximize your firepower.

Pro Tips

There are a number of tips that will elevate your Longneck game. Using a scope will give you increased magnification and make long range shots easier. Practice your aim, so you can compensate for bullet drop. Learn quick switching techniques, so you can switch to another weapon if you run into a close combat situation. You can even use the Longneck underwater, although it will be less effective.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Longneck

The Longneck Rifle, like any weapon, has its strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these will help you utilize it effectively.

Advantages

The longneck has exceptional damage output, enabling it to take down enemies quickly. The long range is unmatched. It is a versatile weapon that can be used to hunt, tame, and for combat. It is relatively easy to craft as you progress through the game.

Disadvantages

The Longneck has a slow rate of fire compared to other weapons. It has considerable recoil. You must consider the cost of ammo when using the Longneck. It is not ideal for close combat situations.

Longneck Rifle, Different Game Modes

The use of the Longneck rifle will vary depending on the game mode you play.

Player versus Environment

In this mode, you can use the Longneck for hunting and taming in order to beat the game’s bosses. You can also use the Longneck to gather resources.

Player versus Player

In this mode, the Longneck becomes invaluable in base defense and raiding enemy bases.

Single Player

In single player, the Longneck is useful to your solo progression through the game and making the whole process of taming easier.

Modded Content

There are many mods that affect the Longneck and add new ammo, change stats, or modify how you craft the gun.

Conclusion

The Longneck Rifle is more than just a weapon in *ARK: Survival Evolved*; it’s an indispensable tool for survival and domination. Its impressive range, accuracy, and versatility make it a must-have for any serious player. Whether you’re hunting, taming, or engaging in PvP combat, the Longneck will give you the edge you need to succeed. Mastering the Longneck takes time and practice, but the rewards are well worth the effort. So, grab your Longneck, load up your ammo, and get ready to conquer the ARK. The Longneck Rifle is the key to unlocking your full potential as a survivor. Take it and thrive.