What is the Chemistry Bench?
Introduction
In the expansive and unforgiving world of ARK: Survival Evolved, survival is a constant battle. It’s a struggle against prehistoric creatures, rival tribes, and the harsh elements. Mastering the art of crafting is not just a helpful skill; it’s absolutely vital. Building tools, weapons, and structures is how you stay alive and thrive. At the heart of this crafting system lies the Chemistry Bench, a critical station that unlocks a whole new level of item production, allowing survivors to create advanced tools, healing items, and powerful ammunition.
This guide will serve as your comprehensive resource, delving into every aspect of the Chemistry Bench. We’ll cover its core function, the resources you need to build it, a complete list of its recipes, and practical tips to make you a master crafter. Get ready to take your survival skills to the next level!
Core Function
The Chemistry Bench is more than just another crafting station in ARK. It’s the gateway to some of the most essential items in the game.
Unlike the more basic Smithy or the Fabricator, the Chemistry Bench allows players to create complex compounds, advanced ammunition, powerful healing items, and much more. It’s where you’ll find yourself constantly returning to when you need to create specific equipment.
Think of it as the laboratory of your base. It’s where you mix ingredients, combine raw materials, and transform them into the tools you need to survive, battle, and conquer. The range of items available at the Chemistry Bench is vast, allowing you to create everything from powerful narcotics to ammunition for high-end weapons.
The difference between the Chemistry Bench and other crafting stations is its complexity. While the Smithy crafts basic tools and structures and the Fabricator handles more technological items, the Chemistry Bench focuses on refined components and advanced consumables. Using the Chemistry Bench is how you advance beyond the early game, giving you the edge you need against the dangers of the island.
Crafting the Chemistry Bench
Requirements and Resources
Before you can start crafting, you’ll need to build the Chemistry Bench itself. This process requires acquiring the necessary Engram and then gathering the resources.
Firstly, you’ll need to learn the Chemistry Bench Engram. This requires that you reach a certain experience level. Once the Engram is unlocked, you can craft the Chemistry Bench.
The resources required might seem significant at first, but the rewards are worth the effort. Here’s a breakdown of the necessary materials:
Metal Ingots: The backbone of many ARK structures and items. Metal Ingots are made by smelting Metal Ore in a Forge. You can obtain Metal Ore from various rocks scattered across the map, particularly in mountainous regions. Smelt this Ore into ingots using a Forge and plenty of wood or other fuel sources. Consider building a dedicated forge for optimal metal ingot production.
Cementing Paste: This sticky substance is vital for crafting higher-tier items. Cementing Paste can be crafted from Chitin or Keratin and Stone in a Mortar and Pestle, or by harvesting from Beaver dams.
Electronics: These are vital components used in many advanced technologies. They are crafted from Metal Ingots, Polymer, and Crystal in a Fabricator. Gathering Crystal is often the limiting factor here, so explore cave systems and mountainous areas to find Crystal deposits.
Crystal: Used as a component in Electronics and several other advanced crafting recipes. Crystal can be found inside caves, on mountains, and in certain areas. Look for large, sparkling formations.
Polymer: Another critical component. Polymer is a complex resource with two main sources: organic and crafted. The organic version can be harvested from the nests of Kairuku penguins, and is a good temporary replacement, especially in the early game. Alternatively, Polymer can be crafted in an Industrial Forge from Obsidian.
Wood: This resource provides fuel. You can obtain Wood by chopping down trees with any axe or hatchet. Different types of axes provide more wood per swing.
Once you’ve gathered all of these resources, you can craft the Chemistry Bench. Look for the recipe in your inventory and select “craft.”
Crafting Process and Placement
Place your Chemistry Bench strategically. It’s often best to place it near your resource storage to facilitate quick crafting. Consider placing it within a protected area of your base to prevent unwanted access and theft.
Chemistry Bench Recipes
Consumables
Stimulant: A crucial item for managing stamina and keeping you awake. It is made by crafting it inside the Chemistry Bench using Narcotics and Berries.
Medical Brew: Healing brews are crafted with a combination of berries, narcotics, and other ingredients. The stronger the brew, the better the healing effect.
Energy Brew: Provides a burst of stamina regeneration. The best way to make this is at a Chemistry Bench.
Narcotics: An incredibly important crafting recipe, created using Narcoberries and Spoiled Meat. Narcotics are used to tame creatures.
Bio Toxin: A poison that is useful in the early game to slow down your enemies.
Ammunition
Tranq Arrows: Used in a bow to knock out creatures. They’re crafted from arrows, Narcotics, and Bio Toxin. These are a great tool for taming creatures.
Advanced Rifle Bullet: Required for use in many of the higher-tier weapons. Metal and gunpowder form the base of the bullet.
Advanced Equipment
Gasoline: Used as fuel for many of the higher tier crafting stations. Gasoline is used in the Fabricator and is essential to crafting many high-tech items.
Tips and Strategies for Using the Chemistry Bench
Optimization Techniques
Maximizing the efficiency of your Chemistry Bench is key to efficient crafting. Here are some tips and strategies to help you succeed.
Organized Storage: Keep a well-organized storage system nearby the Chemistry Bench. Group resources by type, making it easy to find what you need. Utilizing storage boxes, vaults, or even dedicated crafting rooms can save time and prevent frustrations.
Prioritize Recipes: Create a crafting queue by prioritizing recipes based on your immediate needs. For example, if you are preparing for a taming expedition, craft a large batch of Tranq Arrows and Narcotics first.
Base Design: Plan your base layout to optimize crafting. Place your Chemistry Bench close to your storage, Forge, and other essential crafting stations. Consider a dedicated area for crafting to maximize efficiency and reduce clutter.
Bulk Crafting: Many recipes allow you to craft multiple items at once. This feature is especially helpful for crafting large quantities of ammunition or consumables.
Inventory Management: Manage your inventory effectively to avoid being overburdened. Empty your inventory periodically to ensure there is space for new resources.
Gather in Batches: Rather than making a few bullets at a time, spend a little extra time and craft several at a time to ensure you have an ample supply.
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
Addressing Issues
Even experienced players can encounter issues when using the Chemistry Bench. Here’s a look at some common problems and how to resolve them.
“Can’t Craft This Item”: The item will not craft if you do not have enough resources. Double-check that you have the necessary ingredients in your inventory, including the correct crafting station.
Slow Crafting: Crafting can sometimes feel slow, especially when dealing with complex recipes.
The Chemistry Bench in the Context of ARK Progression
Progression and Role
The Chemistry Bench is a significant milestone in the ARK progression system. It unlocks a new world of possibilities, paving the way for even more advanced crafting and survival strategies. The items crafted at the Chemistry Bench are crucial in the mid-game. This includes taming, combat, and exploration. With the items made, you can take on bigger threats, from alpha predators to other players.
The skills and knowledge you gain from using the Chemistry Bench are essential for end-game content. This gives you the power to fight some of the toughest bosses and survive in the most hostile environments.
Conclusion
The Chemistry Bench is an indispensable crafting station. It unlocks a new dimension of crafting and offers the tools you need to survive. Whether you’re crafting ammunition, healing brews, or advanced equipment, the Chemistry Bench is an essential part of thriving in the world of ARK.
Take time to familiarize yourself with the various recipes. Practice using it efficiently, and experiment with different combinations. You’ll find yourself relying on the Chemistry Bench.
As you progress, continue to experiment, refine your strategies, and embrace the challenges. The more you understand about the Chemistry Bench and its recipes, the better your chances of thriving in the hostile world of ARK: Survival Evolved. Good luck, and happy crafting!
