5 Easy Steps to Light a Campfire in Ark: Survival Evolved

Lighting a campfire in Ark: Survival Evolved is an essential skill for any survivor. Fire provides warmth, light, and a way to cook food. It can also be used to scare away predators and keep you safe at night. However, lighting a campfire can be challenging, especially in the early game when you don’t have access to many resources. In this guide, we’ll show you how to light a campfire in Ark: Survival Evolved without using any special tools or materials.

The first step is to gather some tinder. Tinder is any dry material that will easily catch fire. Good tinder includes things like dry grass, leaves, bark, and wood shavings. Once you have some tinder, you need to find a place to build your fire. Look for a spot that is sheltered from the wind and has plenty of space around it. Once you’ve found a good spot, clear away any brush or debris that could catch fire.

Now it’s time to start building your fire. Start by arranging your tinder in a small pile. Next, add some kindling to the pile. Kindling is smaller pieces of wood that will help the fire to catch and grow. Finally, add some larger pieces of wood to the pile. These will help the fire to burn for longer. Once you have your fire built, light it using a match or a lighter. If you don’t have a match or a lighter, you can try using a magnifying glass to focus the sun’s rays onto the tinder.

Choosing the Right Wood

Selective wood selection is critical for achieving an optimal campfire in Ark. Consider the following key attributes when choosing your wood:

Type of Wood: Different wood species exhibit distinct properties that impact the fire’s burn rate, duration, and heat output.

Hardwoods: Oak, hickory, and maple are dense hardwoods that burn slowly, producing a long-lasting fire with intense heat. However, they require longer to ignite and may emit sparks.

Softwoods: Pine, cedar, and fir are softwoods that ignite quickly, producing a fast-burning fire. They do not offer as much heat or longevity as hardwoods but are ideal for quick warmth or starting a fire.

Seasoning: Freshly cut wood contains moisture, which can hinder ignition and produce smoke. Seasoned wood, on the other hand, has been dried and has less moisture content, making it easier to burn with less smoke.

Size and Shape: Choose woodpieces that are manageable in size and shape for easy stacking and burning. Long, thick logs will take longer to burn, while smaller pieces will ignite quicker.

Dryness: Dry wood ignites more readily and burns more efficiently. If possible, select wood that has been exposed to sunlight or stored in a dry area.

Wood Type	Burn Rate	Heat Output	Longevity	Spark Production
Hardwoods (oak, hickory, maple)	Slow	High	Long	Potentially
Softwoods (pine, cedar, fir)	Fast	Low	Short	Less
Seasoned Wood	Faster	Better	Longer	Less
Damp Wood	Slower	Lower	Shorter	More

Preparing the Fire Pit

Before building your campfire, it’s crucial to find a suitable location and prepare the fire pit. Here are the detailed steps to follow:

1. Choose the Right Location

Select a level, clear area away from trees, shrubs, and tents. Dig a shallow pit, about 6-8 inches deep and 2-3 feet in diameter. This will contain the fire and prevent it from spreading.

2. Build a Fire Ring

Line the perimeter of the pit with rocks or dirt to form a fire ring. This will provide stability and prevent the fire from spilling out. The width of the ring should be at least 12 inches to ensure sufficient space for the flames. You can use a combination of large and small rocks, packed tightly together.

3. Gather Kindling and Fuel

Collect dry twigs, leaves, and small pieces of wood as kindling. These materials will ignite easily and help start the fire. Once the fire is established, gradually add larger pieces of wood like logs or branches as fuel to maintain the flame.

Material	Description
Kindling	Dry twigs, leaves, small pieces of wood
Fuel	Logs, branches
Fire Ring	Rocks or dirt lined around the fire pit

Starting the Tinder

The first step to lighting a campfire is to gather your tinder. Tinder is any dry, easily combustible material that will help you start your fire. Some good choices for tinder include dry leaves, grass, small twigs, or bark. Once you have your tinder, you need to find a place to build your fire. This should be an open area away from any flammable materials, such as trees or shrubs.

Once you have your fire site, you can start building your fire. Start by making a small pile of tinder in the center of your fire site. Then, light the tinder with a lighter or matches. Once the tinder is burning, you can start adding larger pieces of wood to the fire. Start with small pieces and gradually add larger pieces as the fire gets going. Keep adding wood to the fire until it is the desired size.

Building a Tripod Fire

One way to build a campfire is to use a tripod fire. Tripod, also known as a tepee fire, is a versatile and stable campfire design. To build a tripod fire, you will need three long, straight sticks. Lash the three sticks together at the top, forming a tripod. Then, place a fourth stick across the tripod, about halfway up. This will be the support for your fire.

To start the fire, place a pile of tinder in the center of the tripod. Then, light the tinder and add larger pieces of wood as needed. The tripod will help to keep the fire stable and contained.

Advantages of Tripod Fire	Disadvantages of Tripod Fire
Stable and contained	Requires more wood to build
Easy to build	Not as efficient as other fire designs
Can be used for cooking or heating

Adding Kindling

Kindling serves as the bridge between the spark and larger logs. It ignites quickly and generates heat, allowing the bigger pieces to catch fire.

Choosing the Right Kindling

Dry twigs and branches: Break down small, dry twigs into finger-length pieces. They ignite easily and burn quickly.
Dry leaves: Crispy, fallen leaves provide a boost of fuel. Gather them from the ground or break off from nearby bushes.
Birch bark: This thin, papery material burns hot and fast, creating a great flame.
Pine needles: Pine needles contain resin, which makes them excellent for kindling. However, avoid using too many, as they can produce smoke and spark.

Building a Kindling Nest

Tear or break down: Create a loose nest of kindling by tearing or breaking pieces into smaller sizes.
Loosely pile: Pile the kindling loosely in the center of your fire pit. Avoid compacting it, as air needs to circulate.
Nest size: The nest should be about the size of a basketball. Larger nests may not burn as well, while smaller ones may struggle to ignite the logs.
Add fuel gradually: Start with a small amount of kindling and gradually add more as needed. Once the kindling is burning well, you can begin adding larger logs.

Kindling Material	Burn Rate
Dry twigs and branches	Fast
Dry leaves	Medium
Birch bark	Fast
Pine needles	Fast

Building the Fire Structure

1. Gather Firewood: Collect dry dead wood, such as small twigs, branches, and logs. Avoid using green or wet wood as it burns poorly.

2. Choose a Location: Select a safe spot away from tents, trees, and other flammable materials. Consider wind direction and terrain.

3. Clear the Area: Remove any vegetation or debris within a 10-foot radius of the fire pit. This creates a safe zone around the fire.

4. Dig a Fire Pit: Dig a small pit, about 6-8 inches deep and 12-15 inches wide, to contain the fire. Line the pit with rocks or stones to prevent embers from escaping.

5. Build the Fire:

Fire Structure	Description
Tinder Nest	A small pile of dry leaves, grass, or paper. It ignites easily and provides a base for the fire.
Tinder Bundle	A slightly larger bundle of twigs or wood shavings. It takes longer to ignite but burns hotter and longer.
Kindling	Thin sticks or branches arranged in a crisscross pattern. They provide fuel for the growing fire.
Logs	Larger pieces of wood added as the fire grows. They sustain the fire for extended periods.

After building the fire structure, light the tinder nest and gradually add kindling and logs as the fire strengthens.

Adjusting the Fire for Different Needs

Once you have a roaring fire, you can adjust it to meet your specific needs. Here are some tips:

Cooking

For cooking, you’ll want a fire that is hot and steady. To achieve this, use dry, seasoned wood and keep the fire burning brightly.

Light and Heat

If you need light and heat, use a larger fire with plenty of dry wood. Keep the fire burning brightly, and use a reflector or windbreak to direct the heat towards you.

Preventing Creosote Buildup

Creosote is a black, tar-like substance that can build up on your stovepipe and chimney. To prevent this, burn dry, seasoned wood and keep your fire burning hot. You can also use a spark arrester to prevent embers from escaping and landing on your stovepipe.

Extinguishing Your Fire

When you’re finished with your fire, it’s important to extinguish it completely. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Spread the ashes out and cover them with dirt or sand.
2. Pour water on the ashes until they are completely soaked.
3. Stir the ashes and water together until they form a thick slurry.
4. Leave the ashes to cool completely before disposing of them.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your campfire is safe and enjoyable.

Table: Firewood for Different Needs

Purpose	Type of Wood
Cooking	Hardwoods, such as oak, maple, or hickory
Light and Heat	Softwoods, such as pine, fir, or spruce

Maintaining the Fire

Maintaining a campfire in Ark requires constant attention and careful monitoring. Here are seven essential tips to keep your fire burning safely and efficiently:

Add Fuel Regularly: Keep a steady supply of dry wood close to the fire. Add small logs gradually to maintain a consistent flame.
Build a Reflector: Construct a wall of rocks or logs behind the fire to reflect heat and prevent the wind from blowing it out.
Position the Fire Properly: Choose a sheltered area away from overhanging branches or flammable vegetation. Avoid placing the fire directly on the ground, as it can damage the soil.
Control the Airflow: Adjust the airflow by opening or closing vents in a fire pit or by piling logs loosely around the flames. Too much airflow can accelerate the burn rate, while too little can smother the fire.
Use a FirePoker: Keep a fire poker nearby to adjust the burning logs and prevent them from collapsing or rolling out of the fire.
Put Out the Fire Completely: When you are finished with the fire, ensure it is completely extinguished by pouring water over it and stirring the ashes until they are cold.
Monitor the Fire Continuously: Stay vigilant and observe the fire’s behavior. If it starts to flare up or spread beyond its intended area, take immediate action to control it.

Extinguishing the Fire Safely

Extinguishing a campfire safely is crucial for preventing wildfires and ensuring your and others’ well-being. Follow these steps to extinguish your fire effectively and responsibly:

1. Drown the Embers

Start by pouring water over the embers and stirring them to ensure they’re completely soaked. Continue adding water until the embers are cool to the touch and no longer produce smoke or sparks.

2. Stir and Mix

Use a shovel or stick to stir and mix the ashes and embers thoroughly. This helps prevent hot embers from reigniting later.

3. Check for Remaining Embers

Wait a few minutes and then check for any remaining embers. Use your shovel or stick to feel for any warm spots and extinguish them with water.

4. Bury the Ashes

Once the embers are completely out, dig a hole and bury the ashes. This prevents the wind from scattering them and ensures they cool further.

5. Scatter the Ashes

If burying the ashes is not possible, spread them out thinly and sprinkle water over them to prevent them from reigniting.

6. Break Apart Logs

If you had any logs burning, break them apart into smaller pieces and scatter them away from the main fire pit. This allows them to cool faster.

7. Wet the Surrounding Area

Pour water around the fire pit to dampen any dry grass or leaves. This creates a firebreak and prevents the fire from spreading.

8. Monitor the Area for Several Hours

Even after extinguishing the fire, keep a watchful eye on the area for several hours. If any embers reignite, immediately extinguish them with water. The rule of thumb is to “leave no trace” and make sure the site is completely cold before leaving it.

9. Report Any Concerns

If you notice any suspicious activity or see any signs of a wildfire, report it to the nearest ranger station or fire department immediately.

Fire Safety Precautions

Campfire Safety Rules

Before starting a campfire, it is important to follow these safety rules:

Check for fire bans or restrictions in the area where you are camping.
Choose a safe location for your campfire, away from flammable materials such as trees, tents, and dry grass.
Clear an area around the campfire of all flammable materials, including leaves, twigs, and branches.
Build your campfire in a fire pit or ring, or on bare ground.
Never leave a campfire unattended.
Keep water or sand nearby to extinguish the fire in case of emergency.
Do not burn garbage or other harmful materials in your campfire.
When you are finished with your campfire, be sure to extinguish it completely by pouring water on it or stirring the ashes until they are cold.
Never bury a campfire; this can cause the fire to smolder and rekindle later.

Fire Danger and Prevention

Campfires can be dangerous if they are not properly managed. The following table outlines the different levels of fire danger and the precautions that should be taken:

Fire Danger Level	Precautions
Low	Campfires are permitted, but caution should be used.
Moderate	Campfires are permitted in designated areas only.
High	Campfires are not permitted.
Extreme	All outdoor fires are prohibited.

How To Light Campfire Ark

To light a campfire in ARK: Survival Evolved, you will need the following materials:

Tinder (such as wood shavings, bark, or dry grass)
Kindling (such as small twigs or sticks)
Fuel (such as logs or wood planks)
A fire starter (such as a lighter, matches, or flint and steel)

Once you have gathered your materials, follow these steps:

Create a small pile of tinder in the center of your desired campfire location.
Light the tinder using your fire starter.
Once the tinder is burning, add kindling to the fire. Start with small pieces and gradually add larger pieces as the fire grows.
As the kindling burns, add fuel to the fire. Again, start with small pieces and gradually add larger pieces as the fire grows.
Once the fire is burning steadily, you can adjust the size and intensity of the fire by adding or removing fuel.