Torch

Light from day one

The Torch is a tool in ARK: Survival Evolved that survivors can craft from the very start, with no engram to learn first. The game sums it up: "Provides light, and some warmth. Doubles as a melee weapon in a pinch, and can be applied to various saddles for a mobile light source." Its light and warmth are especially useful at night or in a cave, although the ARK Wiki rates its warmth below that of other sources such as the Campfire.

Making and holding one

A torch is crafted in the inventory in 5 seconds for 0.3 XP from 1 Flint, 1 Stone and 1 Wood (or Fungal Wood). It weighs 1, does not stack and has 40 durability, and a repair takes 0.5 Wood, 0.5 Flint and 0.5 Stone. Holding it adds 50 to hypothermal insulation and -25 to hyperthermal insulation.

How long it burns

An equipped torch loses durability the whole time it is held. The wiki puts a torch at roughly 15 minutes of use; for an Apprentice Torch at 101.47% durability it gives two figures, about 40 minutes and about 100 minutes, and it marks its burn-time list as outdated. That list also gives 13 minutes 15 seconds for a thrown torch and 2 hours, 57 minutes and 20 seconds for one sitting in a Standing Torch.

Fuel, dropping and riding

Placed in a Standing Torch or Wall Torch, a torch serves as fuel, and its durability affects how long it burns. A lit torch held in hand can be dropped onto the ground, where it decomposes after a set time. The wiki adds that in ARK: Survival Ascended it goes onto your belt instead and shines ahead of you, leaving you free to use other tools. On most saddles a torch attaches the way a skin does, so a rider keeps the light while using a two-handed weapon.

As a weapon

Hitting players or creatures with a torch can set them on fire for a short time, though some, like the Rock Elemental and Titanosaur, are exceptions. Fire gets past armor and hits hard, which makes the torch quite effective against armored players, and adding a Bola improves your chances further. Since torches wear out fast in a fight, the wiki suggests crafting several.

Maps in our records

Our records list the Torch on 14 maps, from The Island and Scorched Earth to Lost Island and Fjordur.