If you’re diving into the world of ARK: Survival Evolved and want to master the art of making beer, one crucial step you’ll encounter is irrigating your beer barrel. It might sound tricky at first, but once you understand how to do it properly, you’ll be brewing your beer like a pro in no time. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to irrigate a beer barrel in ARK, from the basics to handy tips, all in a simple and friendly tone.
What Is a Beer Barrel in ARK?
Before we jump into irrigation, let’s quickly cover what a beer barrel is in ARK. The beer barrel is a craftable item used to brew beer, which is essential for taming certain creatures like the Chalicotherium. You fill the barrel with ingredients like berries and thatch, and after some time, it produces beer liquid that you can collect in jars.
However, the beer barrel requires irrigation to function properly – just like plants need water, your beer barrel needs to be irrigated to start brewing.
Why Does the Beer Barrel Need Irrigation?
In ARK, irrigation isn’t just for crops. The beer barrel also needs a water source to operate. Without irrigation, the barrel won’t brew beer, no matter how many ingredients you add. This means you have to set up a water supply system that keeps your barrel hydrated continuously.
The key takeaway? No irrigation, no beer. So understanding how to irrigate your beer barrel is essential for successful brewing.
How to Irrigate a Beer Barrel in ARK: Step-by-Step
1. Understand the Irrigation Mechanism
The beer barrel can be irrigated by connecting it to a water source through pipes. It can be irrigated either from the top or bottom via water pipes, similar to how you would irrigate crops in ARK.
2. Set Up a Water Source
You need a reliable water source nearby, such as a lake, river, or a water reservoir. Note that water tanks or filled water jars alone do not provide irrigation for the beer barrel – it must be connected to a flowing water source via pipes.
3. Lay Down Water Pipes
Use water pipes to connect your water source to the beer barrel. You can place intersecting pipes to create a network, then snap the beer barrel onto the pipe’s connection points. This setup ensures the barrel is irrigated continuously.
– Place an intake pipe into the water source.
– Extend pipes from the intake to where your beer barrel will be.
– Snap the beer barrel onto the pipe at the correct connection point (usually the end of the pipe or an intersection).
4. Confirm the Barrel Is Irrigated
Once connected properly, the beer barrel should show as irrigated. If it still shows as “not irrigated,” double-check your pipe connections and placement. The barrel must be snapped correctly onto the pipe to receive water.
5. Add Ingredients and Wait
After irrigation is set, load your beer barrel with the required ingredients – typically 50 berries and 40 thatch. The brewing process takes about 6 hours in default settings, but this can vary depending on your server or single-player settings.
Tips for Efficient Beer Barrel Irrigation
– Use Intersecting Pipes: This allows you to connect multiple barrels to a single water source efficiently.
– Place Barrels Near Water: If you don’t want to build a complex pipe system, place barrels close enough to natural water bodies where they can be irrigated.
– Avoid Using Water Tanks Alone: Water tanks and water jars don’t irrigate beer barrels; they only hold water for manual use.
– Keep Your Pipes Submerged: The intake pipe must be submerged in water to draw irrigation correctly.
– Build Multiple Barrels: Brewing beer takes time, so having several barrels connected to your irrigation system speeds up production.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
– Beer Barrel Not Irrigated: Usually caused by incorrect pipe placement or trying to irrigate from water tanks instead of a flowing water source.
– Barrel Not Snapping to Pipes: Make sure you place the barrel at the pipe’s connection point; sometimes the snapping points can be tricky.
– Water Source Too Far: Pipes have a limited range, so ensure your water source is close enough or use additional pipes to extend the network.
Bonus: Why Beer Brewing Matters in ARK
Brewing beer isn’t just for fun – it’s a strategic tool. Beer is used to tame the Chalicotherium, a passive tame creature useful for farming and gathering. Having a steady supply of beer can make your farming and taming much easier, so mastering irrigation and brewing is a smart move for any serious ARK player.
Irrigating a beer barrel in ARK is all about connecting it properly to a water source using pipes. Once you get the hang of setting up your irrigation system, brewing beer becomes a smooth and rewarding process. Happy brewing and enjoy your adventures in ARK!