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What does the hawk do in ARK?

Published in ARK Creature Utility 3 mins read

In ARK: Survival Evolved, a specific creature known as the Fjordhawk plays a crucial and unique role, primarily by helping survivors retrieve their lost belongings after death.

The Fjordhawk's Unique Role in ARK

The Fjordhawk, introduced with the Fjordur expansion map, is a small, carnivorous bird that acts as a loyal companion. Its most significant ability makes it an invaluable asset for any survivor traversing the dangerous world of ARK: Survival Evolved.

Retrieving Lost Items

The Fjordhawk's primary function is to return the items of a dead survivor to them after they respawn. This ability is a game-changer, significantly mitigating the frustration and loss typically associated with dying in ARK.

Here’s how this life-saving mechanic generally works:

  • Item Recovery: When a survivor dies, their entire inventory is usually dropped in a death cache at the point of their demise. If you have an active Fjordhawk following you, it will fly to your death bag.
  • Bag Retrieval: The Fjordhawk will then pick up your entire inventory from the death cache.
  • Return to Survivor: Once you respawn at your chosen respawn point (e.g., a bed or random spawn), your Fjordhawk will immediately fly to your new location and deliver your items directly into your inventory.
  • Preventing Loss: This prevents the need to embark on a dangerous and often time-consuming journey back to your death location to retrieve your valuable gear, which might have despawned or been looted by other players or creatures.

Why the Fjordhawk is Invaluable

The Fjordhawk is considered one of the most useful utility creatures in ARK due to its ability to prevent gear loss, especially in situations where retrieving a death bag would be dangerous or impossible.

Scenario Without Fjordhawk With Fjordhawk
Dying in a Dangerous Area High risk of losing all items permanently if you can't return to retrieve them. Fjordhawk retrieves items, allowing you to safely respawn and re-equip.
Dying Far From Base Long, potentially risky journey back to retrieve your bag. Fjordhawk brings items directly to you, saving time and effort.
PvP Situations Opponents can easily loot your death bag. Fjordhawk quickly retrieves your items, often before opponents can loot them.
Accidental Deaths Frustration and setbacks from losing valuable tools, armor, and resources. Mitigates frustration by ensuring your hard-earned gear is returned to you.

This unique capability makes the Fjordhawk an essential tame for both new and veteran players looking to minimize the penalties of death in ARK: Survival Evolved.