How do I tame a Rock Elemental without it destroying my taming pen in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Taming a Rock Elemental in ARK: Survival Evolved is one of the more challenging tasks in the game due to its high durability, powerful attacks, and ability to destroy structures. Rock Elementals are massive, rock-like creatures found in specific regions, such as the desert biome on Scorched Earth or the volcanic areas on other maps. They are highly resistant to most forms of damage, making traditional taming methods ineffective. To tame a Rock Elemental, you must use a unique approach involving cannons or catapults, as they cannot be knocked out with tranquilizers. Below is a detailed guide on how to tame a Rock Elemental without it destroying your taming pen.
First, you need to prepare the necessary resources and equipment. For taming a Rock Elemental, you will need a cannon, cannonballs, and a large taming pen. The cannon is essential because it is one of the few weapons that can deal significant damage to a Rock Elemental without destroying it. You will also need a large amount of stone, as Rock Elementals only eat stone during the taming process. Additionally, bring a high-damage weapon like a longneck rifle or crossbow to deal with any predators that might interfere with the taming process. Armor and medical supplies are also recommended to protect yourself from the Rock Elemental's attacks and environmental hazards.
Next, you need to build a secure taming pen. The taming pen should be large enough to trap the Rock Elemental but strong enough to withstand its attacks. Use metal structures if possible, as Rock Elementals can easily destroy stone and wood structures. The pen should have a large gate or opening to lure the Rock Elemental inside. Once the pen is built, place the cannon on a platform or elevated position where you can safely shoot the Rock Elemental without being hit by its attacks. Make sure the cannon is loaded with cannonballs before engaging the Rock Elemental.
To lure the Rock Elemental into the pen, you can use a fast mount like a Pteranodon or Argentavis. Fly close to the Rock Elemental to aggro it, then lead it into the pen. Once the Rock Elemental is inside, close the gate or block the entrance to trap it. Be careful not to get too close, as the Rock Elemental can throw boulders that deal massive damage and knock you off your mount. If you are playing solo, this step can be tricky, so practice leading the Rock Elemental into the pen before attempting the actual tame.
Once the Rock Elemental is trapped, use the cannon to shoot it. Aim for the body, as headshots do not deal extra damage to Rock Elementals. Each cannonball will reduce the Rock Elemental's torpor, but it will also deal damage. Be careful not to kill the Rock Elemental, as it has a relatively low health pool compared to its torpor. After a few cannonball hits, the Rock Elemental will begin to fall unconscious. At this point, stop shooting and start feeding it stone. The Rock Elemental will only eat stone, so make sure you have a large supply ready. Keep an eye on its torpor level and use narcotics or biotoxin if necessary to keep it unconscious.
One common mistake is underestimating the Rock Elemental's ability to destroy structures. Even with a metal pen, the Rock Elemental can still damage the walls if it is not properly trapped. To avoid this, make sure the pen is large enough to keep the Rock Elemental away from the walls. Another mistake is using too many cannonballs and accidentally killing the Rock Elemental. To prevent this, use a taming calculator to determine the exact number of cannonballs needed based on the Rock Elemental's level.
Advanced techniques include using a Quetzal with a platform saddle to carry the cannon. This allows you to shoot the Rock Elemental from a safe distance while moving around to avoid its attacks. You can also use a tribe member to operate the cannon while another player lures the Rock Elemental into the pen. This makes the process faster and safer, especially in high-level areas with many predators.
In conclusion, taming a Rock Elemental requires careful preparation, a strong taming pen, and precise use of the cannon. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully tame a Rock Elemental and add it to your arsenal of powerful creatures. Whether you are playing solo or with a tribe, the Rock Elemental is a valuable asset for base defense and resource gathering, making the effort well worth it.
First, you need to prepare the necessary resources and equipment. For taming a Rock Elemental, you will need a cannon, cannonballs, and a large taming pen. The cannon is essential because it is one of the few weapons that can deal significant damage to a Rock Elemental without destroying it. You will also need a large amount of stone, as Rock Elementals only eat stone during the taming process. Additionally, bring a high-damage weapon like a longneck rifle or crossbow to deal with any predators that might interfere with the taming process. Armor and medical supplies are also recommended to protect yourself from the Rock Elemental's attacks and environmental hazards.
Next, you need to build a secure taming pen. The taming pen should be large enough to trap the Rock Elemental but strong enough to withstand its attacks. Use metal structures if possible, as Rock Elementals can easily destroy stone and wood structures. The pen should have a large gate or opening to lure the Rock Elemental inside. Once the pen is built, place the cannon on a platform or elevated position where you can safely shoot the Rock Elemental without being hit by its attacks. Make sure the cannon is loaded with cannonballs before engaging the Rock Elemental.
To lure the Rock Elemental into the pen, you can use a fast mount like a Pteranodon or Argentavis. Fly close to the Rock Elemental to aggro it, then lead it into the pen. Once the Rock Elemental is inside, close the gate or block the entrance to trap it. Be careful not to get too close, as the Rock Elemental can throw boulders that deal massive damage and knock you off your mount. If you are playing solo, this step can be tricky, so practice leading the Rock Elemental into the pen before attempting the actual tame.
Once the Rock Elemental is trapped, use the cannon to shoot it. Aim for the body, as headshots do not deal extra damage to Rock Elementals. Each cannonball will reduce the Rock Elemental's torpor, but it will also deal damage. Be careful not to kill the Rock Elemental, as it has a relatively low health pool compared to its torpor. After a few cannonball hits, the Rock Elemental will begin to fall unconscious. At this point, stop shooting and start feeding it stone. The Rock Elemental will only eat stone, so make sure you have a large supply ready. Keep an eye on its torpor level and use narcotics or biotoxin if necessary to keep it unconscious.
One common mistake is underestimating the Rock Elemental's ability to destroy structures. Even with a metal pen, the Rock Elemental can still damage the walls if it is not properly trapped. To avoid this, make sure the pen is large enough to keep the Rock Elemental away from the walls. Another mistake is using too many cannonballs and accidentally killing the Rock Elemental. To prevent this, use a taming calculator to determine the exact number of cannonballs needed based on the Rock Elemental's level.
Advanced techniques include using a Quetzal with a platform saddle to carry the cannon. This allows you to shoot the Rock Elemental from a safe distance while moving around to avoid its attacks. You can also use a tribe member to operate the cannon while another player lures the Rock Elemental into the pen. This makes the process faster and safer, especially in high-level areas with many predators.
In conclusion, taming a Rock Elemental requires careful preparation, a strong taming pen, and precise use of the cannon. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully tame a Rock Elemental and add it to your arsenal of powerful creatures. Whether you are playing solo or with a tribe, the Rock Elemental is a valuable asset for base defense and resource gathering, making the effort well worth it.