What is the best way to tame a low-level Rock Elemental 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 unique mechanics and high resistance to most forms of damage. Rock Elementals are found in specific regions, such as the desert biome on Scorched Earth or certain areas on other maps like Ragnarok and Extinction. They are powerful creatures that can be used for both defense and resource gathering, making them highly valuable. However, taming them requires careful planning and execution.
The first thing to understand about taming a Rock Elemental is that it cannot be knocked out using traditional methods like tranq arrows or darts. Instead, you must use a Cannon or a Catapult to deal damage to it. Rock Elementals take significantly reduced damage from most weapons, but they are vulnerable to explosives and siege weapons. This means you will need to craft a Cannon or Catapult, which requires a Fabricator and a good amount of resources, including metal ingots, cementing paste, and polymer. Additionally, you will need Cannonballs or Boulders for ammunition, which also require metal and stone to craft.
Once you have the necessary equipment, the next step is to locate a Rock Elemental. These creatures are often found in rocky or desert areas, and they are usually solitary. When you find one, you need to lure it into a position where you can safely attack it without being overwhelmed. Rock Elementals are slow but deal massive damage, so maintaining distance is crucial. Using a flying mount like an Argentavis or a Wyvern can help you stay out of harm's way while you set up your siege weapon.
To begin the taming process, you will need to fire Cannonballs or Boulders at the Rock Elemental. Each hit will reduce its health and increase its torpor. However, Rock Elementals have a unique mechanic where they will "harden" periodically, reducing incoming damage to almost zero. During this phase, you must stop attacking and wait for the hardening to wear off before continuing. This process can take a while, so patience is key. It is also important to note that Rock Elementals will regenerate health over time, so you need to keep the pressure on to prevent them from healing too much.
Once the Rock Elemental's torpor is high enough, it will collapse and enter a "taming" state. At this point, you need to feed it Sulfur, which is its preferred taming food. Sulfur can be found in the desert biome or by mining certain rocks. You will need a significant amount of Sulfur, so it is a good idea to gather as much as possible before starting the taming process. While the Rock Elemental is in the taming state, you must continue to monitor its torpor and feed it Sulfur as needed. Using a taming calculator can help you determine exactly how much Sulfur is required based on the Rock Elemental's level.
One common mistake players make is underestimating the amount of resources needed for this process. Taming a Rock Elemental requires a lot of preparation, including gathering materials for the Cannon or Catapult, crafting ammunition, and collecting Sulfur. Running out of any of these resources mid-tame can lead to failure, so it is essential to overprepare. Another mistake is not paying attention to the Rock Elemental's hardening phase. Attacking during this phase is ineffective and wastes valuable ammunition.
For advanced players, there are a few optimizations you can make to streamline the process. One strategy is to build a taming pen using metal structures to trap the Rock Elemental. This can make it easier to control the creature and prevent it from wandering off or attacking you. Additionally, using a tribe can make the process faster and safer. One player can focus on operating the siege weapon while others gather resources or defend against other threats. However, taming a Rock Elemental solo is also possible with careful planning and execution.
In conclusion, taming a Rock Elemental in ARK: Survival Evolved is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. It requires a significant investment of time and resources, as well as a good understanding of the creature's unique mechanics. By preparing thoroughly, using the right equipment, and staying patient, you can successfully tame a Rock Elemental and add a powerful ally to your arsenal. Whether you are playing solo or with a tribe, this process will test your skills and resourcefulness, but the payoff is well worth the effort.
The first thing to understand about taming a Rock Elemental is that it cannot be knocked out using traditional methods like tranq arrows or darts. Instead, you must use a Cannon or a Catapult to deal damage to it. Rock Elementals take significantly reduced damage from most weapons, but they are vulnerable to explosives and siege weapons. This means you will need to craft a Cannon or Catapult, which requires a Fabricator and a good amount of resources, including metal ingots, cementing paste, and polymer. Additionally, you will need Cannonballs or Boulders for ammunition, which also require metal and stone to craft.
Once you have the necessary equipment, the next step is to locate a Rock Elemental. These creatures are often found in rocky or desert areas, and they are usually solitary. When you find one, you need to lure it into a position where you can safely attack it without being overwhelmed. Rock Elementals are slow but deal massive damage, so maintaining distance is crucial. Using a flying mount like an Argentavis or a Wyvern can help you stay out of harm's way while you set up your siege weapon.
To begin the taming process, you will need to fire Cannonballs or Boulders at the Rock Elemental. Each hit will reduce its health and increase its torpor. However, Rock Elementals have a unique mechanic where they will "harden" periodically, reducing incoming damage to almost zero. During this phase, you must stop attacking and wait for the hardening to wear off before continuing. This process can take a while, so patience is key. It is also important to note that Rock Elementals will regenerate health over time, so you need to keep the pressure on to prevent them from healing too much.
Once the Rock Elemental's torpor is high enough, it will collapse and enter a "taming" state. At this point, you need to feed it Sulfur, which is its preferred taming food. Sulfur can be found in the desert biome or by mining certain rocks. You will need a significant amount of Sulfur, so it is a good idea to gather as much as possible before starting the taming process. While the Rock Elemental is in the taming state, you must continue to monitor its torpor and feed it Sulfur as needed. Using a taming calculator can help you determine exactly how much Sulfur is required based on the Rock Elemental's level.
One common mistake players make is underestimating the amount of resources needed for this process. Taming a Rock Elemental requires a lot of preparation, including gathering materials for the Cannon or Catapult, crafting ammunition, and collecting Sulfur. Running out of any of these resources mid-tame can lead to failure, so it is essential to overprepare. Another mistake is not paying attention to the Rock Elemental's hardening phase. Attacking during this phase is ineffective and wastes valuable ammunition.
For advanced players, there are a few optimizations you can make to streamline the process. One strategy is to build a taming pen using metal structures to trap the Rock Elemental. This can make it easier to control the creature and prevent it from wandering off or attacking you. Additionally, using a tribe can make the process faster and safer. One player can focus on operating the siege weapon while others gather resources or defend against other threats. However, taming a Rock Elemental solo is also possible with careful planning and execution.
In conclusion, taming a Rock Elemental in ARK: Survival Evolved is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. It requires a significant investment of time and resources, as well as a good understanding of the creature's unique mechanics. By preparing thoroughly, using the right equipment, and staying patient, you can successfully tame a Rock Elemental and add a powerful ally to your arsenal. Whether you are playing solo or with a tribe, this process will test your skills and resourcefulness, but the payoff is well worth the effort.