How do I tame a Rock Drake in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Taming a Rock Drake in ARK: Survival Evolved is one of the most challenging but rewarding tasks in the game. Rock Drakes are unique creatures found in the Aberration map, known for their ability to climb walls, glide, and turn invisible. They are highly sought after for their versatility in exploration and combat. However, taming a Rock Drake requires careful preparation, as the process is complex and dangerous.

To tame a Rock Drake, you must first locate their nests in the Radiation Zone of the Aberration map. This area is hazardous due to high radiation levels, so you will need a Hazard Suit or a strong creature like a Radiation-immune Basilisk to survive. Rock Drakes do not tame like most creatures; instead, you must steal their eggs and raise the baby Rock Drake. This means you cannot tame an adult Rock Drake directly.

The first step is to gather the necessary resources. You will need a Hazard Suit, which requires materials like polymer, cementing paste, and electronics. You will also need a strong mount, such as a Megalosaurus or a Karkinos, to help you navigate the dangerous terrain and fend off hostile creatures. Additionally, bring climbing picks, a glider, and a light pet like a Bulbdog or Shinehorn to illuminate the dark areas of the Radiation Zone.

Once you are prepared, head to the Radiation Zone and search for Rock Drake nests. These nests are typically found on high ledges or in hard-to-reach areas. Be cautious, as adult Rock Drakes are aggressive and will attack if they see you near their nests. Use your climbing picks and glider to reach the nests, and be ready to fight or flee if necessary. When you find an egg, pick it up quickly and retreat to a safe location. The egg will have a level, which determines the quality of the Rock Drake you will raise.

After obtaining the egg, you must incubate it. Rock Drake eggs require a specific temperature range to hatch, which can be achieved using air conditioners or dimetrodons. Place the egg in a safe, temperature-controlled area and wait for it to hatch. Once the egg hatches, you will have a baby Rock Drake that needs to be raised.

Raising a baby Rock Drake involves feeding it Nameless Venom, which is obtained by killing Nameless creatures in the Aberration map. You will need a steady supply of Nameless Venom to keep the baby Rock Drake alive and growing. Additionally, you must imprint on the baby by interacting with it regularly and fulfilling its requests, such as walking or cuddling. Imprinting increases the Rock Drake's stats and strengthens your bond with it.

One common mistake is underestimating the dangers of the Radiation Zone. Without proper preparation, you can easily die from radiation or hostile creatures. Always bring a Hazard Suit, a strong mount, and a light pet to ensure your survival. Another mistake is taking too long to retrieve the egg, as adult Rock Drakes will attack if they see you near their nests. Move quickly and be ready to escape if necessary.

For advanced players, consider using a Karkinos to carry multiple eggs at once, or a Reaper King to help clear the area of hostile creatures. You can also build a small outpost near the Radiation Zone to store supplies and incubate eggs safely. If you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to gather resources and protect each other during the egg retrieval process. Solo players should focus on stealth and speed, avoiding unnecessary fights and prioritizing survival.

In summary, taming a Rock Drake requires careful preparation, resource management, and strategic planning. By gathering the necessary resources, navigating the dangerous Radiation Zone, and raising the baby Rock Drake with care, you can add this powerful creature to your arsenal. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, mastering the taming process will greatly enhance your survival and exploration capabilities in ARK: Survival Evolved.