How do I tame a high-level Rock Elemental in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Taming a high-level Rock Elemental in ARK: Survival Evolved is one of the most challenging tasks in the game due to its unique mechanics and high resistance to conventional taming methods. 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 and cannot be tamed using standard knockout methods. Instead, taming a Rock Elemental requires a specific approach involving cannons or catapults, making it a complex and resource-intensive process.
To begin, you must first locate a Rock Elemental. These creatures are typically found in arid or volcanic regions, such as the dunes of Scorched Earth or the lava-filled areas of Ragnarok. Once you have located a Rock Elemental, you need to prepare for the taming process. The key to taming a Rock Elemental is to use a cannon or catapult to fire boulders at it. These boulders will deal torpor damage, which is necessary to knock out the creature. However, Rock Elementals have a unique mechanic where they will "harden" when taking damage, reducing the effectiveness of your attacks. To counter this, you must time your shots carefully to maximize torpor gain while minimizing the hardening effect.
Before engaging the Rock Elemental, gather the necessary resources. You will need a cannon or catapult, cannonballs or boulders, and a large amount of ammunition. Additionally, you will need a platform or structure to place the cannon or catapult on, as these weapons are stationary and require a stable surface to operate. Building a taming pen is highly recommended to prevent the Rock Elemental from escaping or attacking you during the process. The pen should be large enough to accommodate the Rock Elemental but small enough to keep it contained. Use stone or metal structures, as Rock Elementals can easily destroy wood.
Once your setup is ready, lure the Rock Elemental into the taming pen. This can be done by approaching it on a fast mount, such as a Pteranodon or Raptor, and leading it into the pen. Be cautious, as Rock Elementals deal significant damage and can easily kill you or your mount if you get too close. Once the Rock Elemental is inside the pen, close the gate to trap it. Now, position your cannon or catapult at a safe distance and begin firing boulders at the creature. Aim for the body, as headshots do not provide any additional torpor. Each hit will increase the Rock Elemental's torpor, but be mindful of the hardening mechanic. If the Rock Elemental hardens, wait a few seconds before firing again to allow the effect to wear off.
Monitoring the Rock Elemental's torpor is crucial. Use a spyglass to check its torpor level and ensure it does not wake up during the process. If the torpor begins to drop, fire another boulder to keep it unconscious. Once the Rock Elemental is fully knocked out, you can begin the taming process. Unlike other creatures, Rock Elementals do not require food to tame. Instead, you must place sulfur in its inventory. Sulfur is a resource found in the desert or volcanic regions, so make sure you have gathered enough before starting the taming process. The amount of sulfur required depends on the Rock Elemental's level, with higher levels requiring more sulfur.
One common mistake players make is underestimating the amount of resources needed. Taming a high-level Rock Elemental can take a significant amount of time and resources, so it is essential to prepare thoroughly. Another mistake is failing to account for the hardening mechanic, which can prolong the taming process if not managed correctly. Additionally, players often forget to build a secure taming pen, leading to the Rock Elemental escaping or causing havoc.
For advanced players, using a Quetzalcoatlus with a platform saddle can make the taming process easier. By placing a cannon on the platform, you can maneuver the Quetzalcoatlus to maintain a safe distance while firing at the Rock Elemental. This method allows for greater mobility and reduces the risk of the Rock Elemental attacking you or your structures. Another optimization is to use a tribe to divide the workload. One player can focus on firing the cannon, while another gathers sulfur or repairs structures if needed.
In conclusion, taming a high-level Rock Elemental requires careful planning, resource management, and precise execution. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully tame one of the most powerful creatures in ARK: Survival Evolved. Whether you are playing solo or with a tribe, the Rock Elemental can be a valuable asset for defense, resource gathering, and exploration.
To begin, you must first locate a Rock Elemental. These creatures are typically found in arid or volcanic regions, such as the dunes of Scorched Earth or the lava-filled areas of Ragnarok. Once you have located a Rock Elemental, you need to prepare for the taming process. The key to taming a Rock Elemental is to use a cannon or catapult to fire boulders at it. These boulders will deal torpor damage, which is necessary to knock out the creature. However, Rock Elementals have a unique mechanic where they will "harden" when taking damage, reducing the effectiveness of your attacks. To counter this, you must time your shots carefully to maximize torpor gain while minimizing the hardening effect.
Before engaging the Rock Elemental, gather the necessary resources. You will need a cannon or catapult, cannonballs or boulders, and a large amount of ammunition. Additionally, you will need a platform or structure to place the cannon or catapult on, as these weapons are stationary and require a stable surface to operate. Building a taming pen is highly recommended to prevent the Rock Elemental from escaping or attacking you during the process. The pen should be large enough to accommodate the Rock Elemental but small enough to keep it contained. Use stone or metal structures, as Rock Elementals can easily destroy wood.
Once your setup is ready, lure the Rock Elemental into the taming pen. This can be done by approaching it on a fast mount, such as a Pteranodon or Raptor, and leading it into the pen. Be cautious, as Rock Elementals deal significant damage and can easily kill you or your mount if you get too close. Once the Rock Elemental is inside the pen, close the gate to trap it. Now, position your cannon or catapult at a safe distance and begin firing boulders at the creature. Aim for the body, as headshots do not provide any additional torpor. Each hit will increase the Rock Elemental's torpor, but be mindful of the hardening mechanic. If the Rock Elemental hardens, wait a few seconds before firing again to allow the effect to wear off.
Monitoring the Rock Elemental's torpor is crucial. Use a spyglass to check its torpor level and ensure it does not wake up during the process. If the torpor begins to drop, fire another boulder to keep it unconscious. Once the Rock Elemental is fully knocked out, you can begin the taming process. Unlike other creatures, Rock Elementals do not require food to tame. Instead, you must place sulfur in its inventory. Sulfur is a resource found in the desert or volcanic regions, so make sure you have gathered enough before starting the taming process. The amount of sulfur required depends on the Rock Elemental's level, with higher levels requiring more sulfur.
One common mistake players make is underestimating the amount of resources needed. Taming a high-level Rock Elemental can take a significant amount of time and resources, so it is essential to prepare thoroughly. Another mistake is failing to account for the hardening mechanic, which can prolong the taming process if not managed correctly. Additionally, players often forget to build a secure taming pen, leading to the Rock Elemental escaping or causing havoc.
For advanced players, using a Quetzalcoatlus with a platform saddle can make the taming process easier. By placing a cannon on the platform, you can maneuver the Quetzalcoatlus to maintain a safe distance while firing at the Rock Elemental. This method allows for greater mobility and reduces the risk of the Rock Elemental attacking you or your structures. Another optimization is to use a tribe to divide the workload. One player can focus on firing the cannon, while another gathers sulfur or repairs structures if needed.
In conclusion, taming a high-level Rock Elemental requires careful planning, resource management, and precise execution. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully tame one of the most powerful creatures in ARK: Survival Evolved. Whether you are playing solo or with a tribe, the Rock Elemental can be a valuable asset for defense, resource gathering, and exploration.