What is the best strategy for taming a 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 large, rock-like creatures found in specific regions, such as the desert biome on Scorched Earth or certain areas on other maps like Ragnarok or Extinction. They are highly resistant to conventional weapons, making them difficult to knock out using standard methods. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to tame a Rock Elemental effectively.

First, itÔÇÖs important to understand the mechanics of taming a Rock Elemental. Unlike most creatures, Rock Elementals cannot be knocked out with tranq arrows or darts. Instead, they must be tamed using a cannon or a catapult. These siege weapons are the only tools capable of dealing enough damage to the Rock Elemental to lower its torpor. Once its torpor is sufficiently high, the Rock Elemental will fall unconscious, allowing you to feed it the required taming food. The preferred food for taming a Rock Elemental is Sulfur, which can be found in the desert or volcanic regions. You will need a significant amount of Sulfur, so gather as much as possible before starting the taming process.

To begin, you will need to craft a cannon or a catapult. A cannon is generally more effective due to its higher damage output, but a catapult can also work if you are in the early stages of the game and lack the resources for a cannon. You will also need cannonballs or boulders for ammunition. Crafting these requires metal, gunpowder, and stone, so ensure you have a good supply of these materials. Additionally, you will need a large amount of Sulfur, as mentioned earlier, and some narcotics or biotoxin to keep the Rock Elemental unconscious during the taming process.

Once you have your siege weapon and ammunition ready, the next step is to locate a Rock Elemental. These creatures are typically found in desert or volcanic areas, so head to these regions and scout for one. When you find a Rock Elemental, you will need to lure it to a safe location where you can set up your cannon or catapult. ItÔÇÖs a good idea to build a taming pen or trap to keep the Rock Elemental in place while you work on taming it. A common strategy is to use large stone or metal gateways to create a pen that the Rock Elemental cannot escape from. Make sure the pen is large enough to accommodate the Rock Elemental and has an opening for you to shoot it with your siege weapon.

With the Rock Elemental trapped, position your cannon or catapult at a safe distance and begin firing. Aim for the body of the Rock Elemental, as headshots do not deal extra damage. Each hit will increase the Rock ElementalÔÇÖs torpor, but be careful not to kill it. Rock Elementals have a lot of health, but they can still be killed if you deal too much damage. Monitor its health and torpor levels closely, and stop firing once its torpor is high enough to knock it out. Once the Rock Elemental is unconscious, quickly approach it and place the Sulfur in its inventory. You will need to keep an eye on its torpor level and administer narcotics or biotoxin as needed to keep it unconscious.

One common mistake to avoid is using the wrong type of weapon. Regular tranq arrows or darts will not work on a Rock Elemental, so attempting to use them will only waste your resources. Another mistake is not having enough Sulfur or narcotics. Running out of these during the taming process can result in the Rock Elemental waking up and attacking you, forcing you to start over. Additionally, failing to trap the Rock Elemental properly can lead to it escaping or attacking you while you are trying to tame it, so make sure your trap is secure.

For advanced players, there are a few optimizations you can make to speed up the taming process. Using a cannon with high-quality cannonballs will deal more damage and increase the Rock ElementalÔÇÖs torpor faster, reducing the overall taming time. Additionally, having a tribe member assist you can make the process easier, as one person can focus on firing the cannon while the other monitors the Rock ElementalÔÇÖs torpor and health levels. If you are playing solo, consider using a mount like a Wyvern or a fast flyer to help you gather resources and set up your trap more efficiently.

In terms of resource requirements, you will need a significant amount of metal, gunpowder, and stone to craft your siege weapon and ammunition. Sulfur is the primary taming food, so gather as much as you can from the desert or volcanic regions. Narcotics or biotoxin are also essential for keeping the Rock Elemental unconscious, so make sure you have a good supply of these as well. If you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your tribe members to gather these resources more efficiently.

In conclusion, taming a Rock Elemental in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful preparation and execution. By understanding the unique mechanics involved, gathering the necessary resources, and using the right strategies, you can successfully tame one of these powerful creatures. Whether you are playing solo or with a tribe, following these steps will help you add a Rock Elemental to your arsenal and enhance your survival and progression in the game.