What are the best ways to farm element for advanced base systems in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Farming element in ARK: Survival Evolved is essential for powering advanced base systems like Tek structures, Tek replicators, and other high-tier equipment. Element is a rare and valuable resource that can be obtained through several methods, each requiring different levels of preparation and effort. Below is a detailed guide on the best ways to farm element, covering mechanics, strategies, and tips to optimize your efforts.
The primary methods for obtaining element include defeating bosses, completing the Tek Cave, harvesting from Extinction's Orbital Supply Drops, and using the Genesis missions. Each method has its own mechanics and requirements. Boss fights are the most traditional way to farm element. To access boss fights, you must gather artifacts from caves and tributes from specific creatures. Once you have the required items, you can summon the boss at an Obelisk or Terminal. Defeating the boss rewards you with element, with the amount varying depending on the difficulty of the boss. For example, the Alpha difficulty bosses yield the most element, but they are also the most challenging. Preparing for boss fights involves taming strong creatures like Rexes, Therizinos, or Megatheriums, equipping them with high-quality saddles, and bringing plenty of healing items like Sweet Vegetable Cakes.
Another method is completing the Tek Cave on The Island map. This is an endgame activity that requires defeating all three bosses (Broodmother, Megapithecus, and Dragon) to unlock. The Tek Cave is a challenging dungeon filled with dangerous creatures and environmental hazards. Successfully completing the cave and defeating the final boss, the Overseer, rewards you with a significant amount of element. This method is best suited for well-prepared tribes with strong tames and coordinated strategies.
On the Extinction map, Orbital Supply Drops are a reliable source of element. These drops occur randomly across the map and are defended by waves of corrupted creatures. The higher the difficulty of the drop, the more element you can obtain. To farm these effectively, you need a strong team of tames and players to handle the waves of enemies. Creatures like Gigas, Velonasaurs, and Manas are excellent choices for defending against the corrupted creatures. Additionally, using Tek equipment like Tek Rifles or Tek Saddles can give you an edge in combat.
Genesis missions also offer a way to farm element, particularly on the Genesis Part 1 and Part 2 maps. Completing missions on higher difficulties rewards you with hexagons, which can be exchanged for element at the HLNA shop. Some missions are easier to farm than others, so itÔÇÖs worth experimenting to find the ones that suit your playstyle. For example, the "Gauntlet" mission on Genesis Part 2 is a popular choice for farming hexagons due to its relatively straightforward mechanics.
When farming element, preparation is key. Ensure you have high-quality gear, strong tames, and plenty of resources like ammunition, healing items, and food. For boss fights, coordinate with your tribe to assign roles, such as tanking, healing, and damage dealing. Communication and teamwork are crucial for success, especially in challenging activities like the Tek Cave or high-level Orbital Supply Drops.
Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the difficulty of boss fights or Orbital Supply Drops, not bringing enough supplies, or failing to coordinate with your tribe. For example, attempting an Alpha boss fight without proper tames or saddles can result in a quick defeat. Similarly, neglecting to bring enough healing items or ammunition can leave you vulnerable during prolonged battles. Always scout the area and plan your approach before engaging in high-risk activities.
Advanced techniques include optimizing your tamesÔÇÖ stats through breeding and imprinting. Breeding creatures with high health, damage, and stamina stats can significantly improve your chances of success in boss fights and other high-level activities. Additionally, using Tek equipment like Tek Saddles or Tek Rifles can give you a significant advantage in combat. For example, the Tek Rex SaddleÔÇÖs laser attack can deal massive damage to bosses, while the Tek RifleÔÇÖs explosive rounds are effective against waves of enemies.
Resource requirements vary depending on the method you choose. For boss fights, youÔÇÖll need artifacts, tributes, and strong tames. For Orbital Supply Drops, youÔÇÖll need powerful combat tames and plenty of ammunition. For Genesis missions, youÔÇÖll need to complete missions efficiently to earn hexagons. Regardless of the method, having a well-stocked base with crafting stations, storage, and resource farms is essential for preparing and recovering from these activities.
Tribe considerations are important, as many of these activities are easier to complete with a group. Coordinating with your tribe to assign roles, share resources, and strategize can greatly improve your chances of success. Solo players can still farm element, but they may need to focus on lower-difficulty activities or use advanced techniques like breeding and imprinting to compensate for the lack of teammates.
In summary, farming element in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful preparation, strong tames, and effective strategies. Whether youÔÇÖre defeating bosses, completing the Tek Cave, defending Orbital Supply Drops, or farming Genesis missions, success depends on your ability to plan, coordinate, and adapt to challenges. By following these tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can efficiently farm element and power your advanced base systems.
The primary methods for obtaining element include defeating bosses, completing the Tek Cave, harvesting from Extinction's Orbital Supply Drops, and using the Genesis missions. Each method has its own mechanics and requirements. Boss fights are the most traditional way to farm element. To access boss fights, you must gather artifacts from caves and tributes from specific creatures. Once you have the required items, you can summon the boss at an Obelisk or Terminal. Defeating the boss rewards you with element, with the amount varying depending on the difficulty of the boss. For example, the Alpha difficulty bosses yield the most element, but they are also the most challenging. Preparing for boss fights involves taming strong creatures like Rexes, Therizinos, or Megatheriums, equipping them with high-quality saddles, and bringing plenty of healing items like Sweet Vegetable Cakes.
Another method is completing the Tek Cave on The Island map. This is an endgame activity that requires defeating all three bosses (Broodmother, Megapithecus, and Dragon) to unlock. The Tek Cave is a challenging dungeon filled with dangerous creatures and environmental hazards. Successfully completing the cave and defeating the final boss, the Overseer, rewards you with a significant amount of element. This method is best suited for well-prepared tribes with strong tames and coordinated strategies.
On the Extinction map, Orbital Supply Drops are a reliable source of element. These drops occur randomly across the map and are defended by waves of corrupted creatures. The higher the difficulty of the drop, the more element you can obtain. To farm these effectively, you need a strong team of tames and players to handle the waves of enemies. Creatures like Gigas, Velonasaurs, and Manas are excellent choices for defending against the corrupted creatures. Additionally, using Tek equipment like Tek Rifles or Tek Saddles can give you an edge in combat.
Genesis missions also offer a way to farm element, particularly on the Genesis Part 1 and Part 2 maps. Completing missions on higher difficulties rewards you with hexagons, which can be exchanged for element at the HLNA shop. Some missions are easier to farm than others, so itÔÇÖs worth experimenting to find the ones that suit your playstyle. For example, the "Gauntlet" mission on Genesis Part 2 is a popular choice for farming hexagons due to its relatively straightforward mechanics.
When farming element, preparation is key. Ensure you have high-quality gear, strong tames, and plenty of resources like ammunition, healing items, and food. For boss fights, coordinate with your tribe to assign roles, such as tanking, healing, and damage dealing. Communication and teamwork are crucial for success, especially in challenging activities like the Tek Cave or high-level Orbital Supply Drops.
Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the difficulty of boss fights or Orbital Supply Drops, not bringing enough supplies, or failing to coordinate with your tribe. For example, attempting an Alpha boss fight without proper tames or saddles can result in a quick defeat. Similarly, neglecting to bring enough healing items or ammunition can leave you vulnerable during prolonged battles. Always scout the area and plan your approach before engaging in high-risk activities.
Advanced techniques include optimizing your tamesÔÇÖ stats through breeding and imprinting. Breeding creatures with high health, damage, and stamina stats can significantly improve your chances of success in boss fights and other high-level activities. Additionally, using Tek equipment like Tek Saddles or Tek Rifles can give you a significant advantage in combat. For example, the Tek Rex SaddleÔÇÖs laser attack can deal massive damage to bosses, while the Tek RifleÔÇÖs explosive rounds are effective against waves of enemies.
Resource requirements vary depending on the method you choose. For boss fights, youÔÇÖll need artifacts, tributes, and strong tames. For Orbital Supply Drops, youÔÇÖll need powerful combat tames and plenty of ammunition. For Genesis missions, youÔÇÖll need to complete missions efficiently to earn hexagons. Regardless of the method, having a well-stocked base with crafting stations, storage, and resource farms is essential for preparing and recovering from these activities.
Tribe considerations are important, as many of these activities are easier to complete with a group. Coordinating with your tribe to assign roles, share resources, and strategize can greatly improve your chances of success. Solo players can still farm element, but they may need to focus on lower-difficulty activities or use advanced techniques like breeding and imprinting to compensate for the lack of teammates.
In summary, farming element in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful preparation, strong tames, and effective strategies. Whether youÔÇÖre defeating bosses, completing the Tek Cave, defending Orbital Supply Drops, or farming Genesis missions, success depends on your ability to plan, coordinate, and adapt to challenges. By following these tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can efficiently farm element and power your advanced base systems.