What is the best way to farm element for advanced base building in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Farming element in ARK: Survival Evolved is essential for advanced base building, as it is required to craft high-tier structures, Tek-tier items, and advanced power systems. Element is a rare and valuable resource, and obtaining it requires careful planning, preparation, and execution. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to farm element efficiently.

Element is primarily obtained by defeating bosses, completing the Tek Cave, or harvesting it from specific sources like the Genesis missions or ExtinctionÔÇÖs Orbital Supply Drops. The most common and reliable method for farming element is by defeating the gameÔÇÖs bosses. Each boss drops a certain amount of element, and the quantity depends on the difficulty level of the boss fight (Gamma, Beta, or Alpha). To access boss fights, you must gather artifacts and tributes, which are found in caves scattered across the map. For example, the Broodmother boss requires the Artifact of the Clever, Artifact of the Hunter, and Artifact of the Pack, along with specific creature trophies like Argentavis Talons and Sarco Skin.

To prepare for boss fights, you need a strong team of tamed dinosaurs. Rexes, Therizinosaurs, and Yutyrannus are popular choices for boss battles due to their high damage output and survivability. Breeding and imprinting these creatures will significantly boost their stats, making them more effective in combat. Additionally, equipping them with high-quality saddles will provide extra protection. For the Dragon boss, which deals percentage-based fire damage, using creatures with high health and fire resistance, such as Therizinosaurs, is recommended. For the Megapithecus and Broodmother, Rexes with high melee damage are ideal.

Once youÔÇÖve assembled your team, gather the required artifacts and tributes. Artifacts are found in caves, which are often guarded by hostile creatures and environmental hazards like lava or freezing temperatures. Bring a strong mount, such as a Baryonyx or Thylacoleo, to navigate these caves safely. Tribute items are obtained by killing specific creatures, such as Argentavis for Talons or Carnotaurus for Trophies. Store these items in a secure location until youÔÇÖre ready to summon the boss.

When youÔÇÖre prepared, head to the appropriate Obelisk or Supply Crate to summon the boss. Ensure your dinosaurs are properly positioned and buffed with a YutyrannusÔÇÖs Courage Roar before engaging. During the fight, focus on dealing damage while avoiding the bossÔÇÖs attacks. After defeating the boss, youÔÇÖll receive element, which can be used to craft Tek-tier items or converted into element shards for easier storage and transport.

For solo players, farming element can be more challenging due to the difficulty of boss fights. Consider teaming up with other players or using mods like S+ to make the process easier. In a tribe, coordinate roles during boss fights, such as having one player focus on healing with a Daeodon while others deal damage. Communication and preparation are key to success.

Advanced techniques include using Tek-tier equipment, such as the Tek Rifle or Tek Armor, to gain an edge in boss fights. Additionally, farming element on Extinction by defending Orbital Supply Drops or defeating Titans can yield large amounts of element. On Genesis, completing missions can also reward element, though this method is less efficient than boss fights.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating boss difficulty, bringing underprepared dinosaurs, or failing to gather enough tributes. Always double-check your inventory before summoning a boss to ensure you have everything you need. Additionally, avoid using low-quality saddles or unmutated dinosaurs, as they will struggle to survive the fight.

Resource requirements for farming element include high-quality weapons, armor, and saddles, as well as ample supplies of food, ammunition, and healing items. Breeding and raising a strong team of dinosaurs will also require significant time and resources, so plan accordingly.

In summary, farming element in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful preparation, strong dinosaurs, and strategic execution. By defeating bosses, completing missions, or defending Orbital Supply Drops, you can gather the element needed for advanced base building and Tek-tier progression. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, focus on teamwork, resource management, and efficient strategies to maximize your element yield.