What is the best way to gather rare resources like element in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Gathering rare resources like Element in ARK: Survival Evolved is a challenging but rewarding task that requires careful planning, preparation, and execution. Element is one of the most valuable resources in the game, used for crafting advanced technology such as Tek-tier items, structures, and weapons. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to efficiently gather Element, covering mechanics, strategies, and important considerations.

Element is primarily obtained by defeating bosses, completing certain missions in Genesis, or harvesting it from specific sources like Element Nodes in Extinction or Element Shards in Aberration. The most common method for obtaining Element is by defeating bosses, as they drop Element directly or provide Tekgrams that unlock advanced crafting recipes. To start, youÔÇÖll need to prepare for boss fights, which require a strong team of tamed dinosaurs, high-quality gear, and a well-coordinated strategy.

First, youÔÇÖll need to gather the necessary resources to summon a boss. Each boss requires specific tribute items, such as artifacts, trophies, or other rare materials. Artifacts are found in caves scattered across the map, while trophies are obtained by defeating powerful creatures like Alpha dinosaurs. Make sure to explore caves thoroughly and bring a strong mount like a Sabertooth or Thylacoleo to handle the hostile creatures inside. Once you have the required tribute items, head to the corresponding Obelisk or Supply Drop to summon the boss.

For boss fights, youÔÇÖll need a team of powerful tamed dinosaurs. Rexes, Therizinos, and Yutyrannus are popular choices due to their high damage output and survivability. Make sure your dinosaurs have high health, melee damage, and saddle armor. Breeding and imprinting your dinosaurs can significantly boost their stats, making them more effective in combat. Additionally, bring a Yutyrannus to provide a courage buff, which increases your teamÔÇÖs damage and reduces incoming damage.

During the boss fight, focus on positioning and coordination. Keep your dinosaurs close together to maximize the Yutyrannus buff and avoid spreading out too much, as this can make it harder to manage the fight. Use ranged weapons like shotguns or assault rifles to deal damage from a distance, but be careful not to aggro the boss onto yourself. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, consider using a high-level Rex with a good saddle to tank the boss while you deal damage from a safe distance.

After defeating the boss, youÔÇÖll receive Element as a reward. The amount of Element varies depending on the difficulty of the boss and the map youÔÇÖre playing on. For example, the Alpha difficulty bosses on The Island map drop the most Element, while lower difficulty bosses drop less. Make sure to store your Element in a secure location, as it has a decay timer and will eventually disappear if not used or stored properly.

In addition to boss fights, Element can also be obtained from Element Nodes in Extinction or Element Shards in Aberration. Element Nodes are large crystalline structures found in the wasteland biome of Extinction. To harvest Element from these nodes, youÔÇÖll need a strong mount like a Giganotosaurus or a Mek. Element Shards, on the other hand, can be harvested from red and blue crystals in Aberration. These shards can be converted into Element using a Charge Node or a Replicator.

When gathering Element from these sources, be prepared for intense combat. Element Nodes are often guarded by corrupted creatures, while Element Shards are located in dangerous areas filled with hostile wildlife. Bring a strong team of tamed dinosaurs and high-quality gear to handle these threats. Additionally, consider building a temporary base or outpost near the resource location to store your loot and provide a safe retreat if needed.

For solo players, gathering Element can be more challenging but still achievable. Focus on taming high-level dinosaurs with strong stats and invest in good saddles to increase their survivability. Use hit-and-run tactics during boss fights to minimize damage and avoid getting overwhelmed. When harvesting Element Nodes or Shards, bring a mount with high health and damage output to handle the hostile creatures in the area.

Advanced techniques for gathering Element include using Tek-tier gear and weapons. Tek armor provides increased protection and mobility, while Tek rifles and shotguns deal high damage to bosses and corrupted creatures. Additionally, using a Tek Replicator allows you to craft Element from Shards more efficiently. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to maximize efficiency and share resources. Assign roles such as tank, DPS, and support to ensure a smooth and successful operation.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the difficulty of boss fights and not preparing adequately. Make sure to bring enough supplies, such as medical brews, ammunition, and food, to sustain your team during the fight. Additionally, avoid spreading out too much during the fight, as this can make it harder to manage the boss and protect your dinosaurs. Finally, always store your Element in a secure location to prevent decay or theft.

In conclusion, gathering Element in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, preparation, and execution. Whether youÔÇÖre defeating bosses, harvesting Element Nodes, or converting Shards, make sure to bring a strong team of tamed dinosaurs, high-quality gear, and a well-coordinated strategy. By following these tips and strategies, youÔÇÖll be able to efficiently gather Element and unlock the advanced technology needed to dominate the world of ARK.