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

Gathering Element in ARK: Survival Evolved is one of the most challenging and rewarding tasks in the game. Element is a rare and powerful resource used to craft advanced technology, such as Tek-tier items, structures, and weapons. It is essential for endgame progression, but obtaining it requires significant preparation, strategy, and effort. Below is a detailed guide on how to gather Element effectively, covering mechanics, strategies, and tips.

Element is primarily obtained by defeating bosses, completing the Tek Cave, or harvesting it from specific sources in the game. The most common method is defeating bosses, as they drop Element as part of their loot. Each boss fight requires a tribute of artifacts and other items to summon the boss, and the amount of Element you receive depends on the difficulty of the boss. For example, the Gamma-level bosses drop less Element than Beta or Alpha-level bosses. Additionally, Element can be harvested from Element Nodes in the Genesis Part 1 and Part 2 maps, or by using a Tek Stryder to mine Element Shards in Genesis Part 2.

To gather Element through boss fights, you must first prepare for the encounter. This involves taming and breeding strong dinosaurs, crafting high-quality weapons and armor, and gathering the necessary tribute items. For example, to summon the Broodmother boss on The Island map, you need to collect the Artifact of the Hunter, Artifact of the Clever, and Artifact of the Pack, along with other resources like Sauropod Vertebra and Titanoboa Venom. These artifacts are found in specific caves, which are often guarded by dangerous creatures. Clearing these caves requires a well-prepared team or a strong tamed dinosaur, such as a Baryonyx or Thylacoleo.

Once you have the tribute items, you can summon the boss at the corresponding Obelisk or Terminal. Boss fights are challenging and require a coordinated strategy. For example, the Broodmother is weak to ranged attacks, so bringing a pack of high-level Megatheriums and a few Rexes for tanking can be effective. The Megatherium's Insect Killer buff makes it particularly strong against the Broodmother. After defeating the boss, you will receive Element as part of the loot. The amount varies depending on the difficulty, with Alpha bosses dropping the most Element.

Another method of obtaining Element is through the Tek Cave on The Island map. This is one of the most difficult challenges in the game and requires a well-coordinated tribe. The Tek Cave is a long and dangerous dungeon filled with high-level creatures and environmental hazards. At the end of the cave, you must defeat the Overseer boss, which drops a significant amount of Element. Preparing for the Tek Cave involves breeding and imprinting high-level Rexes, Therizinos, or other strong dinosaurs, as well as crafting Tek-tier armor and weapons. It is also important to bring plenty of supplies, such as medical brews and ammunition.

For players on the Genesis Part 1 and Part 2 maps, Element can be harvested from Element Nodes or mined using a Tek Stryder. Element Nodes are found in specific biomes, such as the Lunar biome in Genesis Part 1. These nodes can be harvested using a Tek Pick or a Mining Drill, but they are often guarded by hostile creatures. The Tek Stryder, a robotic dinosaur introduced in Genesis Part 2, is particularly effective at mining Element Shards, which can be converted into Element at a Tek Replicator. This method is more accessible for solo players or smaller tribes, as it does not require boss fights or large-scale preparation.

When gathering Element, there are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind. First, always bring a strong team or tamed dinosaurs to boss fights and caves. Coordination and preparation are key to success. Second, make sure to craft and use Tek-tier gear when possible, as it provides significant advantages in combat and resource gathering. Third, manage your resources carefully, as summoning bosses and crafting Tek items can be expensive. Finally, avoid common mistakes such as underestimating the difficulty of boss fights or neglecting to prepare for environmental hazards in caves.

In conclusion, gathering Element in ARK: Survival Evolved is a complex but rewarding process. Whether you choose to defeat bosses, complete the Tek Cave, or harvest Element Nodes, careful preparation and strategy are essential. By following the steps and tips outlined above, you can efficiently gather Element and unlock the powerful Tek-tier technology needed to dominate the game.