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 Tek-tier items and structures. 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 nodes in Extinction. The most common method for obtaining Element is by defeating the gameÔÇÖs bosses, such as the Broodmother, Megapithecus, Dragon, and Overseer. Each boss drops a certain amount of Element upon defeat, with the amount varying depending on the difficulty of the boss fight. For example, the Alpha Dragon on the Island map drops 250 Element, while the Gamma Dragon drops 100. To access these boss fights, you need to collect specific artifacts and tributes, which are found in caves scattered across the map.

To prepare for boss fights, youÔÇÖll need a strong team of tamed dinosaurs, preferably bred and imprinted for maximum stats. Rexes, Therizinos, and Yutyrannus are popular choices for boss fights due to their high damage output and survivability. Make sure your dinosaurs have high health, melee damage, and stamina stats. Equip them with high-quality saddles to reduce incoming damage. Additionally, bring plenty of medical brews and food to heal your dinosaurs during the fight.

For solo players, boss fights can be more challenging, but itÔÇÖs still possible with careful preparation. Focus on breeding and imprinting a small army of strong dinosaurs, and consider using a Yutyrannus for its courage roar ability, which boosts the damage and resistance of nearby dinosaurs. Solo players should also prioritize crafting high-quality weapons and armor, such as shotguns and riot gear, to deal with any adds or environmental hazards during the fight.

Once youÔÇÖve defeated a boss, youÔÇÖll receive Element as part of the loot. However, raw Element has a decay timer and will eventually disappear if not used or converted. To prevent this, you can craft Element Shards or Element Dust, which have no decay timer and can be stored indefinitely. Element Shards are created by placing raw Element into a Tek Replicator or City Terminal, while Element Dust is obtained by grinding Element Shards in a Mortar and Pestle or Tek Dedicated Storage.

In Extinction, Element can also be harvested from Element Nodes, which spawn during Element Vein events. These events require you to defend a specific area from waves of corrupted creatures while a drill extracts Element from the node. To participate in these events, youÔÇÖll need a strong team of tamed dinosaurs and players to defend the drill. Use high-damage dinosaurs like Gigas or Wyverns to quickly eliminate the corrupted creatures. Once the event is complete, youÔÇÖll receive a large amount of Element as a reward.

Another method for obtaining Element is by completing missions in the Genesis maps. Certain missions, such as the Bulbdog Fetch mission in Genesis Part 1, reward Element upon completion. These missions can be challenging, so make sure to bring appropriate gear and tames. For example, the Bulbdog Fetch mission requires you to navigate a maze while avoiding hazards, so having a fast and agile mount like a Rock Drake or Shadowmane can be helpful.

When gathering Element, itÔÇÖs important to manage your resources efficiently. Element is a finite resource, so prioritize using it for essential Tek-tier items like Tek Generators, Tek Transmitters, and Tek Saddles. Avoid wasting Element on unnecessary items or structures. Additionally, consider setting up a dedicated storage system for Element and its derivatives to keep track of your inventory.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the difficulty of boss fights, failing to prepare adequately, and not managing your Element properly. Always scout the boss arena beforehand to understand the layout and potential hazards. Bring extra supplies, such as ammunition and healing items, to ensure youÔÇÖre prepared for any situation. Finally, make sure to convert raw Element into Element Shards or Dust to prevent decay.

Advanced techniques for optimizing Element gathering include breeding and imprinting dinosaurs with specific mutations to maximize their stats. Focus on health and melee damage mutations for boss fight dinosaurs, and consider using a breeding line to produce the strongest possible tames. Additionally, use Tek-tier items like Tek Rifles and Tek Saddles to gain an edge in combat.

In summary, gathering Element in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful preparation, strong tames, and efficient resource management. Whether youÔÇÖre tackling boss fights, participating in Element Vein events, or completing missions, the key to success is planning and execution. By following these strategies and avoiding common mistakes, youÔÇÖll be able to gather Element efficiently and unlock the full potential of Tek-tier technology.