What is the best way to gather element shards in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Gathering element shards in ARK: Survival Evolved is a crucial task for players looking to progress into the late game, as element shards are used to craft element, which powers advanced technology like Tek gear. Element shards are primarily found in the Genesis Part 1 and Genesis Part 2 maps, as well as in certain missions and loot crates. Below is a detailed guide on how to efficiently gather element shards, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.
Element shards are a resource that can be obtained through various methods, but the most reliable way is by completing missions in the Genesis maps. These missions range in difficulty and type, including races, hunts, and wave-based survival challenges. Each mission rewards you with hexagons, the currency used in Genesis, which can be exchanged for element shards at the HLN-A shop. Additionally, element shards can sometimes be found in loot crates or as rare drops from certain creatures.
To start gathering element shards, you first need to prepare for missions. Missions in Genesis are divided into different biomes, and each biome has its own set of challenges. Before attempting a mission, ensure you have the right equipment and tames. For example, races often require fast mounts like the Managarmr or Shadowmane, while combat missions benefit from strong fighters like the Rex or Giga. Make sure your tames are well-leveled and equipped with saddles for added protection.
Once youÔÇÖve chosen a mission, approach the mission terminal in the desired biome and activate it. Missions can be completed solo or with a tribe, but some are significantly easier with a group. For example, the "Gauntlet" mission in the Bog biome is a wave-based survival challenge that is much more manageable with multiple players and tames. Communication and coordination are key in these scenarios, so if youÔÇÖre playing with a tribe, assign roles to each member to maximize efficiency.
After completing a mission, youÔÇÖll receive hexagons as a reward. The amount of hexagons depends on the difficulty of the mission and your performance. Higher difficulty missions yield more hexagons but are also more challenging. Once youÔÇÖve accumulated enough hexagons, visit the HLN-A shop to exchange them for element shards. The exchange rate is 100 hexagons for 1 element shard, so plan accordingly.
One important tip is to focus on missions that you can complete quickly and consistently. For example, the "Star Dolphin" mission in the Ocean biome is relatively easy and can be completed in a few minutes with a fast water mount like the Basilisk or Tusoteuthis. Repeating these missions can help you gather hexagons efficiently. Additionally, always check the mission modifiers before starting, as some modifiers can make missions significantly harder or easier.
A common mistake players make is underestimating the difficulty of missions. Even seemingly easy missions can become challenging if youÔÇÖre not prepared. Always bring extra supplies like food, water, and medical brews, and ensure your tames are healed and fed before starting a mission. Another mistake is neglecting to use the right tames for the job. For example, using a slow mount in a race mission will make it nearly impossible to win.
For advanced players, optimizing your tames and equipment can make a big difference. Breeding high-level tames with strong stats and mutations can give you an edge in combat missions. Additionally, using Tek gear like the Tek Rifle or Tek Armor can make certain missions easier, though these require element to craft, so itÔÇÖs a bit of a catch-22. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, consider taming creatures that can handle multiple roles, like the Shadowmane, which is fast, strong, and can teleport.
Resource requirements for gathering element shards include a steady supply of food, water, and ammunition for your weapons. YouÔÇÖll also need a reliable source of healing items like medical brews or custom consumables. If youÔÇÖre playing with a tribe, dividing responsibilities can help streamline the process. For example, one player can focus on gathering hexagons while another handles base maintenance and resource gathering.
In summary, gathering element shards in ARK: Survival Evolved requires preparation, strategy, and efficient use of resources. By focusing on missions that suit your playstyle and tames, you can accumulate hexagons and exchange them for element shards at the HLN-A shop. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or with a tribe, proper planning and execution are key to success. Avoid common mistakes like underestimating mission difficulty and neglecting to use the right tames, and consider advanced techniques like breeding and Tek gear to optimize your efforts. With these strategies, youÔÇÖll be well on your way to gathering the element shards needed for late-game progression.
Element shards are a resource that can be obtained through various methods, but the most reliable way is by completing missions in the Genesis maps. These missions range in difficulty and type, including races, hunts, and wave-based survival challenges. Each mission rewards you with hexagons, the currency used in Genesis, which can be exchanged for element shards at the HLN-A shop. Additionally, element shards can sometimes be found in loot crates or as rare drops from certain creatures.
To start gathering element shards, you first need to prepare for missions. Missions in Genesis are divided into different biomes, and each biome has its own set of challenges. Before attempting a mission, ensure you have the right equipment and tames. For example, races often require fast mounts like the Managarmr or Shadowmane, while combat missions benefit from strong fighters like the Rex or Giga. Make sure your tames are well-leveled and equipped with saddles for added protection.
Once youÔÇÖve chosen a mission, approach the mission terminal in the desired biome and activate it. Missions can be completed solo or with a tribe, but some are significantly easier with a group. For example, the "Gauntlet" mission in the Bog biome is a wave-based survival challenge that is much more manageable with multiple players and tames. Communication and coordination are key in these scenarios, so if youÔÇÖre playing with a tribe, assign roles to each member to maximize efficiency.
After completing a mission, youÔÇÖll receive hexagons as a reward. The amount of hexagons depends on the difficulty of the mission and your performance. Higher difficulty missions yield more hexagons but are also more challenging. Once youÔÇÖve accumulated enough hexagons, visit the HLN-A shop to exchange them for element shards. The exchange rate is 100 hexagons for 1 element shard, so plan accordingly.
One important tip is to focus on missions that you can complete quickly and consistently. For example, the "Star Dolphin" mission in the Ocean biome is relatively easy and can be completed in a few minutes with a fast water mount like the Basilisk or Tusoteuthis. Repeating these missions can help you gather hexagons efficiently. Additionally, always check the mission modifiers before starting, as some modifiers can make missions significantly harder or easier.
A common mistake players make is underestimating the difficulty of missions. Even seemingly easy missions can become challenging if youÔÇÖre not prepared. Always bring extra supplies like food, water, and medical brews, and ensure your tames are healed and fed before starting a mission. Another mistake is neglecting to use the right tames for the job. For example, using a slow mount in a race mission will make it nearly impossible to win.
For advanced players, optimizing your tames and equipment can make a big difference. Breeding high-level tames with strong stats and mutations can give you an edge in combat missions. Additionally, using Tek gear like the Tek Rifle or Tek Armor can make certain missions easier, though these require element to craft, so itÔÇÖs a bit of a catch-22. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, consider taming creatures that can handle multiple roles, like the Shadowmane, which is fast, strong, and can teleport.
Resource requirements for gathering element shards include a steady supply of food, water, and ammunition for your weapons. YouÔÇÖll also need a reliable source of healing items like medical brews or custom consumables. If youÔÇÖre playing with a tribe, dividing responsibilities can help streamline the process. For example, one player can focus on gathering hexagons while another handles base maintenance and resource gathering.
In summary, gathering element shards in ARK: Survival Evolved requires preparation, strategy, and efficient use of resources. By focusing on missions that suit your playstyle and tames, you can accumulate hexagons and exchange them for element shards at the HLN-A shop. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or with a tribe, proper planning and execution are key to success. Avoid common mistakes like underestimating mission difficulty and neglecting to use the right tames, and consider advanced techniques like breeding and Tek gear to optimize your efforts. With these strategies, youÔÇÖll be well on your way to gathering the element shards needed for late-game progression.