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 and structures. 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 from simple tasks like hunting specific creatures to more complex challenges like races or wave-based combat. 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 drops from certain creatures, but these methods are less consistent.
To start gathering element shards, you first need to prepare for missions. Missions in Genesis are divided into different difficulty levels, and higher-difficulty missions reward more hexagons. Before attempting missions, ensure you have the right equipment and tames. For combat missions, strong tames like Rexes, Spinos, or Shadowmanes are recommended. For races or agility-based missions, fast and agile creatures like the Managarmr or Rock Drake are ideal. Make sure your tames are well-leveled and equipped with saddles for added protection.
Once you are prepared, head to a mission terminal. These terminals are scattered across the Genesis maps and can be identified by their glowing blue interface. Interact with the terminal to view available missions. Choose a mission that suits your current setup and difficulty preference. For example, if you have strong combat tames, opt for a hunting or wave-based mission. If you prefer speed and agility, select a race or obstacle course mission.
Completing missions efficiently requires practice and familiarity with the objectives. For hunting missions, focus on taking down the required creatures quickly while avoiding unnecessary fights. For wave-based missions, position your tames strategically to handle incoming enemies. In races, learn the course layout and use your creature's abilities to gain an edge. After completing a mission, you will receive hexagons based on your performance. Higher scores and faster completion times yield more hexagons.
With hexagons in hand, visit the HLN-A shop to exchange them for element shards. The shop can be accessed through the HLN-A companion item, which you receive upon starting the Genesis maps. Open the shop interface and navigate to the resources section to purchase element shards. Keep in mind that the exchange rate varies, so prioritize missions that offer the most hexagons for your time.
For solo players, focusing on missions that can be completed alone is key. Hunting missions and races are often solo-friendly, while wave-based missions may require strong tames or careful planning. In a tribe, coordinate with teammates to tackle more challenging missions. Assign roles, such as one player handling combat while another focuses on support or resource management. Tribe members can also pool hexagons to purchase larger quantities of element shards.
Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating mission difficulty and neglecting to prepare adequately. Always scout the mission area beforehand and ensure your tames are in top condition. Another mistake is wasting hexagons on unnecessary items. Prioritize element shards and other essential resources over cosmetic or low-priority items in the HLN-A shop.
Advanced techniques involve optimizing your mission runs for maximum efficiency. For example, in hunting missions, use tames with high damage output to quickly eliminate targets. In races, practice the course to shave seconds off your time. Additionally, consider using buffs or consumables to enhance your performance. For wave-based missions, set up defensive structures or traps to thin out enemy waves before engaging.
Resource requirements for gathering element shards include strong tames, weapons, and armor. Ensure you have enough food, ammunition, and healing items to sustain yourself during missions. Base building near mission terminals can save time and provide a safe haven for preparation and recovery. Storage boxes and crafting stations nearby allow for quick access to supplies.
In summary, gathering element shards in ARK: Survival Evolved involves completing missions in the Genesis maps, earning hexagons, and exchanging them for shards. Preparation, strategy, and practice are key to success. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, focus on missions that align with your strengths and optimize your runs for maximum efficiency. Avoid common mistakes and use advanced techniques to enhance your performance. With careful planning and execution, you can gather element shards efficiently and progress further in the game.
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 from simple tasks like hunting specific creatures to more complex challenges like races or wave-based combat. 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 drops from certain creatures, but these methods are less consistent.
To start gathering element shards, you first need to prepare for missions. Missions in Genesis are divided into different difficulty levels, and higher-difficulty missions reward more hexagons. Before attempting missions, ensure you have the right equipment and tames. For combat missions, strong tames like Rexes, Spinos, or Shadowmanes are recommended. For races or agility-based missions, fast and agile creatures like the Managarmr or Rock Drake are ideal. Make sure your tames are well-leveled and equipped with saddles for added protection.
Once you are prepared, head to a mission terminal. These terminals are scattered across the Genesis maps and can be identified by their glowing blue interface. Interact with the terminal to view available missions. Choose a mission that suits your current setup and difficulty preference. For example, if you have strong combat tames, opt for a hunting or wave-based mission. If you prefer speed and agility, select a race or obstacle course mission.
Completing missions efficiently requires practice and familiarity with the objectives. For hunting missions, focus on taking down the required creatures quickly while avoiding unnecessary fights. For wave-based missions, position your tames strategically to handle incoming enemies. In races, learn the course layout and use your creature's abilities to gain an edge. After completing a mission, you will receive hexagons based on your performance. Higher scores and faster completion times yield more hexagons.
With hexagons in hand, visit the HLN-A shop to exchange them for element shards. The shop can be accessed through the HLN-A companion item, which you receive upon starting the Genesis maps. Open the shop interface and navigate to the resources section to purchase element shards. Keep in mind that the exchange rate varies, so prioritize missions that offer the most hexagons for your time.
For solo players, focusing on missions that can be completed alone is key. Hunting missions and races are often solo-friendly, while wave-based missions may require strong tames or careful planning. In a tribe, coordinate with teammates to tackle more challenging missions. Assign roles, such as one player handling combat while another focuses on support or resource management. Tribe members can also pool hexagons to purchase larger quantities of element shards.
Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating mission difficulty and neglecting to prepare adequately. Always scout the mission area beforehand and ensure your tames are in top condition. Another mistake is wasting hexagons on unnecessary items. Prioritize element shards and other essential resources over cosmetic or low-priority items in the HLN-A shop.
Advanced techniques involve optimizing your mission runs for maximum efficiency. For example, in hunting missions, use tames with high damage output to quickly eliminate targets. In races, practice the course to shave seconds off your time. Additionally, consider using buffs or consumables to enhance your performance. For wave-based missions, set up defensive structures or traps to thin out enemy waves before engaging.
Resource requirements for gathering element shards include strong tames, weapons, and armor. Ensure you have enough food, ammunition, and healing items to sustain yourself during missions. Base building near mission terminals can save time and provide a safe haven for preparation and recovery. Storage boxes and crafting stations nearby allow for quick access to supplies.
In summary, gathering element shards in ARK: Survival Evolved involves completing missions in the Genesis maps, earning hexagons, and exchanging them for shards. Preparation, strategy, and practice are key to success. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, focus on missions that align with your strengths and optimize your runs for maximum efficiency. Avoid common mistakes and use advanced techniques to enhance your performance. With careful planning and execution, you can gather element shards efficiently and progress further in the game.