How do I manage tribe tames during a server rollback in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Managing tribe tames during a server rollback in ARK: Survival Evolved can be a challenging task, but with proper preparation and understanding of the game mechanics, you can minimize losses and ensure the safety of your tribe's tamed creatures. A server rollback occurs when the game server reverts to a previous state, often due to crashes, bugs, or maintenance. This can undo recent progress, including taming, breeding, and resource gathering. To manage tribe tames effectively during a rollback, you need to focus on preparation, communication, and recovery strategies.

First, it is important to understand the mechanics of server rollbacks. When a rollback happens, the server reverts to a previous save point, which could be minutes or even hours before the crash. This means any tames, structures, or resources acquired after that save point will be lost. For tribe tames, this could mean losing newly tamed creatures, breeding progress, or even the creatures themselves if they were tamed after the save point. To mitigate this, tribes should regularly back up their progress by manually saving the game if the server allows it. This can be done by an admin using console commands, but it requires server access.

Step-by-step, the first thing you should do is ensure that all tribe members are aware of the potential for a rollback. Communication is key, and everyone should know what to do if a rollback occurs. Assign roles to tribe members, such as who will check on tames, who will gather resources, and who will monitor the server status. This ensures that everyone is prepared and can act quickly if needed. Next, focus on securing your tames. If you suspect a rollback might happen, move your tames to a safe location, such as a well-protected base or a hidden area. This reduces the risk of them being lost or killed during the rollback.

Important tips and considerations include keeping a log of your tames and their locations. This can be done using in-game markers or external tools like spreadsheets. By knowing where each tame is, you can quickly check on them after a rollback. Additionally, avoid taming new creatures or breeding during unstable server conditions. If a rollback occurs, you could lose the time and resources invested in these activities. Instead, focus on maintaining and protecting your existing tames.

Common mistakes to avoid include not having a backup plan and failing to communicate with your tribe. Without a plan, you risk losing valuable tames and resources. Another mistake is overextending your tribe's resources by taming too many creatures at once. This can make it difficult to manage and protect them during a rollback. Instead, focus on quality over quantity, and ensure that each tame is well-protected and useful to the tribe.

Advanced techniques and optimizations include using cryopods to store your tames. Cryopods allow you to freeze creatures and store them in your inventory, making them safe from rollbacks. This is especially useful for high-value tames like boss fighters or breeding pairs. Additionally, consider using tek structures to protect your tames. Tek forcefields and turrets can provide extra security, reducing the risk of losing tames to wild creatures or enemy tribes during a rollback.

Resource requirements and preparation involve having enough materials to rebuild and recover after a rollback. Stockpile resources like metal, stone, and wood to quickly repair or rebuild structures. Keep a supply of food and medical items for your tames, as they may need healing or feeding after the rollback. If you are breeding creatures, ensure you have enough food and resources to care for the babies, as they are particularly vulnerable during a rollback.

Tribe and solo considerations differ slightly. In a tribe, coordination and communication are essential. Assign roles and ensure everyone knows their responsibilities. Solo players need to be extra cautious, as they have no one to rely on but themselves. Focus on securing a small number of high-value tames and keep them in a safe location. Use cryopods and tek structures to protect your tames, and always have a backup plan in case of a rollback.

Specific examples and scenarios include a tribe that recently tamed a high-level Rex for boss fights. If a rollback occurs, the Rex could be lost, along with the resources used to tame it. To prevent this, the tribe should store the Rex in a cryopod or keep it in a secure base with tek defenses. Another scenario is a solo player breeding a line of high-stat creatures. If a rollback happens, the breeding progress could be lost. To avoid this, the player should focus on protecting the breeding pair and their offspring, using cryopods and secure enclosures.

In conclusion, managing tribe tames during a server rollback requires preparation, communication, and quick action. By understanding the mechanics, assigning roles, and using advanced techniques like cryopods and tek structures, you can minimize losses and protect your tames. Avoid common mistakes, stockpile resources, and always have a backup plan. Whether you are in a tribe or playing solo, these strategies will help you navigate the challenges of server rollbacks and keep your tames safe.