How do I locate and farm element shards on Scorched Earth in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Element shards are a valuable resource in ARK: Survival Evolved, especially on Scorched Earth, where they are used for crafting advanced items and structures. Locating and farming element shards on Scorched Earth requires a combination of preparation, strategy, and understanding of the map's unique mechanics. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you efficiently gather element shards.

Element shards on Scorched Earth are primarily obtained by defeating the Manticore, the boss of the map. The Manticore is a powerful creature that resides in the Desert Titan Arena, which can be accessed by summoning the boss using artifacts and tributes. To summon the Manticore, you need to collect three specific artifacts: the Artifact of the Destroyer, the Artifact of the Crag, and the Artifact of the Gatekeeper. These artifacts are found in the caves scattered across the map. Additionally, you will need tributes, which include items like Argentavis Talons, Mantis Claws, and Deathworm Horns. These tributes are obtained by defeating specific creatures in the wild.

Before attempting to farm element shards, itÔÇÖs crucial to prepare adequately. Start by gathering the necessary artifacts and tributes. The caves where the artifacts are located are dangerous, so bring a strong mount like a Sabertooth or a Carnotaurus, and equip yourself with weapons, armor, and medical supplies. Once you have the artifacts and tributes, head to the Obelisk or a Supply Drop to summon the Manticore. Make sure you have a well-prepared team or a strong set of tamed creatures to fight the boss. Recommended creatures include Rexes, Allosauruses, or Wyverns, as they have high damage output and health.

When fighting the Manticore, focus on dealing consistent damage while avoiding its attacks. The Manticore can summon minions, so be prepared to deal with additional threats during the fight. Once the Manticore is defeated, it will drop element shards, which you can collect. The amount of element shards you receive depends on the difficulty of the boss fight, with higher difficulties yielding more shards.

One common mistake to avoid is underestimating the ManticoreÔÇÖs strength. Always bring more creatures and supplies than you think youÔÇÖll need, as the fight can be unpredictable. Another mistake is not preparing for the environmental hazards of Scorched Earth, such as heatstroke and dehydration. Make sure to bring plenty of water and wear appropriate armor to mitigate these effects.

For advanced techniques, consider using a breeding line of high-level Rexes or Wyverns to maximize your chances of success. Breeding creatures with high stats will give you a significant advantage in the boss fight. Additionally, using a Yutyrannus to buff your creatures during the fight can greatly increase their damage output and survivability.

Resource requirements for farming element shards include a strong set of tamed creatures, weapons, armor, medical supplies, and the necessary artifacts and tributes. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, itÔÇÖs even more important to prepare thoroughly, as you wonÔÇÖt have the support of a tribe. Consider using a mix of ranged and melee weapons to handle the Manticore and its minions effectively.

In a tribe setting, coordination is key. Assign roles to each member, such as one person focusing on healing, another on dealing damage, and another on handling the minions. Communication and teamwork will greatly increase your chances of success.

Specific examples of preparation include taming a high-level Rex with a good saddle, gathering enough water and food for the fight, and ensuring you have enough ammunition for ranged weapons. For the caves, bring a strong mount and plenty of torches or light sources to navigate the dark areas.

In conclusion, farming element shards on Scorched Earth requires careful preparation, strong tamed creatures, and a solid strategy. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can efficiently gather element shards and progress further in the game. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or with a tribe, the key to success lies in thorough preparation and effective execution.