Can You Breed Rock Elementals in Ark: Survival Evolved?
The short and direct answer is no, you cannot breed Rock Elementals in Ark: Survival Evolved. Despite the presence of the “Enable Mating” option on their radial wheel, Rock Elementals are fundamentally incapable of reproduction through traditional breeding methods. This option is a reused mechanic from the standard Dino wheel in the game, and it’s applied universally, even to creatures like Rock Elementals that are not designed to breed.
This lack of breeding capability is a core feature of the Rock Elemental and a design choice by the game developers. Understanding why Rock Elementals cannot breed, and what alternative methods are available to acquire these imposing creatures is essential for players who aim to master Ark’s mechanics.
Understanding Rock Elementals: A Unique Case
Rock Elementals stand out from most other creatures in Ark. They are essentially living golems, beings of animated stone, rather than biological entities. This crucial difference is why they are governed by unique rules when compared to organic dinos. Their method of “taming,” which involves incapacitation and feeding, contrasts sharply with the process of traditional breeding.
While many creatures in Ark can be bred to produce offspring with desired traits or even powerful mutations, this system is simply not applicable to Rock Elementals. Instead, players must rely on taming wild instances of these creatures, a process widely known to be challenging and resource-intensive. This requirement makes each successfully tamed Rock Elemental a true victory and valuable asset in the game.
Why the “Enable Mating” Option Exists
The reason the “Enable Mating” option appears on the Rock Elemental’s wheel is simple: it’s a default function of the radial wheel utilized across most tamed creatures in Ark. The game developers chose to reuse the same menu structure for all creatures rather than coding exceptions for each non-breedable entity. Thus, while the option is visible, it is non-functional for Rock Elementals and does not initiate any breeding process. This is a common practice in game development to save time and resources, even if it can be confusing to players.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Rock Elementals
Here are some common questions regarding Rock Elementals and their unique features in Ark: Survival Evolved:
Can Rock Elementals be Tamed?
Yes, absolutely. Rock Elementals can be tamed, although it’s known to be one of the most difficult tames in the game. They require specialized methods, such as cannons, to be knocked out effectively.
What are the Best Methods for Taming a Rock Elemental?
The most effective method for taming a Rock Elemental is using a cannon to inflict torpor damage. Players often use a Paracer equipped with a platform saddle to mount the cannon, allowing for mobile firepower. Rocket launchers can also be used to induce torpor but are less effective and can potentially kill the elemental.
What do Rock Elementals Eat when Tamed?
Once tamed, Rock Elementals will consume Sulfur, Stone, or Clay. These items are relatively common in Ark, making post-taming upkeep manageable.
How Many Cannon Shots are Required to Tame a Rock Elemental?
The number of cannon shots necessary varies depending on the Rock Elemental’s level. For a low-level (level 1) Rock Elemental, roughly 15-20 cannon headshots are needed. It’s best to bring extra cannonballs to be safe. For higher levels, you would need substantially more. Remember to aim for the head for maximum torpor impact.
What is the Alternative to Cannon for Taming?
While the cannon is considered the most efficient, a catapult can also be used. Using a catapult with a large trap is necessary, and hitting the torpor hotspot is essential for effective takedowns.
Can I use Rockets to Knock Out a Rock Elemental?
While technically possible, using rockets to knock out a Rock Elemental is not recommended due to their lower efficiency and the high risk of killing the creature. They don’t induce the required torpor as efficiently as cannonballs.
Is there a Rubble Golem I can tame?
No, the Rubble Golem, which is a smaller variant of the Rock Elemental, cannot be tamed. It serves as a deceptive environment element and is not intended for taming. It is also not as strong and does not require cannon fire.
Are Rock Elementals Immune to Elemental Damage?
Yes, Rock Elementals are completely immune to elemental damage. This includes fire, poison, and the breath attacks of Wyverns. This immunity makes them powerful assets against certain threats.
Can Bleed Damage Kill a Rock Elemental?
Yes, bleed damage can kill Rock Elementals. Creatures like Thylacoleos or Carnos can cause this. However, using bleed may prevent you from getting experience. Be aware that bleed damage ignores armor and can kill it if the bleed is not neutralized before reaching zero health.
What About Lava Golems?
Lava Golems are different from Rock Elementals, found in volcanic caves. To knock them out you need Prime elemental dinos or tranqs and above, and they require Lava Rocks to tame.
How can I protect my Rock Elemental from Wyverns?
Because Rock elementals are immune to Wyvern breath, they make excellent tanks against Wyverns. While the wyverns may be able to do minor bite damage, it is best to let the Rock Elemental take the wyvern’s attacks.
Why is Taming a Rock Elemental So Hard?
Taming a Rock Elemental is designed to be a significant challenge. Their high health, torpor, and the resources needed to tame them make them a mid to end-game tame. This encourages team play, strategy, and resource gathering.
Can I use Metal Arrows to Knock Out Rock Elementals?
Metal arrows are less effective than explosives. While it may cause some torpor, it is not recommended as it will require a vast amount of arrows.
How can I find Rock Elementals?
Rock Elementals spawn in specific areas in Ark: Survival Evolved, such as desert regions or mountainous zones. Knowing their spawn locations can help expedite your taming plans.
Is there any way to obtain Rock Golems through luck?
There is a different game, where there is a pet Rock Golem, however, in Ark survival evolved this is not the case. The only way to get a Rock Elemental is by taming them.
Conclusion
While the “Enable Mating” option may be misleading on Rock Elementals, understanding their unique nature is key to succeeding in Ark: Survival Evolved. The fact that they cannot be bred only makes them a rarer, more challenging, but ultimately more rewarding tame. Players must learn the intricacies of taming these magnificent creatures through strategic preparation and dedicated gameplay. By acknowledging their limitations and embracing the challenges they present, you will learn to master the art of acquiring and utilizing these powerful, stone-clad giants.