Can Rock Drakes Fly in ARK: Survival Evolved? An In-Depth Guide
The question of whether Rock Drakes can fly in ARK: Survival Evolved is a common one, especially among new players drawn to this fascinating creature. The straightforward answer is: no, Rock Drakes cannot fly. They lack the ability to achieve true, sustained flight like a Pteranodon or a Wyvern. However, they possess remarkable alternative means of traversal that often lead to this misunderstanding. Their unique movement abilities allow them to conquer the treacherous landscapes of their native Aberration map, and beyond. Let’s dive into the details of how the Rock Drake navigates the world.
Understanding the Rock Drake’s Movement
While they don’t fly, the Rock Drake is an exceptionally agile creature built for navigating the hazardous environments of Aberration. Instead of traditional flight, they excel in gliding, wall climbing, and dashing, making them a master of vertical and horizontal movement.
The Art of Gliding
The Rock Drake’s most notable aerial maneuver is its gliding ability. Imagine a sugar glider; when they jump from a height, they extend their limbs, using skin flaps to catch the air, enabling them to travel long distances horizontally. The Rock Drake has a similar capability. If a Rock Drake is sprinting and then jumps, it will transition seamlessly into a glide. This allows for rapid traversal of large gaps and dramatic descents, adding to the misconception of “flying.”
The gliding mechanism is efficient and allows players to cover significant distances quickly. While gliding, you can adjust the direction, allowing for tactical maneuvering across and around environmental obstacles. It’s also essential to note that if a Rock Drake is merely walking and jumps, it will only perform a standard jump, it wont glide. There is also a rare occasion where, even when sprinting and jumping off a cliff, the drake will occasionally plummet instead of gliding.
Climbing Mastery
Beyond gliding, Rock Drakes are proficient climbers. Their powerful claws and limbs enable them to scale any surface, be it rocky walls or cave formations. This ability is crucial for traversing the intricate and often vertical landscapes of Aberration. This climbing ability is similar to the Megalania, making it an essential tool for getting into hard to reach places.
Speed and Dashing
The Rock Drake can also utilize quick dashes to accelerate rapidly across the terrain or to make quick maneuvers. Combining these with gliding and climbing capabilities makes the Rock Drake a highly mobile and versatile mount for exploration and combat.
Rock Drake Utility and Abilities
The Rock Drake is not just about getting around. It also boasts a unique set of abilities that make it a powerful asset in ARK: Survival Evolved:
- Invisibility: One of its most impressive abilities is its power to turn invisible. This camouflage allows it to bypass enemies and makes it perfect for stealth missions or navigating dangerous territories without being detected.
- Tech Saddle: The Rock Drake has a specialized Tek Saddle that, in addition to added armor, allows the player to fire a plasma cannon while invisible and gliding. This makes it formidable in combat while using stealth to get the drop on unsuspecting foes.
- Detection: Rock Drakes can detect buried Reapers, giving them another important utility.
- Versatility: Due to its movement abilities, the Rock Drake is excellent for scouting, navigating difficult terrain, and even for use in combat when coupled with its other abilities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To further clarify the specifics of the Rock Drake, here are some Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How do I make a Rock Drake glide?
To initiate a glide, your Rock Drake needs to be sprinting when you jump. Simply running off a ledge will not trigger the glide, and you will plummet. If walking, it will perform a normal jump instead of gliding.
2. Can I ride a Rock Drake without a saddle?
No, the Rock Drake is the first creature tamed from birth that requires a saddle to ride. Unlike Wyverns or Reapers, a Rock Drake cannot be ridden without its specific saddle.
3. Can a Rock Drake fit through a dino gate?
No, Rock Drakes are too large to fit through a normal dino gate.
4. Can Rock Drakes break stone structures?
No, tamed Rock Drakes can only break thatch and wood structures. They cannot damage stone or, presumably, adobe structures.
5. What does the Rock Drake Tek Saddle do?
The Rock Drake Tek Saddle provides more armor and allows the player to fire a plasma cannon by pressing the melee key (default Ctrl) while riding. The cannon can also be used while the Rock Drake is invisible and gliding.
6. What kind of ‘fly’ is a Drake?
This refers to the Green Drake mayfly known to fly fishers. It’s a large mayfly that trout commonly target, not a reference to the Rock Drake’s abilities in Ark.
7. Can two people ride a Rock Drake?
Yes, a Rock Drake can carry a single additional passenger. However, it’s important to note that the passenger is damaged by attacks against the Rock Drake and is not protected by the Rock Drake’s camouflage ability.
8. Where do Rock Drake eggs come from?
Rock Drake Eggs are found in The Grave of the Lost, below Element Falls, behind a twin waterfall on the Aberration map. Look for nests located in indentations along the walls of the area, identifiable by its distinctive yellow lighting.
9. Can you tame a Reaper King?
Yes, but not directly. You must lower a Reaper Queen to under 10% health. Once her health is low, turn off your light source and she will glow red, allowing you to tame her.
10. What is the rarest creature in ARK: Survival Evolved?
The rarest creatures include: Titanosaurus (2-3 per map), Unicorn (1 per map), Tusoteuthis (1 per map), Alpha Rex (1 per map), Liopleurodon (1 per map for 30 minutes), and Phoenix (1 per map, only during a heatwave).
11. Do Rock Drakes need venom to survive?
Yes, Rock Drakes are dependent on Nameless Venom when they are babies and juveniles. It is their only source of food until they reach the adult stage, so you must have a supply to raise one.
12. How do I hatch a Rock Drake egg?
Rock Drake Eggs require very low temperatures to hatch. You’ll need at least 20 air conditioners in an enclosed room. It might be necessary to add more or find a colder location.
13. What do baby Rock Drakes eat?
Baby Rock Drakes only eat Nameless Venom, which can be harvested from cracked orange rocks in the Aberration cave or purple geode caves in the southeastern Vannaland beaches. This is what you will use to feed them and imprint on them.
14. Can Rock Drakes detect Reapers?
Yes, Rock Drakes can detect buried Reapers. If there are Reapers near by, the feathers on the Rock Drake’s head will flare up as a warning.
15. Do turrets shoot invisible Rock Drakes?
No, invisible Rock Drakes are not targeted by turrets or other tames, like Velonasaurs. This can be an extremely powerful advantage for combat and avoiding hostile encounters.
Conclusion
While the Rock Drake can’t “fly” in the traditional sense, its unique blend of gliding, climbing, invisibility, and combat abilities makes it a versatile and powerful creature in ARK: Survival Evolved. This highly agile and adaptive creature more than compensates for the lack of actual flight. Its usefulness in traversing tricky terrain, its stealth capabilities, and combat potential makes it a popular choice for players looking to conquer the challenges of the game. Understanding its specific mechanics ensures you will fully utilize its potential.