Does the Manticore Give Extra Levels in Ark: Survival Evolved?
Yes, defeating the Manticore in Ark: Survival Evolved can grant you extra levels, specifically upon Ascension. The number of levels you gain depends on the difficulty setting you conquer the Manticore on. Successfully defeating the Manticore on Alpha difficulty will reward you with +15 levels upon Ascension. This is a significant boost towards reaching the maximum player level and unlocking powerful Engrams.
Understanding Ascension and Level Caps in Ark
Ascension is a crucial mechanic in Ark that allows players to progress beyond the initially attainable level cap. By defeating certain end-game bosses, such as the Manticore, and completing the Ascension process, you gain access to additional levels and unlock the ability to learn higher-tier Engrams. These Engrams are essential for crafting advanced items, structures, and equipment that significantly enhance your survival capabilities.
As of December 2022, the maximum achievable player level in Ark is 205. This level is attained by combining several sources: starting at level 1, gaining 104 levels through standard gameplay and experience, acquiring 75 levels from Ascensions gained by defeating end-game bosses, obtaining 10 levels from collecting all Explorer Notes on every map, and adding 5 levels by maximizing a Chibi (a cosmetic pet). Understanding these mechanics and diligently pursuing Ascension through boss battles is key to maximizing your character’s potential.
Manticore Strategy and Preparations
Defeating the Manticore requires careful planning and execution. A common strategy involves utilizing high-level Rexes with excellent saddles. Circle the Manticore, effectively pinning it and preventing it from constantly flying around, making it easier to inflict damage. Other powerful dinosaurs, such as Therizinosaurus and Spinosaurus, can also be effective, but Rexes remain a popular and reliable choice.
Keep in mind, as the original article notes, using very small creatures may result in the Manticore not landing. So, avoid bringing things like Mantises to the fight.
To access the Manticore Arena, you’ll need the following Artifacts:
- Artifact of the Gatekeeper
- Artifact of the Crag
- Artifact of the Destroyer
Gathering these artifacts is a necessary prerequisite for challenging the Manticore and earning those valuable extra levels. Finally, for the Alpha Manticore, you will need the following:
- Manticore Tribute (Alpha) ×20 Fire Talon
- ×20 Lightning Talon
- ×20 Poison Talon
Manticore’s Role Among Ark’s Bosses
While the King Titan is generally considered the hardest boss in Ark, the Manticore presents a significant challenge, especially on Alpha difficulty. It is ranked among the tougher bosses, demanding well-coordinated teamwork and strong dinos to be defeated. The ability to fly, coupled with its ranged attacks, makes it a formidable opponent that requires a sound strategy to overcome.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Bosses, Levels, and the Manticore
Here are 15 frequently asked questions related to the Manticore, levels, bosses, and general progression in Ark: Survival Evolved:
1. Which bosses grant extra levels upon Ascension?
Aside from the Manticore, several other bosses reward extra levels upon Ascension, primarily the Overseer, Rockwell, King Titan, Master Controller, and the boss at the end of Genesis Part 2. The exact number of levels granted often depends on the difficulty level at which the boss was defeated.
2. How many levels do the Overseer and Rockwell give on Alpha difficulty?
Both the Overseer and Rockwell on Alpha difficulty will each give 15 levels upon Ascension. You can earn additional levels by leveling up a Chibi.
3. Do bosses on Valguero or Lost Island give +15 levels on Alpha difficulty?
No, neither Valguero nor Lost Island have bosses that directly grant +15 levels upon Ascension. The bosses that give those levels are typically on the main story Arks (The Island, Aberration, Extinction, Genesis 1 & 2).
4. What is the maximum level achievable in Ark?
As of December 2022, the maximum level in Ark is 205, obtained through a combination of standard leveling, Ascension through boss fights, Explorer Note collection, and Chibi leveling.
5. Can Wyverns be used in the Manticore boss fight?
Yes, Wyverns can be used in the Manticore boss fight. The Manticore Arena is one of the few boss arenas that permits flying creatures.
6. How do I reach level 190 in Ark?
Reaching level 190 involves defeating bosses multiple times for Ascension. You must Ascend multiple times. Each Ascension provides an additional 15 levels.
7. What is the maximum XP a player can have in Ark?
Ark has a limit of 2,147,483,647 XP. Exceeding this value can cause issues.
8. Is the Dragon boss harder than the Manticore?
Generally, the Dragon is considered a more challenging boss than the Manticore. The Dragon’s fire attacks and high health pool require more specialized tactics and preparation.
9. Where can I find Rock Drake eggs on Valguero?
You can find Rock Drake eggs in the Aberration trench on Valguero, a dangerous area with environmental hazards and aggressive creatures.
10. What is the best dinosaur to use for the Broodmother boss fight?
Megatherium are highly effective against the Broodmother due to their damage buff against insects.
11. What are some quick ways to gain XP in Ark?
Completing tasks on Genesis, taming Crystal Wyverns, gathering Extinction Notes, crafting scuba gear, and taming Megatherium are all efficient ways to gain XP in Ark.
12. Can a Carcharodontosaurus be used in boss fights?
While powerful, Carcharodontosaurus are generally not recommended for boss fights. They often lack the specialized abilities and resilience of other boss-fighting dinos.
13. Can the Manticore be tamed?
No, the Manticore cannot be tamed through conventional methods. The article references a way to do so through a mod that allows Manticore eggs to be obtained, but that is not possible in vanilla Ark.
14. What is the easiest boss to defeat in Ark?
The Broodmother on Gamma difficulty is often considered the easiest boss to defeat, especially with a well-prepared strategy and the right dinosaurs.
15. What are the Artifacts needed for Alpha Manticore?
You need the Artifact of the Gatekeeper, Artifact of the Crag, and Artifact of the Destroyer to access the Manticore Arena.
Conclusion
The Manticore remains a relevant challenge in Ark: Survival Evolved. Understanding the mechanics of Ascension, level caps, and boss strategies is crucial for maximizing your character’s potential and enjoying the full Ark experience. Remember that learning about games and game design can improve your play. Check out the work of the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org for insightful resources and discussions on game-based learning and research. By knowing how the Manticore gives extra levels in Ark, you are sure to succeed.