Can a Quetzal Pick Up an Anky in ARK: Survival Evolved? The Definitive Guide
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The short answer is yes, a Quetzal can pick up an Ankylosaurus in ARK: Survival Evolved. This pairing is a cornerstone of efficient resource gathering, especially for metal, crystal, and obsidian. However, the method and its effectiveness rely on a few key factors. Let’s dive deep into the details of this symbiotic relationship, exploring why it’s so popular and how to maximize its potential.
Why the Quetzal-Anky Combo is King
The Quetzal possesses immense carrying capacity, making it an ideal aerial transport. The Ankylosaurus, on the other hand, is a specialized harvesting machine, excelling at gathering metal, crystal, obsidian, and other valuable resources. Combining these two allows players to transport the Ankylo directly to resource-rich locations, often inaccessible by ground-based methods. This offers several advantages:
- Speed: Quickly move the Ankylo to different resource nodes.
- Efficiency: Harvest resources that are difficult or impossible to reach on foot.
- Safety: Keep the Ankylo away from ground-based predators.
- Capacity: The Quetzal can carry the weight of the Ankylo and the harvested resources.
Maximizing Your Harvesting Efficiency
To make the most of this strategy, focus on these points:
- Level Melee Damage on the Ankylo: The more melee damage your Ankylo has, the more resources it will gather per swing. This is crucial for maximizing yield.
- Level Weight on the Quetzal: The Quetzal’s primary job is transportation. Increasing its weight capacity allows it to carry the Ankylo and a substantial amount of harvested resources without becoming encumbered.
- Coordinate with a Friend (Optional): While solo harvesting is possible, having a friend pilot the Quetzal allows you to focus solely on harvesting with the Ankylo, optimizing efficiency.
- Utilize Platform Saddles (Advanced): A Quetzal Platform Saddle allows you to build a mobile base on the Quetzal’s back. This can include forges, crafting stations, and even beds for quick respawns.
Addressing Common Concerns
While the Quetzal-Ankylo combo is powerful, certain challenges and nuances need to be considered:
- Resource Weight: Metal, in particular, is very heavy. Even with a high-weight Quetzal, you will eventually need to return to base to unload.
- Enemy Encounters: While airborne, you are still vulnerable to flyers, such as Wyverns or enemy players on Quetzals. Be prepared to defend yourselves.
- Stamina Management: The Quetzal’s stamina will deplete during flight, especially when carrying a heavy load. Land periodically to allow it to regenerate.
- Platform Saddle Building Limits: Be mindful of the building limits on Quetzal platform saddles. Overloading the platform can cause instability or even structural failure.
Tips for Safe and Effective Harvesting
- Scout Ahead: Before committing to a resource node, scout the area for potential threats.
- Bring Backup: Consider bringing a combat-oriented dino, such as a Rex or a Wyvern, for defense.
- Use Tek Armor (Late Game): Tek Armor provides enhanced mobility and offensive capabilities.
- Learn Resource Spawn Locations: Knowing where high-density resource nodes are located will save you time and effort.
- Consider Resource Respawn Rates: Different resources have different respawn rates. Optimize your harvesting route based on these rates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can an Argentavis pick up an Ankylosaurus?
No, an Argentavis cannot pick up an Ankylosaurus anymore. This was changed in a patch update. While it was a viable strategy in the past, the Argentavis is no longer strong enough to carry an Ankylo.
2. What other dinos can a Quetzal carry?
The Quetzal is incredibly versatile and can carry a wide range of creatures. It can carry Mammoths, Carnos, Sabertooths, Doedicurus, and many other medium-sized dinosaurs. The primary limitation is the weight and size of the creature. Anything smaller than a Paracer is generally fair game.
3. How many Tranq Arrows does it take to tame a Quetzal?
The number of Tranq Arrows required to tame a Quetzal varies depending on its level. A lower-level Quetzal might require around 20-30 arrows, while a higher-level one could take 50 or more. Using a Longneck Rifle and aiming for headshots will improve efficiency. Be sure to use Narcotics or Narcoberries to keep the Quetzal unconscious during the taming process.
4. Is a Quetzal worth taming?
Absolutely! A Quetzal is one of the most valuable tames in ARK. Its high carrying capacity, platform saddle capability, and overall utility make it an indispensable asset for resource gathering, transporting goods, and even mobile base construction. Low-level Quetzals are excellent for early-game carrying, while high-level ones can be turned into formidable “Battle Quetzals” with increased health and melee damage.
5. How rare is a Quetzal in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Quetzals are relatively rare spawns in ARK. They are typically found flying high above the map. Searching along mountain ranges and open areas significantly increases your chances of finding one. Patience and persistence are key when hunting for a Quetzal.
6. What is a Quetzal Platform Saddle used for?
The Quetzal Platform Saddle allows you to build structures on the Quetzal’s back, effectively creating a mobile base. You can build forges, crafting stations, beds, and even defensive structures. This makes the Quetzal an incredibly versatile tool for long-distance travel and resource gathering.
7. What is the best way to tame a Quetzal?
The most common method involves building a taming pen in the sky using a Quetzal platform saddle. Fly the pen to the Quetzal, trap it inside, and then tranquilize it safely. Another method involves using a grappling hook to attach yourself to the Quetzal while shooting it with tranq arrows.
8. Can a Wyvern pick up an Ankylosaurus?
No, a Wyvern cannot pick up an Ankylosaurus. Wyverns are capable of carrying Iguanodons, Ankylos, and Thorny Dragons, but nothing significantly larger.
9. What is the weakness of an Ankylosaurus?
The Ankylosaurus’s primary weakness is its soft underbelly. Predators would have to flip it over to access this vulnerable area. However, its heavily armored back and powerful tail club make it a formidable opponent.
10. What is the best way to harvest metal in ARK?
The Quetzal-Ankylo combo is widely considered the best way to harvest metal in ARK. This method allows you to efficiently transport the Ankylo to metal-rich locations and quickly gather vast quantities of resources. Leveling melee damage on the Ankylo will further enhance harvesting efficiency.
11. What stats should I focus on leveling on my Ankylosaurus?
The most important stat to level on your Ankylosaurus is Melee Damage. This directly affects the amount of resources it gathers per swing. After that, consider leveling Weight to allow it to carry more resources before becoming encumbered.
12. How does the weight of the Ankylo affect the Quetzal’s flight?
The heavier the Ankylosaurus, the more Stamina the Quetzal will consume during flight. This will also reduce the Quetzal’s speed and maneuverability. Make sure to level Weight on the Quetzal to compensate for the Ankylo’s weight and the weight of the harvested resources.
13. What are some alternative resource gathering methods in ARK?
While the Quetzal-Ankylo combo is highly efficient, other methods include using a Doedicurus for stone, a Castoroides (Beaver) for wood, and a Therizinosaur for a variety of resources.
14. Can I breed Quetzals in ARK?
Yes, Quetzals can be bred in ARK. However, it requires a large, open area and careful planning due to their size and movement patterns. Breeding Quetzals can be a rewarding endeavor, allowing you to create a stable of high-level carriers.
15. What are the risks of using a Quetzal for resource gathering?
The main risks involve encountering hostile creatures, running out of stamina, and being targeted by enemy players. Always be aware of your surroundings, carry defensive weaponry, and have a plan for escape or defense. Remember, the Games Learning Society encourages strategic gameplay and collaborative problem-solving in virtual environments like ARK: Survival Evolved. You can learn more about how games can enhance education and cognitive skills at GamesLearningSociety.org.