Can the Giga Break Metal in ARK: Survival Evolved? The Ultimate Guide
No, Giganotosaurus, both wild and tamed, cannot directly break metal structures in ARK: Survival Evolved. While the Giga is an absolute powerhouse capable of devastating stone and lower-tier structures, metal remains impervious to its attacks. However, there are caveats and workarounds to consider, which we will explore in detail.
Understanding the Giga’s Destructive Capabilities
The Giganotosaurus reigns supreme as one of the most fearsome creatures in ARK. Its sheer size and power allow it to quickly dismantle stone bases, rendering them practically useless against a determined Giga assault. A single bite can obliterate walls, gates, and other fortifications crafted from stone or weaker materials.
The Metal Barrier
Metal structures, including walls, foundations, and gates, are designed to withstand the Giga’s brute force. They represent a significant investment in resources and provide a much higher level of protection against both wild creatures and enemy players. This resilience is a cornerstone of base defense in ARK.
The Foundation Weakness
While the Giga cannot directly damage metal, a common vulnerability exists: the foundation. If a metal structure is built upon a stone or wood foundation, the Giga can target and destroy the supporting foundation. Once the foundation is compromised, the entire structure above it collapses, effectively circumventing the metal’s inherent protection. This is a crucial strategic consideration for base builders.
The Dodorex Exception
There is one creature in ARK that is more destructive than the Giganotosaurus. The Dodorex is a terrifying creature capable of destroying Metal Structures, but it’s not a dinosaur.
Explosives: The Ultimate Equalizer
Although Dinos cannot directly damage metal structures (except for the Dodorex), both Dinos and metal structures are vulnerable to explosives. Grenades, rockets, and C4 charges can inflict significant damage to metal, providing an alternative method for breaching fortified bases.
Turrets as Metal Targets
While Gigas can’t destroy metal walls, they can target and destroy certain metal structures like auto-turrets. Turrets are often placed strategically to defend bases, but a Giga can quickly eliminate this threat.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About the Giga and Metal
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the relationship between Gigas and metal structures:
1. Can a Giga break metal gates?
No, a Giga cannot directly break metal gates. However, if the gate is supported by a stone or wood gateframe, the Giga can destroy the frame, causing the gate to collapse.
2. Can I trap a Giga using stone?
For a low-level Giga, a circle of stone dinosaur gates might suffice. However, for higher-level Gigas, metal traps are essential to contain their immense strength.
3. Can a Giga destroy Tek structures?
Tek structures are generally more durable than metal. A Giga cannot break a Tek structure unless it is supported by a weaker foundation material (stone or wood), in which case the Giga can destroy the foundation.
4. What dinos can destroy metal?
Standard dinosaurs cannot directly damage metal structures. Only explosives and the Dodorex can reliably destroy metal.
5. Can a tamed Giga turn on me?
Yes, tamed Gigas can enter a “rage” state when taking too much damage or reaching low health. During a rage, they become uncontrollable and attack everything around them, including their owners.
6. How do I stop a Giga from raging?
Unfortunately, you cannot stop a Giga from raging once it starts. The best course of action is to distance yourself and other valuable tames from the Giga until the rage subsides.
7. How many tranq darts does it take to knock out a Giga?
The number of tranq darts required to knock out a Giga varies depending on its level. Expect to use between 80 and 150 tranquilizer darts (or more) due to their high torpor resistance.
8. What do Gigas eat?
Gigas prefer Exceptional Kibble, Raw Mutton, and Raw Prime Meat. They will also consume other meats, but these are less effective for taming.
9. Why do Gigas rage?
Gigas rage as a defense mechanism when they take significant damage or reach low health. This temporary boost in aggression helps them survive encounters, but it comes at the cost of control.
10. Can Gigas drown?
Yes, like all creatures in ARK, Gigas can drown if they remain underwater for too long.
11. Can Gigas be used in boss fights?
No, Gigas are generally prohibited from boss arenas due to their overwhelming power. Most players will need to make use of other Dinos like Rexes.
12. Is a wild Giga stronger than a tamed Giga?
Yes, wild Gigas are significantly stronger than tamed Gigas. Taming a Giga reduces its base damage output, though it still remains a formidable tame.
13. Can you trap a Giga?
Yes, trapping a Giga is a common strategy for taming. Use metal traps for best results, as stone can be easily destroyed by higher-level specimens.
14. Can a Giga destroy a Behemoth Gate?
Gigas can destroy stone Behemoth Gates and lower-tier gates. Metal Behemoth Gates are immune to direct Giga damage, but consider what structure type is being used as the foundation.
15. What can break Tek?
Magmasaurs, Arthropleura, Titans, Titanosaurs, Tek weapons, and explosives are all capable of damaging Tek structures.
Mastering Base Defense Against Gigas
While Gigas cannot directly break metal structures, they can exploit weaknesses in base design. Here are some key strategies for defending against a Giga assault:
- Use Metal Foundations: Ensure all metal structures are supported by metal foundations to prevent foundation destruction.
- Reinforce Vulnerable Areas: Double-layer walls and reinforce entry points to make it more difficult for Gigas to reach foundations.
- Implement Defensive Perimeters: Create multiple layers of defenses, including spike walls, turrets, and other obstacles, to slow down and deter Gigas.
- Utilize Ranged Dinos: Position ranged dinos, such as Velonasaurs or Managarmrs, on elevated platforms to attack Gigas from a safe distance.
- Employ Traps: Set up metal traps in strategic locations to snare Gigas and buy time for your defenses to engage.
Concluding Thoughts
The Giga’s inability to directly damage metal is a crucial balancing factor in ARK: Survival Evolved. It forces players to invest in robust base designs and strategic defenses to protect against this apex predator. By understanding the Giga’s capabilities and limitations, you can effectively mitigate the threat it poses and secure your survival in the harsh world of ARK.
For more insights into the educational applications of games like ARK: Survival Evolved, explore the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org, where educators and researchers delve into the potential of game-based learning. Learning while you play is a blast!