Apprentice vs. Ramshackle: Which Gear Tier Reigns Supreme in Ark: Survival Evolved?

When navigating the harsh world of Ark: Survival Evolved, gear quality is paramount for survival. Players are constantly seeking the best equipment to fend off aggressive dinosaurs, conquer challenging environments, and ultimately, reign supreme. Among the initial gear tiers, the question of whether apprentice or ramshackle items are superior is a common point of confusion for both new and seasoned players. The short answer? It depends on the stats, but the apprentice tier has a higher chance of having better base stats.

While the hierarchical structure of Ark’s gear progression is well-defined – ramshackle, apprentice, journeyman, mastercraft, and ascendant – the game’s inherent randomness often blurs the lines between these tiers, particularly when comparing ramshackle and apprentice equipment. Let’s delve deeper into this conundrum to clarify which tier generally offers better value.

Understanding Gear Tiers and Their Characteristics

Before making a direct comparison, let’s review the core properties of each item tier. Rarity and crafting cost are key differentiating factors.

Ramshackle: The Stepping Stone from Primitive

Ramshackle gear, denoted by its green color, represents the first step up from basic primitive equipment. The primary distinction is their potential for increased stats compared to primitive items, like damage for weapons and armor for defensive items. Ramshackle items are designed to be relatively cheap and accessible, serving as an initial boost in capabilities. However, ramshackle gear has a reputation for having lower potential in terms of the maximum stats it can achieve, often having a “ramshackle,” loosely-made, or rickety feel in terms of its overall quality. Stats are random at this tier, though usually better than primitive gear.

Apprentice: A Step Up in Quality

Apprentice gear, identifiable by its blue color, is the next tier up from ramshackle. Typically, apprentice items have a greater potential for higher base stats and are often more durable than ramshackle counterparts, even if only slightly. However, the stat range means you are not guaranteed an improvement. Crafting costs are higher compared to ramshackle, and while repair costs are higher than ramshackle, the durability should offset this slightly. Apprentice items represent a noticeable improvement and are a key milestone for early-game progression.

The Apprentice vs. Ramshackle Showdown

The central conflict stems from Ark’s reliance on random stat generation. While apprentice items generally have a better starting point than ramshackle items, RNG can sometimes result in a ramshackle piece with better stats than an apprentice one. Let’s break down the key areas of comparison:

Stat Potential: A Matter of Chance

• Ramshackle: Ramshackle gear has a lower range of potential stats. This means their absolute best values are capped lower than apprentice gear, but they have a higher chance of rolling with mid tier stats.
• Apprentice: Apprentice gear boasts a higher maximum stat potential than ramshackle. Therefore, in theory, it’s more likely to get a higher damage or armor number compared to ramshackle.
• The Reality: While apprentice gear has the better ceiling, the stat generation can result in the opposite, you could get a fantastic ramshackle item with higher stats than a lower quality apprentice piece. However, given the random element, you are more likely to get a better roll on apprentice gear, on average.

Durability: A Minor Advantage for Apprentice

• Ramshackle: Ramshackle gear tends to be less durable, resulting in more frequent repairs or replacements.
• Apprentice: Apprentice items usually exhibit slightly greater durability compared to their ramshackle equivalents. This means less frequent repairs are needed.

Crafting and Repair Costs: A Cost/Benefit Analysis

• Ramshackle: Ramshackle gear has lower crafting and repair costs, making it more economical in the early game.
• Apprentice: Apprentice gear requires more resources for both crafting and repairs. This increase in costs reflects its enhanced capabilities.

So, Is Apprentice or Ramshackle Better?

The answer is nuanced but generally, Apprentice gear is the better tier.

• For the Average Roll: Apprentice gear will statistically roll with better stats and durability overall.
• For Budget Considerations: If resources are scarce, a “good” ramshackle item might be more practical than a poor apprentice piece.
• The Long Run: Given it’s higher potential, you should always strive to obtain the apprentice tier or above.
• RNG Factor: If you get lucky and find or craft a ramshackle item with unusually high stats, it may serve you well until you get your hands on a good apprentice version of that gear.

Therefore, while it’s tempting to prioritize cost in the early game, the long term goal is to attain good apprentice gear.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions relating to ramshackle and apprentice gear to further clarify how the two compare.

1. What is the order of quality tiers in Ark?

The order from worst to best is: Primitive, Ramshackle (green), Apprentice (blue), Journeyman (purple), Mastercraft (yellow), and Ascendant (cyan).

2. Does the quality of an item directly affect its damage?

No, not directly. While higher quality blueprints have a tendency towards higher damage and durability numbers, the quality itself doesn’t directly influence these stats. RNG is the main factor.

3. Is a good Ramshackle item better than a bad Apprentice item?

Yes, absolutely. It’s all about the stats. A very well-rolled ramshackle item can be superior to a poorly rolled apprentice one. However, the apprentice tier has a higher potential for good rolls.

4. What does “ramshackle” mean in Ark?

Ramshackle gear is the tier up from primitive, it’s supposed to be more powerful but less durable. It also costs more to repair and craft. It’s intended to be an early-game upgrade, but its stats can vary greatly.

5. Is Mastercraft better than Journeyman?

In theory, mastercraft is better than journeyman, and should have better potential, but the RNG can result in a journeyman item that is statistically better than a bad mastercraft one. However, mastercraft has the higher potential.

6. What’s better: Journeyman or Apprentice?

Journeyman is better than apprentice. As you progress through the tiers, each tier should offer more potential for higher stats.

7. Is Ascendant better than Mastercraft?

Yes, ascendant is the highest tier and has the greatest potential for stats, making it superior to mastercraft, but an exceptionally well-rolled mastercraft item may compete with a poorly rolled ascendant piece.

8. What is the maximum damage on weapons in Ark?

Most weapons have a limit of 755.3% damage. Tek weapons have a lower cap of 296.6%.

9. What is the max quality of a blueprint?

The maximum quality a blueprint can have is 755.3% damage for normal weapons and 296.6% for Tek weapons.

10. What is the strongest armor in Ark?

Tek Armor is the strongest armor in Ark. It provides the highest armor rating and heat and cold protection.

11. Why are some items ramshackle?

The term ‘ramshackle’ is derived from the word ransackled, meaning loosely put together. In Ark, it signifies gear that is a bit better than primitive but still relatively basic.

12. What are the best stats to upgrade on your character?

Key character stats to upgrade include Health, Stamina, Weight, Melee Damage, Movement Speed, and Fortitude.

13. Can you upgrade saddles in Ark?

Yes, you can use an upgrade station to upgrade saddles, armor, and weapons. It will increase its tier by a single level (e.g., ramshackle to apprentice).

14. What is a craftsman apprentice?

A craftsman apprentice is a person who is learning a trade from a master craftsman through an apprenticeship. This is usually formal and legally binding.

15. What level comes after apprentice?

After apprentice comes journeyman. This represents the middle tier of crafting and is usually associated with more experienced craftsmen.