What Are the Big Floating Things in Ark?
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The large, imposing structures you see hovering above the landscape in ARK: Survival Evolved are called Obelisks. These aren’t just for show; they are fundamental to various aspects of the game, from navigation to accessing late-game content. These massive, floating towers emit a distinctive light and come in three distinct colors: Red, Green, and Blue. They’re hard to miss, often serving as landmarks and crucial points of interaction within the game world.
Obelisk Functionality
Navigation
From the very start of your journey, Obelisks serve as excellent points of reference. Given their size and the distinctive colored light they emit, they can easily be used for navigation across the map. New players often use them to orient themselves and understand their position within the ARK world.
Supply Beacons
Another key function of Obelisks is related to Supply Beacons. While the Obelisk itself isn’t a Supply Beacon, these beams of light periodically fall from the sky near Obelisks. These supply drops contain valuable loot, ranging from resources to high-level blueprints and gear. These drops are often a major source of early and mid-game progression. Players will find Supply Beacons also appear all over the map in other locations.
Teleportation
Obelisks are essential for teleporting between different maps and instances within the game. To do this you will have to visit a terminal at the foot of the Obelisk and then, after placing the required item(s), you will be able to initiate the teleport. This process is vital for progressing through the ARK story, accessing boss fights, and transferring characters and items between servers.
Boss Arenas
Speaking of boss fights, Obelisks also play a pivotal role in accessing boss arenas. These arenas are necessary to progress through the main storyline of the game. To enter an arena, players will have to offer tribute items at the terminal, and then the Obelisk will transport the player and their tames to the boss arena.
Crafting
Certain crafting recipes require players to be near a terminal at the foot of the Obelisks to create the item. This is typically for end game or powerful items that are vital for players to progress through the game.
Obelisk Locations on The Island
There are exactly three Obelisks on the original map, “The Island”:
- Red Obelisk: Located in the Southwest corner of the map at coordinates (79.8, 17.4).
- Blue Obelisk: Found in the Northwest corner of the map at coordinates (25.5, 25.6).
- Green Obelisk: Positioned in the Northeast corner of the map.
It is crucial for players to know the locations of each Obelisk to fully navigate and utilize the game’s mechanics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the primary functions of Obelisks in ARK?
The primary functions of Obelisks are navigation, supply drops, teleportation, accessing boss arenas, and crafting. They are central to much of the game’s functionality and progression.
2. Do Obelisks produce the supply drops?
No, the Obelisk itself does not produce the supply drops, but they typically spawn nearby. The light beams dropping from the sky are called supply beacons, and they are not part of the Obelisk structure itself.
3. Can I destroy an Obelisk?
No, Obelisks are indestructible structures in ARK. They serve vital functions within the game and cannot be destroyed or moved by players.
4. What are the different colors of Obelisks and what do they represent?
The different colors of the Obelisks (Red, Green, and Blue) do not represent different functions within the game, although they do serve to identify their individual locations. They all have the same functionality and are interchangeable for teleportation and other uses.
5. How do I use an Obelisk for teleportation?
To use an Obelisk for teleportation, you must access the terminal at its base. Select the map or instance to travel to, and then offer the required tribute items.
6. What are the requirements for accessing boss arenas via an Obelisk?
To access boss arenas, you will need to gather specific tribute items, such as Artifacts and Trophies, which are acquired through exploration and combat. These items must be offered at the Obelisk terminal to start the boss fight.
7. Can other players interfere with my teleportation at an Obelisk?
Yes, on multiplayer servers, other players may interfere with your teleportation. They might attempt to raid you before, during, or after the teleportation. Be cautious when using Obelisks on populated servers.
8. Are Supply Beacons associated with the Obelisks safe?
While Supply Beacons themselves are safe, the areas surrounding them are not. Players are often found around Obelisks, and there is potential for PvP combat while collecting Supply Beacons.
9. Can I build a base near an Obelisk?
Yes, players can build bases in proximity to Obelisks. However, since Obelisks are frequently used areas, it is not recommended to build your main base here because it will be easily found.
10. How do Supply Beacons differ from Deep Sea Loot Crates?
Supply Beacons are often found near Obelisks and are typically found on land, while Deep Sea Loot Crates are found underwater and contain high-quality items. Deep Sea Loot Crates contain only one high-quality item, whilst Supply Beacons typically have a variety of items within.
11. What types of items can I obtain from Supply Beacons?
Supply Beacons can contain a variety of items, including resources, weapons, armor, tools, blueprints, and consumables. The quality and type of items vary depending on the beacon’s color and difficulty level.
12. Can I transfer my dinos through the Obelisks?
Yes, Obelisks can be used to transfer both your player character and tames between servers. There may be restrictions on certain servers, such as not being able to bring tamed creatures.
13. What happens if I die while teleporting or in the boss arena?
If you die while teleporting, it is the same as a normal death. Your body will remain in the location where you died and can be recovered. If you die in the boss arena, your body will remain there unless another player recovers it for you.
14. Are Obelisks exclusive to “The Island” map?
No, while the original map, “The Island,” has the iconic three Obelisks, they are not exclusive to that map. Many of the expansion maps also feature similar structures that serve the same function as the Obelisks found on “The Island.”
15. How do Obelisks relate to the lore of ARK?
Obelisks are central to the lore of ARK, representing ancient technology. They are linked to the advanced civilizations that inhabited the game world before the player’s arrival. Each Obelisk acts as a key to unlocking the mysteries of the game.
In conclusion, the large floating structures that you see in the sky are Obelisks. They are far more than just eye candy, they are an integral part of gameplay in ARK: Survival Evolved. By understanding the multiple functions of Obelisks players will gain a massive advantage in the game.