Taming the Titan: Everything You Need to Knock Out a Rock Elemental in Ark: Survival Evolved
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The Rock Elemental, often referred to as a Rock Golem, is a formidable creature in Ark: Survival Evolved. Taming one is a significant undertaking, demanding meticulous preparation and the right arsenal. Successfully knocking out a Rock Elemental is the crucial first step in this process. So, what exactly do you need? In short, you’ll require powerful explosives or heavy siege weaponry, along with a strategy to safely engage this massive beast.
The Essential Arsenal for Knockout
The most effective methods for knocking out a Rock Elemental involve using high-torpor-inducing attacks, not traditional tranquilizers. These creatures are exceptionally resistant to most conventional methods. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
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Explosives:
- Rockets: A reliable choice, providing decent torpor damage. Bring a rocket launcher and plenty of rockets. Be mindful of the reload time and area of effect damage, which can hurt your tames.
- Cannonballs: Arguably the most effective single-shot method for inflicting torpor. Requires a Cannon, and a good supply of cannonballs. The number needed is dependent on the Rock Elemental’s level.
- C4 Charges: While effective, C4 can be risky to deploy on a moving target. They are best used in a trap.
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Siege Weapons:
- Catapult: Can be effective, but requires precise aiming and a significant amount of boulders. It’s far slower than other methods. Best used with a trap.
- Ballista Turret: More consistent than a catapult but does less torpor damage than a cannon. A platform saddle on a Paracer is usually used to carry this weapon.
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Strategic Tools and Tames:
- Trap: Constructing a sturdy trap is highly recommended. This can be as simple as a few Dino Gates or a purpose-built structure of stone or metal. Trapping the Rock Elemental will prevent it from running away and allow for safer bombardment.
- Flying Mount: A flyer like an Argentavis or Pteranodon is invaluable for scouting, transporting cannonballs, and repositioning during the fight.
- Tank Dino: In cases you do get hit by the Rock Elemental, a high-health tame such as a Rex or Stego can help distract it and absorb damage while you prepare your next shot.
Key Considerations for a Successful Knockout
Beyond the weapons, consider these critical aspects:
- Targeting the Torpor Spot: Like the Karkinos, the Rock Elemental has a specific area where it takes the most torpor damage. Aim for its head for maximum effect, rather than its body.
- Level of the Elemental: The higher the level, the more damage (or torpor) it will take to knock out. Prepare for a significantly longer knockout process with higher level golems and bring extra ammo.
- The Trap: A good trap allows for a safe and consistent attack. Be sure the trap is durable, large enough for the elemental and prevents it from escaping. The Dino Gate Trap method, detailed below, is a great option.
- Ammo Supply: Bring extra ammunition. Running out mid-battle can be fatal. The formula y=(5000+100x)/1800 can help you determine the number of cannonballs required where ‘y’ is cannonballs and ‘x’ is level of the golem.
- Safety: Stay well away from the Elemental’s melee range. Their powerful attacks can instantly kill players, especially at lower levels.
The Dino Gate Trap Method
The Dino Gate method is a popular and effective way to trap a Rock Elemental. Here’s how it works:
- Placement: Set two Dino Gate frames next to each other on the ground, allowing space for the Elemental to run between them.
- Lure: Agro the Elemental and then lure it towards your trap.
- Trap: As the Elemental runs through the two placed gate frames, quickly place gates behind it, completing the trap.
- Attack: Once trapped, you are free to fire at its torpor hit spot from a safe distance with your weapons of choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 FAQs to further clarify the process of knocking out a Rock Elemental in Ark:
1. Can you use a slingshot to knock out a Rock Elemental?
While some older reports suggest this, it is highly impractical and unlikely to succeed in most scenarios. The torpor infliction is negligible, and you would require an impractical amount of time and ammo. Stick to more effective methods.
2. Can you knock out a Rock Elemental with boulders from a catapult?
Yes, you can. However, it is extremely inefficient. It takes a large amount of boulders and precise aiming to deliver sufficient torpor damage. This method is typically only recommended if no other option is available. A trap is essential for this method.
3. Can you use a Tek Rifle to knock out a Rock Elemental?
While a Tek Rifle can inflict damage, it does not induce torpor effectively. It’s best suited for damaging or killing tamed Rock Elementals, not knocking them out for taming.
4. Can you use a Tek Saddle on a Dino to knock out a Rock Elemental?
Similar to the Tek Rifle, the Tek Saddle’s abilities are primarily for damage. It’s not a good tool for inflicting torpor and is ineffective for knocking out wild elementals.
5. Is a Giga effective for knocking out Rock Elementals?
A Giga is excellent for killing tamed Rock Elementals, but it’s a poor choice for knocking them out due to its low torpor infliction rate. The Giga’s primary strength lies in its immense damage output.
6. Can you bleed a Rock Elemental to death?
Yes, bleed damage from Carnos, Thylas, Allos, or Deinonychus can kill a Rock Elemental. However, it’s a very slow process and you will not gain the experience associated with a proper kill. Bleed damage bypasses health and armor, but this is not useful for taming.
7. Can you drown a Rock Elemental?
No. Rock Elementals are unique in that they do not have an oxygen stat. Drowning is not a viable way to eliminate or knock out these creatures.
8. What are Rock Elementals weak to?
Pickaxes are the only melee weapon type they are considered weak to, but this is usually only used when dealing with a single tame or wild rock elemental. Explosives and cannons are the best way to effectively inflict large amounts of torpor to the creature.
9. Are Rock Elementals immune to fire?
Yes, they are completely immune to fire damage, as well as poison.
10. Are Rock Elementals immune to lava?
Yes, they take no damage from lava and take only 50% damage from bites without a saddle.
11. How many cannonballs does it take to knock out a Rock Elemental?
The number varies based on the level. Use the formula y=(5000+100x)/1800, where ‘y’ equals the number of cannonballs and ‘x’ is the elemental’s level, for an estimate. Always bring a few extra.
12. Do you need kibble to tame a Rock Elemental?
While you can use Stone, Sulfur, or Clay to tame a Rock Elemental, using kibble is faster and more efficient. The preferred kibble is one made from Mantis Eggs.
13. Can you breed Rock Elementals?
No, you cannot breed Rock Elementals. They are among the many creatures in Ark that lack the ability to reproduce.
14. What do Rock Elementals eat when tamed?
Tamed Rock Elementals will eat Sulfur, Stone, or Clay.
15. Can you tame a Rock Elemental on any map?
Yes, you can tame a Rock Elemental, particularly in places such as Scorched Earth and Ragnarok. However, they can be found on many different maps.
Conclusion
Knocking out a Rock Elemental in Ark: Survival Evolved requires a well-planned strategy, the right equipment, and a healthy dose of caution. By understanding their strengths, weaknesses, and preferred knockout methods, you can successfully tame this formidable creature and add it to your stable of powerful tames. Remember to always prepare thoroughly, as any oversight can lead to costly failures. Good luck, survivor!