Which Boss to Fight First in Ark: Survival Evolved? A Survivor’s Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The question of which boss to fight first in Ark: Survival Evolved is a pivotal one for any aspiring survivor looking to ascend and conquer the game. The generally accepted and strategically sound answer is the Broodmother Lysrix on Gamma difficulty. She’s the most accessible in terms of resource gathering and creature preparation, making her the ideal stepping stone into the challenging world of Ark boss battles.
Preparing for the Broodmother: Gamma
Why the Broodmother, and why Gamma? Let’s break it down:
-
Accessibility: The Broodmother’s Gamma variant requires the fewest tributes (artifacts and creature trophies) to summon. This means less time spent scouring the map for rare items and more time focusing on building a strong fighting team.
-
Relatively Low Difficulty: Compared to the other bosses like the Dragon or the Megapithecus, the Gamma Broodmother has less health and deals less damage. This gives you a chance to learn the mechanics of boss fights without facing an overwhelming challenge.
-
Creature Compatibility: Certain creatures excel against the Broodmother due to her insectoid nature. Megatherium, for instance, receive a significant damage buff against insects, making them incredibly effective in this fight.
The Megatherium Advantage
The Megatherium is your best friend when tackling the Broodmother. Their unique ability to gain a damage buff when killing insects makes them devastatingly effective against the Broodmother and her Araneo minions. Here’s how to leverage them:
-
Breeding and Imprinting: Focus on breeding a line of Megatherium with high base stats in health and melee damage. Imprinting them will further boost their stats and provide a rider bonus, making them even more formidable.
-
Saddles: Equip your Megatherium with high-quality saddles. Saddle armor provides a crucial damage reduction, significantly increasing their survivability during the fight.
-
Pack Mentality: Bring a full complement of 19 Megatherium (20 is the maximum allowed) to maximize your damage output. The sheer number of creatures will quickly overwhelm the Broodmother.
Alternative Strategies: The Procoptodon Cheese
While Megatherium are generally preferred, a cheesy alternative exists for Gamma Broodmother: the Procoptodon and Shotgun method. This strategy involves using the Procoptodon’s pouch to carry a survivor equipped with a powerful shotgun. The Procoptodon’s agility allows you to dodge the Broodmother’s attacks while the survivor unloads shotgun blasts into her face. This method is riskier and less reliable than using Megatherium but can be a viable option for solo players or those with limited resources.
Beyond the Broodmother
Once you’ve successfully conquered the Gamma Broodmother, you can move on to the Megapithecus and then the Dragon, still focusing on Gamma first to ease your way in. Each boss requires different strategies and creature compositions, so prepare accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the Tribute items needed to summon the Gamma Broodmother?
The exact tribute requirements vary slightly depending on the server settings, but generally, you will need the following:
- Artifact of the Hunter
- Artifact of the Massive
- Artifact of the Clever
- Broodmother Trophy (Gamma)
2. What level should my creatures be before attempting the Broodmother fight?
Aim for creatures around level 200-300. Levels above that will offer greater survivability and damage.
3. Can I use a Giganotosaurus against the Broodmother?
No. Giganotosaurus are not allowed in boss arenas.
4. What’s the best armor to wear during the Broodmother fight?
Flak armor is a good balance between protection and weight. Ensure it’s of high quality to maximize its effectiveness.
5. Is it better to fight bosses on single-player or multiplayer?
Boss fights can be easier on single-player due to the single-player settings which boost stats. However, multiplayer provides the advantage of coordinated teamwork.
6. What if I don’t have access to Megatherium? Are there any other good creatures?
Therizinosaurus can be effective if you invest heavily in their melee damage and health. They lack the insect damage buff of the Megatherium but are still formidable fighters. Rexes can also work if properly bred and leveled.
7. How important are saddles for boss fights?
Extremely important. Saddles provide essential armor, reducing the damage your creatures take. Aim for the highest quality saddles you can obtain.
8. What is imprinting, and why is it important?
Imprinting is a process where you raise a baby dinosaur and provide it with care at specific intervals. Imprinting provides a stat bonus to the creature and a rider bonus when the imprinted survivor is riding it. This is crucial for boss fights.
9. What is the max number of players and creatures allowed in a boss fight?
The standard limit is 10 players and 20 creatures.
10. What is the difference between Gamma, Beta, and Alpha bosses?
Gamma is the easiest difficulty, followed by Beta, and then Alpha, the most challenging. Each difficulty increases the boss’s health, damage, and the quality of the rewards earned upon defeating it.
11. Can I use a Wyvern in the Broodmother fight?
While theoretically possible, Wyverns are not ideal for the Broodmother fight. Their flying abilities are less useful in the confined arena, and their elemental attacks are not particularly effective against spiders.
12. Is breeding dinosaurs necessary for boss fights?
While not strictly necessary for Gamma Broodmother, breeding is highly recommended. Breeding allows you to combine desirable stats from different creatures, resulting in significantly stronger fighters.
13. What is a Yutyrannus, and why is it helpful?
The Yutyrannus is a creature with a unique roar that buffs allies and debuffs enemies. Its courage roar can significantly increase the damage output and damage resistance of your fighting creatures. Always bring a Yutyrannus to boss fights if possible.
14. What are Mutations in Ark and why are they important?
Mutations are random stat changes that can occur when breeding dinosaurs. Mutations can result in offspring with higher base stats, making them stronger for boss fights.
15. Where can I find more information and strategies for Ark: Survival Evolved?
There are many online resources available, including the official Ark Wiki, YouTube tutorials, and community forums. It’s also beneficial to connect with other players and share tips and strategies. Consider exploring resources from the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
By understanding these fundamental principles and preparing diligently, you’ll be well on your way to conquering the Broodmother and progressing through the challenging world of Ark: Survival Evolved. Good luck, survivor!