Ark: Ascended Survival is packed with hundreds of engrams to craft, but some underused options can still be incredibly useful. For all the good features and updates Ark included, still has some problems. The balance between items and creatures is the biggest one, creating a meta of top options that dominate the franchise. Unfortunately, this is the fate of many games, but that doesn’t mean they’re the only options.
In terms of items, the goal tends to follow a fairly standardized course. Players cycle through the basic armor and weapons of each tech tier, ending with the dominant Tek gear. However, Ark 2 could take this to a new level, as the sequel is said to bring many new mechanics to the franchise. In this sense, it is not impossible that Ark 2 could add a new level of technology.
10
Elevators are a simple but useful transportation program
Level required: 20 (wood), 70 (metal)
Elevators in Ark they’re an ingenious addition that unfortunately increases power. This is either through the latest Cryopods game or through the various mods similar to them that are accessible from the start. However, elevators can still be incredibly useful while also serving a more realistic RPG role.
Elevators can be used to transport dinosaurs, with the most obvious use being to deal with complicated height differences. This can be extremely useful on vertical maps or when players build on cliffs.. While the investment may be annoying, you’ll save a lot of travel time afterward. Even late in the game when Cryopods are available, elevators can still be used for those who prefer a more rustic/realistic base theme.
9
Never miss a target with transponders
Required Level: 66
Transponders are a strange item because they seem extremely useful but lack a true purpose. The Node and Tracker together form a powerful combination that will track any target once locked onto it. However, it often won’t have much use in PvE, as most encounters don’t cover a long distance. Some scenarios will be helped by this, like dealing with creatures that like to flee and can do so quickly, but the transponder simply isn’t a PvE necessity.
PvP is where transponders can reach another leveleven though they are much more difficult to use. However, if used correctly, transponders can be the best tracking tool. With a transponder attached to an enemy player or one of their tamed dinosaurs, no location or base is truly safe.
8
Bear traps will block most targets
Required Level: 28 (Regular), 31 (Large)
Bear Traps are an item that has some use, but can always be used more. These full-sized and large steel traps can trap most creatures Ark it presents. However, they primarily see their uses for large targets that have unique taming methods or high levels of torpor. A perfect example of this can be found in Aberration‘s Reapers and their strange crafting mechanics.
With the versatility of these traps, they should be used more often, especially when players have metal to spare. PvP is another area where Bear Traps shine, as they have an increased timer and can only be destroyed by sources that can harm the trapped. dinosaur. Overall, while Bear Traps may not be as ignored as other engrams, they have more uses than most realize.
7
Balls are a necessity at the beginning of the game
Required Level: 9 (Regular), 51 (Chain)
Due to how easy it is to KO most creatures early in the game, Nicol Bolas is often ignored. However, they can be extremely useful for slowing down or trapping creatures. This could be for taming purposes or simply to give players an advantage at a point in the game where they are limp.. There’s even a mod that makes them reusable so you don’t have to craft them over and over again.
Chain Balls are a little more annoying, as they require a ballista to fire, but they can also block larger targets. In this regard, it may be easier to avoid metallic variants unless necessary. Normal balls are also used in PvP as a cheap way to immobilize players for around 25 seconds.
6
Embrace the medieval with spears
Required Level: 32
The Spear is a strange weapon in Arkbut it is one with immense PvP potential. The downside to this weapon is that it does no damage and can only be used when mounted. About that, One strange but interesting feature of the Spear is that it can be given to tamed praying mantises to use.
Even if it does no harm, Spears have incredible use in PvP as they can knock players off their mounts. Without Tek armor and suitable builds, survivors are incredibly squishy, ​​making them easy targets without mounts. When combined with mounts, weapons, and other powerful ways to isolate players, a spear can be the ultimate combat tool.
5
Cannons are a surprisingly versatile weapon
Required Level: 34
Cannons in Ark It may on paper look like a lackluster tower. This is because they can’t aim and shoot at the same time, have to reload after each shot, and lose damage to better options. However, the few advantages it has, How can I not be shot down?in fact, it makes him an intriguing choice for PvP.
In terms of PvE, Cannons are a necessity when trying to tame some of the larger creatures, like the Titanosaurus, or mythical creatures like the Rock Elemental.. This is because each cannonball shot deals some of the highest stun damage in the game, plus some creatures are immune to normal tranquilizer darts or arrows. Without mods that add better ways to inflict torpor, the cannons will have to be used eventually for some taming.
4
Rule the seas with harpoon launchers
Required Level: 43
While most find an underwater domesticate like the Megalodon for aquatic adventures, harpoon gunners should not be overlooked. This weapon has three types of ammunition: damaging spear darts, tranquilizer darts that inflict torpor, and web projectiles. A bonus of the Harpoon Launcher is that its damage will be doubled to any water target.perfect for mods that make the oceans more dangerous.
Since the oceans of Ark can contain some tough and scary targets, a harpoon gun is highly recommended for extra damage or safety. A great example of this is the terrifying Medusa, who will knock players off their mounts and inflict torpor. Thus, a harpoon gun is the best and safest way to dispatch these enemies.
3
Create shields for protection at any level
Required Level: 12 (Wood), 39 (Metal), 92 (Riot), Boss Drop (Tek)
Shields may go unnoticed considering many will want to take these prehistoric creatures into battle, but they can turn survivors into dangerous combatants. The first two stages in Wood and Metal have their drawbacks, mainly Wood being weak and Metal being heavy, although they show possible feats. However, Riot and Tek shields are where the disadvantages disappear and players are transformed into tanky units.
Although only the Sword and Lucio can be used with shieldsThese are not underrated weapons. When players are involved in melee damage and have high-level variants, they can rival even Ark: Ascended SurvivalThe best dinosaurs. Therefore, for those who prefer a melee playstyle or just want to deal damage without using ammunition, shields should be used for safety.
2
Never miss a photo with a laser accessory
Required Level: 59
Weapon attachments can seem like overkill in a game like Arkbut some may be useful. Although Laser Attachment loses most of its use when aiming, given the chaotic nature of this prehistoric survival game, it’s best to shoot from the hip.. In this sense, having the laser show exactly where the weapon is aiming could mean the difference between life and death.
Although not as good as a flashlight, they can be used in dark areas to help with navigation.. Overall, the laser is a simple but huge quality of life engram for those who prefer ranged combat. It can also be used to save resources when making scopes, as they are more useful with weapons that would otherwise be unsuitable for the laser.
1
Bathrooms are surprisingly overpowered
Required Level: 32
Bathrooms can seem like a comical addition to the Arkbut they have several useful uses. The first is that it is a way to transform survivors’ poop into fertilizer, which is crucial for farming.. Compared to alternative methods, namely the compost bin and beetles, this is a more consistent and easier method.
Along with that, players will receive a 120 second experience bonus, about 33%, when using the bathroom. A small buff, sure, but anything that can help level up is a blessing. Lastly, the toilet can be used to spoil any amount of meat when it is placed in the inventory and then used to defecate. This can be extremely useful whenever a large quantity of spoiled meat is needed, such as for the manufacture of narcotics.
Overall, each engram in Ascended can be useful if used correctly. Even if it’s a situational use, any advantage can go a long way in a game as unforgiving as this one. This is doubly important in PvP, which can feel like an even steeper hill for players regardless of experience level. So, no matter the mode, these are ten underrated Ark: Ascended Survival engrams that everyone should create at least once.
- Franchise
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ARK
- Platform(s)
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PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Released
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October 26, 2023
- Developer(s)
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Studio wild card
- Editor(s)
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Studio wild card
- Multiplayer
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Online Multiplayer
- Engine
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Unreal Engine 5
- CERS
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T for Teens due to blood, crude humor, gaming experience may change during online gaming, alcohol use, violence