Ark: Survival Evolved - Getting Ascendant Items Guide
Hey Survivors! So, you're ready to gear up and dominate Ark: Survival Evolved with the best of the best? You've come to the right place! This guide is all about scoring those sweet, sweet Ascendant items. We'll break down everything you need to know, from what Ascendant items actually are to the best methods for finding them. Trust me, having Ascendant gear can be a total game-changer, whether you're tackling bosses, exploring caves, or just trying to survive the daily grind. So, let's dive in and get you kitted out like a true Ark legend! Prepare yourself, because this journey will be full of danger and rewards.
What are Ascendant Items?
Alright, let's kick things off by understanding what Ascendant items actually are. In Ark: Survival Evolved, items come in different qualities or tiers: Primitive, Ramshackle, Apprentice, Journeyman, Mastercraft, and finally, Ascendant. Think of it like this: Primitive is your basic, starting gear, while Ascendant is the crème de la crème, the top-tier stuff that every survivor dreams of. Ascendant items boast significantly higher stats compared to their lower-quality counterparts. This means better armor values for your protective gear, increased damage output for your weapons, and improved efficiency for your tools. Essentially, Ascendant gear makes you more effective in every aspect of the game. Whether you're facing off against a horde of Raptors, building a fortress to withstand sieges, or simply trying to harvest resources faster, Ascendant items provide a massive advantage.
Why Bother with Ascendant Gear?
The difference between running around with Journeyman gear and Ascendant gear is like night and day, guys. Imagine facing the Broodmother with a Ramshackle sword versus an Ascendant one—you'll be thanking your lucky stars you invested the time to get that Ascendant weapon. Not only do they offer superior protection and damage, but they also tend to last longer, meaning less time spent repairing and more time spent dominating. Plus, let's be honest, there's a certain prestige that comes with rocking a full set of Ascendant armor. Other players will know you mean business! Ascendant items aren't just about stats; they're a symbol of dedication, skill, and a whole lot of hard work. Wearing them is like wearing a badge of honor in the brutal world of Ark. Securing Ascendant items means you're capable of taking on the toughest challenges the game throws at you. From the depths of the ocean to the highest mountain peaks, you'll be ready for anything.
How to Get Ascendant Items
Okay, now for the million-dollar question: how do you actually get your hands on these coveted Ascendant items? There are several methods, each with its own level of risk and reward. Let's break them down:
1. Loot Crates (Supply Drops and Caves)
Loot crates are probably the most common way to find Ascendant items. These crates spawn randomly throughout the map, both on the surface (as Supply Drops falling from the sky) and within caves. The color of the Supply Drop indicates the quality of the loot it contains, with Yellow, Red, and Purple drops having the highest chance of containing high-tier items. Caves are notoriously dangerous, filled with aggressive creatures and tricky terrain, but they also offer some of the best loot in the game. Keep an eye out for chests and containers within caves, as these can often contain Mastercraft and Ascendant items.
Tips for Loot Crate Hunting:
- Fly High: Use a flyer like an Argentavis or Pteranodon to quickly scout the map for Supply Drops.
- Be Prepared: Always bring weapons, armor, and healing items when exploring caves. You never know what lurks around the corner!
- Check the Colors: Prioritize Yellow, Red, and Purple Supply Drops for the best chance of finding Ascendant gear.
- Cave Dives: Coordinate with tribemates to clear caves effectively and safely. Teamwork makes the dream work!
2. Boss Fights
Taking on bosses is another excellent way to acquire Ascendant items. Each boss in Ark: Survival Evolved has its own unique set of rewards, which can include blueprints for Ascendant gear. The higher the difficulty of the boss fight (Gamma, Beta, Alpha), the better the rewards. Be warned, though: boss fights are incredibly challenging and require careful preparation, strong tames, and a well-coordinated team. But the payoff can be huge, with guaranteed Ascendant blueprints and other valuable resources.
Tips for Boss Fights:
- Research: Learn the boss's attack patterns and weaknesses before attempting the fight.
- Bring the Right Tames: Certain creatures are more effective against specific bosses. Do your homework!
- Coordinate: Communicate with your team and assign roles to maximize your effectiveness.
- Level Up: Make sure your tames are properly leveled and equipped with high-quality saddles.
3. Fishing
Yes, you read that right: fishing can actually net you Ascendant items in Ark! By using a Fishing Rod, Bait, and a decent chair, you have a chance to reel in various fish, some of which can reward you with quality loot. The key is to use high-quality bait (like Sap or Leech Blood) and target larger fish. While fishing might not be the most efficient method for obtaining Ascendant gear, it can be a relaxing and rewarding way to supplement your loot runs.
Tips for Fishing:
- Use Good Bait: Sap and Leech Blood are your best bets for attracting high-quality fish.
- Find a Good Spot: Fish in areas with a high concentration of fish and minimal threats.
- Be Patient: Fishing can take time, so don't get discouraged if you don't catch anything right away.
- Consider a Chair: Seriously, sitting in a chair while fishing can increase your chances of success.
4. Orbital Supply Drops (Extinction)
If you're playing on the Extinction map, Orbital Supply Drops are a fantastic source of high-quality loot, including Ascendant items. These drops fall from the sky at regular intervals and are defended by waves of increasingly difficult corrupted creatures. The higher the tier of the Orbital Supply Drop (Protected, Advanced, Superior), the better the loot and the tougher the enemies. Successfully defending these drops can reward you with amazing gear, but be prepared for a serious fight.
Tips for Orbital Supply Drops:
- Bring Strong Tames: You'll need powerful creatures to fend off the waves of corrupted dinos.
- Coordinate: Team up with other players to maximize your chances of success.
- Use a Tek Shield: A Tek Shield can provide valuable protection from incoming attacks.
- Stock Up: Bring plenty of ammo, healing items, and repair supplies.
5. Deep Sea Loot Crates (Genesis: Part 1)
Genesis: Part 1 introduces Deep Sea Loot Crates, which are submerged containers that offer some of the best loot in the game. These crates are heavily guarded by dangerous creatures like sharks, eels, and Cnidaria, so you'll need to be well-prepared before diving in. However, the rewards are well worth the risk, with a high chance of finding Ascendant items and blueprints.
Tips for Deep Sea Loot Crates:
- Use a Fast Mount: An Ichthyosaurus or Basilosaurus can help you navigate the underwater environment quickly and safely.
- Bring a Tamed Basilosaurus: The Basilosaurus is immune to Cnidaria stings and can provide valuable protection from other marine predators.
- Be Aware of Your Oxygen: Keep an eye on your oxygen levels and bring Lazarus Chowder to extend your underwater breathing time.
- Clear the Area: Eliminate any nearby threats before attempting to open the loot crate.
Tips for Increasing Your Chances
Alright, so you know where to look for Ascendant items, but let's talk about how to improve your odds. Because let's face it, the RNG gods can be cruel sometimes.
- Loot Quality Multiplier: If you're playing on a private server or single-player, you can adjust the loot quality multiplier in the settings. Increasing this multiplier will improve the chances of finding higher-quality items in loot crates and Supply Drops.
- Luck: While there's no official luck stat in Ark: Survival Evolved, some players believe that certain actions, like wearing specific charms or performing rituals (kidding... mostly), can influence your luck. Whether or not this is true is up for debate, but hey, it can't hurt to try!
- Persistence: The most important thing is to keep trying. Finding Ascendant items can be a grind, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't find anything right away. Just keep exploring, keep fighting, and keep fishing, and eventually, you'll strike gold.
Crafting Ascendant Items
Sometimes, you won't find an Ascendant item outright, but you'll find an Ascendant blueprint. This is basically a recipe that allows you to craft the item yourself, provided you have the necessary resources and crafting station. Blueprints can be found in loot crates, Supply Drops, and as rewards for defeating bosses. Keep an eye out for these valuable blueprints, as they can save you a lot of time and effort in the long run.
Tips for Crafting Ascendant Items:
- Gather Resources: Ascendant items typically require a lot of resources, so start gathering early.
- Use the Right Crafting Station: Some items require specific crafting stations, like a Smithy or Fabricator.
- Boost Your Crafting Skill: Increasing your crafting skill can improve the quality of the items you craft.
- Use a Mindwipe Tonic: If you need to respec your skill points to focus on crafting, a Mindwipe Tonic can come in handy.
Conclusion
So there you have it: a comprehensive guide to getting Ascendant items in Ark: Survival Evolved. It's not always going to be easy; you'll face challenges, setbacks, and maybe even a few rage quits along the way. But with perseverance, strategy, and a little bit of luck, you'll be decked out in Ascendant gear in no time. Remember to explore, fight, craft, and most importantly, have fun! Good luck out there, Survivors, and may the RNG gods be ever in your favor! Now go out there and dominate the Ark!