Surviving the brutal landscapes of the Ragnarok map in ARK: Survival Evolved demands preparation, and few assets are as critical as reliable transportation. The Ragnarok expansion introduced a new tier of environmental challenges, making the taming of specific dinosaurs essential for traversing its frozen peaks and volcanic lows. Understanding which creatures excel in this hostile territory is the first step toward establishing dominance.
Essential Mounts for Ragnarok's Terrain
The geography of Ragnarok is extreme, featuring high-altitude snow caps and deep, freezing waters that quickly drain a survivor's stamina. Standard transportation quickly becomes a liability, forcing players to seek out specialized mounts. The ideal roster of dinos for this map must include a flyer capable of navigating the high winds, an aquatic creature for oceanic travel, and a sturdy land animal for hauling resources across the tundra.
Argentavis: The High-Altitude Workhorse
Argentavis remains the undisputed king of the Ragnarok skies. These massive birds provide the necessary lift to reach the mountain peaks where crucial resources like High Quality Stone and Element are located. Taming an Argentavis requires significant investment, but the ability to survey the map from above and access isolated resource nodes is invaluable for any serious tribe aiming to thrive on this map.
Megalodon and Basilosaurus: Masters of the Deep
Navigating the treacherous waters surrounding the main islands is a task reserved for the ocean's apex predators. The Megalodon is a terrifyingly efficient hunter and transport, capable of diving to the darkest trenches to harvest rare materials. For players seeking a more peaceful route, the Basilosaurus offers a massive, durable alternative for long-distance sea travel, providing a mobile base defense against the map's other aquatic threats.
Building a Balanced Creature Loadout
While the flyers and swimmers get the most attention, a successful Ragnarok expedition relies on a balanced team. Players must consider their specific goals, whether it is grinding engrams, harvesting metal, or engaging in PvP warfare. A well-rounded stable ensures that you are never caught off guard, whether facing the elements or rival survivors.
Grinding and Resource Gathering Specialists
Rock Drake: Essential for engram grinding due to its camouflage ability, allowing it to safely collect Element from the map's dangerous radiation zones.
Reaper King: The undisputed master of Element harvesting, providing a massive storage capacity and the ability to bypass rock walls to reach concentrated veins.
Wyvern Variants: Depending on the server's difficulty, specific wyvern colors offer resistances that make traversing hazardous areas significantly safer.
Tactical Considerations for Taming
Taming dinosaurs on Ragnarok is a high-stakes operation. The map is filled with aggressive creatures that will actively hunt your taming process. Utilizing a Snow Owl for easy knockouts or securing a cave system for protection during the raising phase are common strategies. The time required to raise these creatures is a significant investment, so protecting your incubators and pens is just as important as the taming itself.
The Role of Boss Creatures
Ragnarok is defined by its massive boss fights, which are not just tests of strength but essential resource generators. Defeating creatures like the Dragon or the Broodmother Sin grants access to the Dragon Egg and the Corrupted Blood event, respectively. These battles require specific counters; bringing the right dino to the fight, such as a high-health tank or a fast attacker, can mean the difference between securing a legendary armor set or suffering a devastating wipe.
