Rock Drakes, magnificent creatures from the Ark: Aberration and Ark: Genesis Part 2 expansions, require specific care, especially when it comes to their diet. Understanding What Do Rock Drakes Eat is crucial for their survival and growth, making knowledge about their feeding habits essential. At rockscapes.net, we are committed to providing in-depth knowledge about the creatures of Ark and how to care for them, ensuring a thriving virtual ecosystem. From venom to food consumption rates, we’ll cover it all so you can take great care of your Rock Drake.
1. The Rock Drake Diet: A Venomous Affair
What do Rock Drakes eat? The primary food source for Rock Drakes, especially baby Rock Drakes, is Nameless Venom. This substance restores 400 food points to a Rock Drake. High-level Rock Drakes are born with 4-5 hours of food in their belly, but it’s crucial to start feeding them soon after hatching.
1.1. Why Nameless Venom?
Nameless Venom is the specific food that baby Rock Drakes require to survive. This dietary requirement makes raising Rock Drakes a unique challenge. Understanding the importance of venom in their diet is the first step to successfully raising one.
1.2. Obtaining Nameless Venom
Nameless Venom is acquired by killing Nameless creatures found in the dangerous areas of the Aberration map. Effective farming methods are key to ensuring a steady supply of venom for your growing Rock Drake.
2. Feeding Frequency and Food Consumption
How often do you need to feed a baby Rock Drake? A baby Rock Drake consumes approximately 337 food per hour. Keeping a close eye on their food stat is crucial. It’s generally best to check their food levels frequently.
2.1. Managing Food Levels
Wait until the Rock Drake has about one hour of food left (the food stat on the dino is showing 337) before feeding. Then, farm a batch of venom. This approach helps manage the venom supply effectively.
2.2. Setting Alarms
Calculate how long it will take for the Rock Drake to starve and set an alarm to remind you to farm venom an hour before starvation. This proactive approach ensures you never run out of venom when it’s needed.
2.3. Venom Expiration Buffer
Even if you miss the alarm, there is a small buffer. The Rock Drake will consume at least one unused vial in its inventory before the venom expires. This provides a little extra time to replenish the venom supply.
3. Rock Drake Maturity and Feeding
How does a Rock Drake’s feeding frequency change as it matures? As Rock Drakes mature, their food consumption decreases significantly. This means fewer venom runs are needed as they grow older.
3.1. Feeding Schedule for High-Level Drakes
For a high-level Rock Drake, an effective feeding schedule can be established:
- Day 1: 3 venom runs
- Day 2: 2 venom runs
- Day 3: 1 venom run
After this initial period, no more venom runs are needed until maturity.
3.2. Time Investment and Venom Runs
Each venom run takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. This includes the time to go out, farm, and return with the required venom. Efficient farming strategies can reduce this time further.
4. Optimizing Venom Farming
What are the best methods for farming Nameless Venom? Venom isn’t particularly rare, but efficient farming makes the process less tedious. Various creatures can be used for venom runs.
4.1. Creatures for Venom Farming
You can use several creatures to farm venom, including:
- Ravager
- Megalosaurus
- Karkinos (Crab)
- Spinosaurus
- Another Rock Drake
Each creature has its own strengths and weaknesses in the hazardous environment where Nameless Venom is found.
4.2. Strategic Farming Locations
Knowledge of the best locations to find Nameless is crucial. Efficient routes and strategies can maximize the amount of venom collected per run. This minimizes the time spent farming and ensures a consistent supply.
5. Why High-Level Rock Drakes are Better
Why is it advantageous to raise high-level Rock Drakes? Raising high-level Rock Drakes makes the process much easier. They have higher food stats, requiring less frequent feeding.
5.1. Advantages of High Food Stats
High-level Rock Drakes can store more food. This reduces the frequency of venom runs and the risk of starvation. The lower maintenance makes them more manageable.
5.2. Avoiding Low-Level Drakes
Low-level Rock Drakes have lower food stats, necessitating more frequent feedings. They are also less effective in combat and general utility. This makes them a less desirable choice for raising.
6. Taming a Rock Drake: Step-by-Step
6.1. Preparing for the Taming Process
Before venturing into the depths of the Aberration zone to acquire a Rock Drake egg, preparation is key. Equip yourself with radiation-resistant gear like a Hazard Suit, and bring along a reliable mount capable of navigating the treacherous terrain. A strong understanding of the area, including the locations of nests and potential dangers, is crucial for a successful egg retrieval mission.
6.2. Locating and Stealing an Egg
Once you’re prepared, venture into the Rock Drake nesting grounds. Exercise caution, as these areas are heavily guarded by wild Rock Drakes. Locate a nest with an egg, and carefully approach it. Be prepared to fight or flee, as the parent Rock Drakes will become aggressive when you attempt to steal their egg. Swiftly grab the egg and make a hasty retreat to avoid being overwhelmed.
6.3. Hatching the Egg
After successfully obtaining a Rock Drake egg, the next step is to incubate it until it hatches. The ideal incubation temperature for Rock Drake eggs ranges from 82 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (28 to 32 degrees Celsius). You can achieve this temperature range by using campfires, standing torches, or air conditioners, depending on your base’s climate. Monitor the egg closely to ensure the temperature remains within the optimal range, as deviations can negatively impact the hatching process.
6.4. Imprinting
Imprinting is a crucial aspect of raising a Rock Drake, as it significantly enhances its stats and effectiveness. Throughout the baby Rock Drake’s growth, it will periodically request different types of care, such as cuddling, feeding, or going for a walk. Fulfilling these requests within the given time frame will increase its imprinting percentage. Aim for a 100% imprinting percentage to maximize your Rock Drake’s potential.
7. Rock Drake Abilities and Uses
7.1. Camouflage
One of the Rock Drake’s most remarkable abilities is its natural camouflage. It can blend seamlessly into its environment, making it difficult for enemies to detect. This ability is invaluable for scouting, ambushing, or simply avoiding unwanted attention. To activate the camouflage, simply press the designated key or button, and the Rock Drake will become nearly invisible.
7.2. Climbing
Rock Drakes are exceptional climbers, capable of scaling cliffs, walls, and even ceilings with ease. This ability allows them to access areas that would be impossible for other creatures to reach. To climb, simply approach a climbable surface and the Rock Drake will automatically latch on. You can then move up, down, or sideways, allowing you to navigate even the most challenging terrains.
7.3. Gliding
In addition to their camouflage and climbing abilities, Rock Drakes can also glide through the air. This ability is particularly useful for traversing large gaps or descending from high altitudes. To glide, simply jump from a high point and the Rock Drake will automatically extend its wings, allowing you to soar through the air. You can control your direction and speed, making gliding an efficient and enjoyable way to travel.
7.4. Combat
Rock Drakes are formidable combatants, possessing a combination of powerful attacks and defensive abilities. They can inflict significant damage with their claws, teeth, and tail, making them a threat to even the most heavily armored opponents. Additionally, their camouflage and climbing abilities can be used to gain a tactical advantage in combat, allowing them to strike from unexpected angles or escape from dangerous situations.
8. Rock Drake Breeding
8.1. Setting up a Breeding Program
To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to have a dedicated breeding area with optimal conditions. This includes maintaining a comfortable temperature, providing adequate space for the Rock Drakes to move around, and ensuring a steady supply of food and water. Additionally, consider implementing a system for tracking the lineage and stats of your Rock Drakes to identify the most promising candidates for breeding.
8.2. Mating
Once you have your breeding pair selected and your breeding area prepared, the next step is to initiate the mating process. This typically involves enabling mating on both Rock Drakes and allowing them to roam freely within the breeding area. If the conditions are right, the Rock Drakes will eventually mate, resulting in a fertilized egg.
8.3. Incubation
After the egg is laid, it must be incubated at the correct temperature to ensure successful hatching. As mentioned earlier, the ideal incubation temperature for Rock Drake eggs ranges from 82 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (28 to 32 degrees Celsius). Monitor the egg closely and make adjustments as needed to maintain the optimal temperature range.
8.4. Mutations
Mutations can occur during the breeding process, resulting in offspring with unique traits or abilities. These mutations can be either beneficial or detrimental, and they can affect various aspects of the Rock Drake, such as its stats, color, or abilities. While mutations are random, they can be a valuable tool for improving your Rock Drake’s overall quality.
9. Rock Drake Color Mutations
9.1. Understanding Color Regions
Rock Drakes have multiple color regions that can be affected by mutations. Knowing which regions are most likely to mutate and which colors are most desirable can help you prioritize your breeding efforts. Some colors are rarer than others, making them more valuable and sought after by collectors.
9.2. Identifying Mutations
When a Rock Drake hatches with a color mutation, it’s important to identify which color region has been affected. This can be done by examining the Rock Drake’s appearance and comparing it to its parents. Once you’ve identified the mutated region, you can document it and track it for future breeding efforts.
9.3. Breeding for Specific Colors
If you’re interested in breeding Rock Drakes with specific colors, you’ll need to focus on breeding Rock Drakes that already possess those colors. By selectively breeding Rock Drakes with the desired colors, you can increase your chances of producing offspring with those same colors. However, keep in mind that mutations are random, so there’s no guarantee that you’ll get the exact colors you’re looking for.
9.4. Trading
If you’re unable to breed Rock Drakes with the colors you want, you can always trade with other players. Many players are willing to trade Rock Drakes with rare or desirable colors, so it’s worth exploring this option if you’re having trouble getting the colors you want through breeding.
10. Rock Drake Stats
10.1. Base Stats
These are the default stats of a Rock Drake at level 1, without any additional points invested. Understanding these base stats is crucial for planning how to allocate level-up points to maximize your Rock Drake’s effectiveness.
Here’s a summary of the Rock Drake’s base stats:
| Attribute | Base Value |
|---|---|
| Health | 500 |
| Stamina | 350 |
| Oxygen | 150 |
| Food | 2000 |
| Weight | 300 |
| Melee Damage | 40 |
| Movement Speed | 100 |
| Torpor | 800 |
10.2. Level-Up Stats
Each time a Rock Drake levels up, you can allocate points to improve specific stats. Deciding which stats to prioritize depends on your intended use for the Rock Drake, whether it’s combat, exploration, or utility.
Here’s how each stat increases per level-up point:
| Attribute | Increase per Level |
|---|---|
| Health | +50 |
| Stamina | +35 |
| Oxygen | +15 |
| Food | +200 |
| Weight | +30 |
| Melee Damage | +4% |
| Movement Speed | +2% |
| Torpor | N/A |
11. Rock Drake Saddle
11.1. Crafting
The Rock Drake Saddle is essential for riding and controlling a Rock Drake. It becomes available at level 75 and requires specific resources to craft.
The crafting requirements for the Rock Drake Saddle are:
- Hide: 320
- Fiber: 160
- Metal Ingot: 100
- Cementing Paste: 80
11.2. Benefits
Equipping the Rock Drake with a saddle allows you to ride it, granting you full control over its movements and abilities. The saddle also provides additional armor, protecting the Rock Drake from damage during combat.
11.3. Where to Find One
Saddles for Rock Drakes can be found in red, yellow and purple loot crates throughout the Aberration map.
12. Rock Drake Tips and Tricks
12.1. Efficient Venom Runs
To maximize your venom farming efficiency, use a fast and agile mount like a Ravager or Spinosaurus. Plan your routes in advance and prioritize areas with high Nameless spawns.
12.2. Managing Incubation Temperatures
Use a combination of campfires, standing torches, and air conditioners to maintain the ideal incubation temperature for Rock Drake eggs. Monitor the temperature closely and make adjustments as needed.
12.3. Combat Tactics
Utilize the Rock Drake’s camouflage and climbing abilities to gain a tactical advantage in combat. Ambush enemies from unexpected angles or escape from dangerous situations by scaling walls or cliffs.
12.4. Exploring Aberration
The Rock Drake is an invaluable asset for exploring the Aberration map. Use its climbing and gliding abilities to traverse the treacherous terrain and discover hidden areas.
13. Conclusion
Understanding what do Rock Drakes eat and how to care for them is essential for successfully raising these magnificent creatures in Ark. From obtaining Nameless Venom to managing their food consumption and utilizing their unique abilities, a comprehensive approach ensures their survival and growth.
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14. Frequently Asked Questions about Rock Drake Diets
14.1. What is the primary food source for baby Rock Drakes?
The primary food source for baby Rock Drakes is Nameless Venom, which restores 400 food points.
14.2. How often should I feed my baby Rock Drake?
A baby Rock Drake consumes approximately 337 food per hour. Monitor their food stat closely and feed them when it gets low.
14.3. How can I obtain Nameless Venom?
Nameless Venom is acquired by killing Nameless creatures in the dangerous areas of the Aberration map.
14.4. What creatures can I use to farm Nameless Venom?
You can use Ravagers, Megalosaurs, Karkinos (Crabs), Spinosaurus, or another Rock Drake to farm venom.
14.5. How does the feeding frequency change as the Rock Drake matures?
As Rock Drakes mature, their food consumption decreases significantly, requiring fewer venom runs.
14.6. Why is it better to raise high-level Rock Drakes?
High-level Rock Drakes have higher food stats, requiring less frequent feeding and reducing the risk of starvation.
14.7. Can Rock Drakes eat anything other than Nameless Venom?
No, baby Rock Drakes can only eat Nameless Venom. Once they reach juvenile stage, they can start eating meat.
14.8. How long does it take to farm a batch of Nameless Venom?
A venom run typically takes about 20 minutes, including the time to travel, farm, and return with the venom.
14.9. What should I do if I miss the alarm to feed my Rock Drake?
The Rock Drake will consume at least one unused vial in its inventory before starving, giving you a small buffer to replenish the venom supply.
14.10. Where can I find more information about caring for Rock Drakes?
You can find more information, creative ideas, and expert guidance on rockscapes.net.
