Aberration
ARK: Survival Ascended
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Aberration - Detailed Guide
Aberration presents a damaged ARK with a unique underground setting. This map challenges survivors with radiation zones, bioluminescent environments, and dangerous creatures adapted to life without natural sunlight.
Underground Environment
Aberration is divided into three distinct vertical zones, each with unique challenges and resources:
Surface
Extreme radiation and intense heat make the surface nearly uninhabitable during daylight hours. The surface becomes accessible only at night, when Nameless and Reapers retreat underground. Contains high-tier resources but extreme danger.
Fertile Zone
The uppermost underground area with mushroom forests and limited natural light. Relatively safe with basic resources and moderate temperatures. Home to Ravagers, Basilisks, and other less dangerous creatures.
Bioluminescent Zone
Mid-level zone characterized by glowing plants and mushrooms. More dangerous than the Fertile Zone with unique resources like Aquatic Mushrooms and Plant Species Z. Home to Karkinos, Spinos, and other mid-tier threats.
Element Zone
The deepest region with high radiation levels requiring hazmat suits or other radiation protection. Rich in Element ore, Gems, and other rare resources. Extremely dangerous with Rock Drakes, Seekers, and Reapers.
Unique Features
Aberration introduces several mechanics not found on other maps:
- Radiation Zones: Areas that cause radiation sickness without proper protection
- No Flying Creatures: Traditional flyers cannot be used, requiring new movement strategies
- Climbing Picks: Special tools for scaling walls and traversing the vertical environment
- Gliding Suits: Wingsuit-like items that allow gliding between areas
- Charge Light: Essential light source that repels Nameless creatures
- Unique Resources: Element ore, gems, gas balls, and plant species Z
- Vertical Map Design: Extensive cave systems with multiple vertical layers
- Surface Day/Night Cycle: Surface only accessible during night hours
Aberration Survival Guide
Essential strategies for surviving this hostile environment:
- Start in the Fertile Zone for the safest early game experience
- Tame a Ravager early for mobility and protection from Nameless
- Always carry Charge Light (from Charge Nodes) to prevent Nameless attacks
- Craft climbing picks and glider suits as soon as possible for mobility
- Use mushrooms for food and their special effects (Aquatic Mushrooms for underwater breathing)
- Build near water sources and Charge Nodes for convenience
- Tame a Roll Rat for efficient resource gathering and mobile base capabilities
- Prepare hazmat suits before venturing into radiation zones
Essential Resource Guide
Where to find critical resources unique to Aberration:
Element ore found in the deepest radiation zones
Blue, Red, and Green gems found in the Bioluminescent and Element zones
Gas Balls collected from gas vents in the Bioluminescent Zone
Plant Species Z found in the Bioluminescent Zone
Charge Nodes scattered throughout all underground zones
Abundant in the Bioluminescent Zone and Element Zone
Common in the Bioluminescent Zone, especially near water
Harvested from glowing mushroom trees throughout the underground
Unique Creatures
Aberration introduces several exclusive creatures with special abilities:
- Rock Drake: Camouflaging reptile that can climb walls and glide, found in the Element Zone
- Reaper: Terrifying creature that can impregnate survivors, creating tameable Reaper Kings
- Ravager: Pack-hunting predator with climbing abilities and weight reduction for resources
- Basilisk: Massive burrowing snake that can be tamed with fertilized eggs
- Karkinos: Giant crab that can grab and throw creatures, excellent for gathering
- Roll Rat: Burrowing creature that can be used as a mobile base and resource gatherer
- Bulbdog/Shinehorn/Featherlight/Glowtail: Shoulder pets that provide charge light
- Nameless: Underground predators that emerge when survivors lack charge light
Strategic Base Locations
Recommended places to establish your presence:
- Portal (Fertile Zone, 45,30): Starting area with resources and relative safety
- Mushroom Forest (Fertile Zone, 40,48): Abundant resources with moderate danger
- Lake (Bioluminescent Zone, 42,46): Access to water and unique resources
- Edge of Radiation (Element Zone entrance, 51,75): Strategic position for accessing high-tier resources
- Blue Zone Waterfall (Bioluminescent Zone, 44,31): Protected area with water and resources
Progression Path
Recommended advancement strategy for Aberration:
- Establish a base in the Fertile Zone and gather basic resources
- Tame early creatures like Ravagers and light pets for protection and utility
- Craft climbing picks and glider suits for improved mobility
- Explore the Bioluminescent Zone for better resources and tames
- Craft hazmat suits and prepare for radiation zones
- Venture into the Element Zone to steal Rock Drake eggs
- Defeat the surface Reaper Queen to obtain a Reaper King
- Challenge the Rockwell boss in the final cave
Aberration offers one of ARK's most unique and challenging experiences. Its vertical design, specialized creatures, and environmental hazards create a gameplay experience unlike any other map. Mastering Aberration's challenges will make you a more resourceful and adaptable survivor across all ARK environments.