How to beat the Matriarch - NEW BOSS

Overview

The Matriarch is the latest boss in Ark Hunters. It's an aggressive boss with more attack patterns than the Queen, but surprisingly, it seems to have less health, making it defeatable with less ammo if you are prepared. This guide will walk you through the best strategies and loadouts to take it down.

Step 1: Recommended Loadout

• Primary Weapon: Hullcracker is highly recommended for its damage efficiency.
• Ammo: Bring approximately 140 Hullcracker ammo.
• Shield: Use a heavy shield. This will reduce your loot space but is crucial for survival.
• Medkits: Prioritize bringing more medkits than ammo, as the Matriarch's attacks can be very damaging.
• Team: Fighting with a squad is always easier.

Step 2: Understanding Matriarch Attack Patterns

Homing Missiles

• This is the most dangerous attack. The Matriarch constantly fires barrages of fast-moving homing missiles.
• Strategy: Stand behind any piece of solid cover. Be aware of some AoE damage and that missiles can sometimes curve around corners. Pick your cover wisely to avoid being hit.

Gas Mines

• The Matriarch sends out barrages of gas mines.
• Being in the gas will cause your character to cough uncontrollably, disabling your ability to fire. [SCREENSHOT:01:54]
• Strategy: Avoid the gas at all costs. While it doesn't appear to deal direct damage, the debuff is detrimental to combat.

Flashbangs

• The Matriarch can fire flashbang-like projectiles.
• Standing near these will temporarily blind you, which is not ideal in combat.
• Strategy: If you see one, run away to avoid the blinding effect.

Summoned ARC

• The Matriarch will call in waves of other ARC units.
• Rocketeer: This is often the main threat among the summoned units and can deal significant damage.
• Bastion: Bastions can pin you down and prevent you from looting after the Matriarch is defeated.
• Strategy: Prioritize eliminating summoned ARC units, especially Rocketeers and Bastions, to prevent being overwhelmed or losing out on loot.

Impenetrable Shield

• The Matriarch periodically deploys a large, impenetrable blue shield.
• Strategy: You cannot damage the Matriarch while this shield is active. Wait until the shield dissipates before resuming your attack.

Step 3: Combat Strategy

• Utilizing Cover: Always prioritize cover to avoid missile barrages and other attacks. Find thick cover that blocks AoE damage and curving projectiles.
• Targeting Weak Points: The Matriarch's biggest weak point is its red core located in its head. Consistently shooting the head will expose this core.
• You can also target the legs, which have armor plating, but once that's broken, they take damage quickly.
• Map Choice: Dam Battlegrounds is generally considered the best map for fighting this boss due to ample cover and strategic positions. Blue Gate is not recommended due to insufficient cover.

Step 4: Loot & Rewards

• The main loot dropped by the Matriarch is the Matriarch Reactor.
• This legendary item is used to craft the new Energy Burst Rifle (Battle Rifle).
• Ensure you secure your loot quickly after defeating the Matriarch, as lingering enemy units like Bastions can still pose a threat and prevent collection.
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Credit to The Gaming Merchant for the screenshots used in this guide.