ARK Survival Evolved: How to Get Runestones

Runestones are special items that have been introduced in the Fjordur DLC for ARK: Survival Evolved. These items are used for summoning new bosses, and they can be obtained only by defeating alpha creatures.

Our guide will provide you with tips on how to get runestones in ARK: Survival Evolved. Currently, there are eight alpha beasts in Fjordur, and below you will learn about their locations and possible drops.

How to Get Runestones in ARK

Alpha Carnotaurus Locations

Alpha Carnotaurus dinos are highly aggressive and will attack you immediately as soon as they see you. Especially beware of their headbutt attack.

They typically roam the western and northeastern areas of Fjordur, such as Snaerheimr Mountains and Runeheimr Forest.

Recommended mounts against Alpha Carnotaurus are Rex, Therizinosaurus,  Spino, or Baryonyx. This dino is most vulnerable in water, which slows him down significantly.

Alpha Carnotaurus possible drops

• Hide
• Keratin
• Raw Prime Meat
• Alpha Carnotaurus Arm
• Rex Bone Helmet Skin
• Runestones

Alpha Karkinos Locations

Giant crab Karkinos can be seen inside flooded caves or in the rivers of the northestern part of Fjordur, such as Fornland and Forburg.

It is typically very aggressive and attacks any nearby creatures, even those that are much bigger in size.

The best mount against Karkinos is Spino, who can easily knock him back. But you can also use Rock Drake or Megalosaurus to a great effect.

Alpha Karkinos possible drops

• Alpha Karkinos Claw
• Organic Polymer
• Chitin
• Raw Meat
• Runestones

Alpha Leedsichthys Locations

Alpha Leedsichthys is basically a giant white fish that is generally very passive, but once it spots a raft on the surface of water, it’ll immediately attack.

Typically this fish roams the central, southern, and eastern areas of the Fjordur sea and water channels.

The best mounts against this beast is Megalodon or Sarco, who can deal enough damage to kill Leedsichthys.

Alpha Leedsichthys possible drops

• Hide
• Raw Fish Meat
• Raw Prime Fish Meat
• Alpha Leedsichthys Blubber
• Captain’s Hat Skin
• Runestones

Alpha Megalodon Locations

This giant shark can be found in the Fjordur sea almost anywhere, but the highest chance of encountering one is at the underwater cave located between the Balheimr island and Vannaland continent.

Alpha Megalodon is way more aggressive than Leedsichthys, and usually attacks accompanied by other sharks.

The only mount that can kill Alpha Megalodon is Baryonyx, if you combine it with such weaponry like pike, harpoon, or crossbow.

Alpha Megalodon possible drops

• Raw Prime Fish Meat
• Alpha Megalodon Fin
• Runestones

Alpha Mosasaur Locations

Mosasaur is a giant reptilian who likes to live underwater. It hunts smaller dinosaurs that rest on the shores or enter the water.

You will most likely find them on the Bolbjord island in the western part of Fjordur, or somewhere near the Abyssal Depths.

Since Mosasaurs mostly stay underwater, you need to use such mounts like Megalodon, Basilosaurus, or Manta to be able to hunt down an Alpha Mosasaur.

Alpha Mosasaur possible drops

• Fishing Rod
• Raw Prime Meat
• Raw Prime Fish Meat
• Black Pearls
• Alpha Mosasaur Tooth
• Fireworks Rocket Launcher Skin
• Runestones

Alpha Raptor Locations

Alpha Raptors may not be very large in size, but they are extremely fast and deal a ton of damage, so don’t underestimate these beasts.

You can typically find them in the western Vannaland or in the north of the Vardiland island.

Raptors are highly susceptible to bleeding, so use such mounts like Carnotaurus, Thylacoleo, or Deinonychus against it.

Alpha Raptor possible drops

• Hide
• Raw Prime Meat
• Alpha Raptor Claw
• Rex Bone Helmet Skin
• Runestones

Alpha T-Rex Locations

Alpha T-Rex dinos often inhabit the same areas as raptors, but they are much rarer, and also far more dangerous.

The easiest way to determine whether the T-Rex in your vicinity is an alpha is by the bright red coloring, whereas ordinary Rex will be smaller and of pale green color.

An apex predator like Alpha T-Rex requires at least 20 shots from the ballista turret to fall down. Such mounts like Argentavis or Thylacoleo can help you with that as well.

Alpha T-Rex possible drops

• Hide
• Raw Prime Meat
• Alpha Rex Trophy
• Alpha Tyrannosaur Tooth
• Trike Bone Helmet Skin
• Runestones

Alpha Tusoteuthis Locations

The last alpha creature inhabiting Fjordur is a giant octopus, who can be rarely seen in the central part of the Fjordur sea.

They usually swim very deep and they are also very slow. As soon as it spots a player, it starts moving towards one and attacks immediately.

The only mount that can effectively damage Alpha Tusoteuthis is Basilosaurus. Also, try to aim your attacks at his beak for maximum damage.

Alpha Tusoteuthis possible drops

• Keratin
• Raw Fish Meat
• Raw Prime Fish Meat
• Absorbent Substrate
• Black Pearls
• Tusoteuthis Oil
• Tusoteuthis Tentacle
• Runestones

Related guides

• All Fjordur Unique Creatures Locations
• How to Get Sanguine Elixir
• How to Get All New Weapons
• How to Beat the Final Boss
• Bloodstalker Location and Taming Guide

That’s everything you need to know on how to get Runestones in ARK: Survival Evolved. The spawn map images are from the ARK fan wiki spawn map tool.

Fore more ARK: Survival Evolved tips and tricks articles, please visit our dedicated hub page via the link.