Tributes are where many boss plans die. The dinos might be ready and the seller might have a run window, but one missing trophy or blocked artifact cave can turn a clean unlock into another night of exposed farming.
This checklist is built for Small Tribes pressure: write the scope down, name who provides each item and keep the final patch-sensitive requirements verified before payment.
How to use this checklist
Start from boss and difficulty, then work backwards. If the target is Alpha, do not accept a vague boss run label. Write the map, terminal, artifacts, trophies, provider and backup window.
- Boss and difficulty written clearly.
- Tribute provider named: buyer, seller or mixed.
- Character and map access checked before the run window.
- Loot, Element and proof rules agreed before entry.
Tributes by map
The Island usually creates artifact pressure because progression funnels players into watched caves. Scorched Earth compresses planning around Manticore access. Aberration adds map hazards and role prep. Extinction work often needs the event separated from normal boss language.
- The Island: artifact caves and trophy items.
- Scorched Earth: Manticore difficulty and desert logistics.
- Aberration: character, hazard route and Rockwell method.
- Extinction: Titans, OSDs, veins and King Titan are separate jobs.
Common prep failures
Most failed prep is caused by assumptions. Buyers assume tributes are included; sellers assume the buyer has the character ready; both sides assume the difficulty was obvious. Put it in the ticket and remove the drama before the boss starts.
When to ask for help
If the last missing artifact or trophy is becoming the expensive part, check boss options or ask in Discord whether current carry, tribute or route support makes more sense than forcing a blocked cave.