What are the best ways to automate resource gathering for my base in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Automating resource gathering in ARK: Survival Evolved is a key strategy for maintaining a steady supply of materials for your base. This process involves using tamed creatures, advanced structures, and power systems to minimize manual labor and maximize efficiency. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

First, you need to understand the mechanics of resource gathering. Many creatures in ARK are specialized for harvesting specific resources. For example, the Ankylosaurus is excellent at gathering metal and flint, the Doedicurus is perfect for stone, and the Therizinosaurus can harvest wood, thatch, fiber, and berries efficiently. Taming these creatures is the first step toward automation. Once tamed, you can set them to wander or use their attack commands to gather resources. However, for true automation, youÔÇÖll need to pair these creatures with advanced structures like the S+ ModÔÇÖs Resource Puller or the vanilla gameÔÇÖs Tek Dedicated Storage system.

To begin, tame the appropriate creatures for the resources you need. For example, if youÔÇÖre focusing on metal, tame an Ankylosaurus. Place the creature in a secure area near the resource nodes, such as a metal-rich mountain. Use a feeding trough to keep it fed and a Dino Leash to prevent it from wandering too far. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, you can set the creature to wander and enable resource gathering in its behavior settings. For tribes, assign a tribe member to manage the creatures and ensure they are working efficiently.

Next, set up a storage system near your resource-gathering area. Use large storage boxes or vaults to store the gathered materials. If youÔÇÖre using the S+ Mod, you can connect the Resource Puller to the storage system, which will automatically pull resources from the creaturesÔÇÖ inventories into the storage. In the vanilla game, youÔÇÖll need to manually transfer resources from the creatures to the storage, but you can use a whip to speed up the process.

Power systems are essential for advanced automation. Use generators or renewable energy sources like wind turbines and solar panels to power your base. Connect the power to structures like the Industrial Forge, which can smelt metal ore into ingots automatically. You can also use the Tek Dedicated Storage system to store large quantities of resources and access them remotely.

One important tip is to protect your resource-gathering area. Build walls and gates to keep hostile creatures out, and place turrets or tamed defensive creatures like Rexes or Spinos around the perimeter. This ensures that your resource-gathering creatures are safe while they work.

Common mistakes to avoid include not securing your resource-gathering area, which can lead to your creatures being killed by predators or other players. Another mistake is not managing your power system properly, which can cause your automated structures to stop working. Always have a backup power source and keep an eye on your fuel levels.

Advanced techniques include using the S+ ModÔÇÖs Resource Puller and Auto-Crafter to fully automate resource gathering and crafting. You can also use the Tek Dedicated Storage system to store and access resources remotely, which is especially useful for large tribes with multiple bases.

Resource requirements for automation include the materials needed to tame creatures, build storage systems, and set up power systems. YouÔÇÖll need a steady supply of metal, stone, wood, and fiber, as well as fuel for your generators. Preparation involves taming the necessary creatures, gathering the required materials, and setting up your base infrastructure.

For solo players, automation can be more challenging due to the lack of tribe members to manage creatures and structures. However, using the S+ Mod or Tek Dedicated Storage system can help streamline the process. For tribes, assign specific roles to tribe members, such as creature management, resource gathering, and base defense, to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Specific examples include setting up an Ankylosaurus near a metal-rich mountain to gather metal ore, using a Doedicurus to gather stone from nearby rocks, and using a Therizinosaurus to gather wood and fiber from trees and plants. Pair these creatures with a storage system and power source to fully automate the process.

In conclusion, automating resource gathering in ARK: Survival Evolved involves taming specialized creatures, setting up storage and power systems, and protecting your resource-gathering area. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can create an efficient and automated resource-gathering system for your base.