What are the advantages of using metal structures over stone in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Using metal structures over stone in ARK: Survival Evolved offers significant advantages, especially as you progress further into the game. Metal structures are far more durable and resistant to damage compared to stone, making them essential for defending against both hostile creatures and other players in PvP scenarios. HereÔÇÖs a detailed breakdown of why metal structures are superior and how to effectively transition from stone to metal in your base-building strategy.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics. Metal structures have much higher health points than stone structures. For example, a metal wall has 10,000 health, while a stone wall only has 10,000 health. This means metal structures can withstand significantly more damage from attacks, whether from dinosaurs, explosives, or other players. Additionally, metal structures are immune to fire damage, which is a common threat in PvP when players use fire arrows or explosives. Stone structures, on the other hand, can be destroyed by high-level creatures like Gigas or explosives like C4, making them less reliable for long-term defense.
To start building with metal, youÔÇÖll need to gather the necessary resources. Metal is primarily obtained by mining metal nodes, which are found in mountainous regions or near rivers. Use a pickaxe or, better yet, a metal pick or an Ankylosaurus for more efficient harvesting. Once youÔÇÖve gathered metal ore, youÔÇÖll need to smelt it into metal ingots using a refining forge. This process requires fuel, such as wood or sparkpowder, so make sure you have a steady supply. YouÔÇÖll also need cementing paste, which can be crafted from chitin or keratin and stone, or harvested from beaver dams. Cementing paste is a key ingredient in crafting metal structures, so stockpile it early.
When transitioning from stone to metal, start by replacing your most critical structures first. Focus on walls, gates, and ceilings, as these are the most vulnerable parts of your base. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, prioritize the areas where you store valuable items or tames. For tribes, coordinate with your members to gather resources and upgrade the base systematically. ItÔÇÖs also a good idea to build a metal perimeter wall around your base to deter raiders and aggressive creatures.
One common mistake is neglecting to upgrade your foundations. While walls and ceilings are important, foundations are the backbone of your base. If your foundations are destroyed, the entire structure can collapse. Always upgrade your foundations to metal as soon as possible. Another mistake is underestimating the resource requirements. Metal structures are expensive, so plan ahead and gather resources in bulk. Use tames like the Ankylosaurus for metal and the Doedicurus for stone to speed up the process.
Advanced techniques include using turrets and traps to complement your metal defenses. Auto-turrets and heavy turrets can be placed on metal ceilings or walls to provide additional protection. Combine these with plant species X turrets for a layered defense system. You can also use metal spike walls or bear traps to slow down or damage intruders. For tribes, consider building a metal vault to store your most valuable items, as it has an enormous health pool and is nearly indestructible without significant firepower.
Resource management is crucial when building with metal. Always have a surplus of metal ingots, cementing paste, and other materials like polymer and electronics for advanced structures. Use industrial forges and fabricators to speed up production, and consider setting up a resource-gathering outpost near metal-rich areas. For solo players, this might mean taming an Argentavis or a Quetzal to transport large quantities of metal back to your base.
In PvP scenarios, metal bases are essential for survival. Stone bases can be raided relatively easily, but metal bases require more effort and resources to breach. Always reinforce your base with multiple layers of metal walls and ceilings, and use turrets to cover blind spots. For tribes, assign roles to members, such as resource gatherers, builders, and defenders, to ensure efficient base upgrades.
In summary, metal structures provide superior durability and protection compared to stone, making them a necessity for late-game survival in ARK: Survival Evolved. By gathering resources efficiently, upgrading critical structures first, and using advanced defense techniques, you can create a nearly impregnable base. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, investing in metal structures will significantly enhance your chances of survival in the dangerous world of ARK.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics. Metal structures have much higher health points than stone structures. For example, a metal wall has 10,000 health, while a stone wall only has 10,000 health. This means metal structures can withstand significantly more damage from attacks, whether from dinosaurs, explosives, or other players. Additionally, metal structures are immune to fire damage, which is a common threat in PvP when players use fire arrows or explosives. Stone structures, on the other hand, can be destroyed by high-level creatures like Gigas or explosives like C4, making them less reliable for long-term defense.
To start building with metal, youÔÇÖll need to gather the necessary resources. Metal is primarily obtained by mining metal nodes, which are found in mountainous regions or near rivers. Use a pickaxe or, better yet, a metal pick or an Ankylosaurus for more efficient harvesting. Once youÔÇÖve gathered metal ore, youÔÇÖll need to smelt it into metal ingots using a refining forge. This process requires fuel, such as wood or sparkpowder, so make sure you have a steady supply. YouÔÇÖll also need cementing paste, which can be crafted from chitin or keratin and stone, or harvested from beaver dams. Cementing paste is a key ingredient in crafting metal structures, so stockpile it early.
When transitioning from stone to metal, start by replacing your most critical structures first. Focus on walls, gates, and ceilings, as these are the most vulnerable parts of your base. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, prioritize the areas where you store valuable items or tames. For tribes, coordinate with your members to gather resources and upgrade the base systematically. ItÔÇÖs also a good idea to build a metal perimeter wall around your base to deter raiders and aggressive creatures.
One common mistake is neglecting to upgrade your foundations. While walls and ceilings are important, foundations are the backbone of your base. If your foundations are destroyed, the entire structure can collapse. Always upgrade your foundations to metal as soon as possible. Another mistake is underestimating the resource requirements. Metal structures are expensive, so plan ahead and gather resources in bulk. Use tames like the Ankylosaurus for metal and the Doedicurus for stone to speed up the process.
Advanced techniques include using turrets and traps to complement your metal defenses. Auto-turrets and heavy turrets can be placed on metal ceilings or walls to provide additional protection. Combine these with plant species X turrets for a layered defense system. You can also use metal spike walls or bear traps to slow down or damage intruders. For tribes, consider building a metal vault to store your most valuable items, as it has an enormous health pool and is nearly indestructible without significant firepower.
Resource management is crucial when building with metal. Always have a surplus of metal ingots, cementing paste, and other materials like polymer and electronics for advanced structures. Use industrial forges and fabricators to speed up production, and consider setting up a resource-gathering outpost near metal-rich areas. For solo players, this might mean taming an Argentavis or a Quetzal to transport large quantities of metal back to your base.
In PvP scenarios, metal bases are essential for survival. Stone bases can be raided relatively easily, but metal bases require more effort and resources to breach. Always reinforce your base with multiple layers of metal walls and ceilings, and use turrets to cover blind spots. For tribes, assign roles to members, such as resource gatherers, builders, and defenders, to ensure efficient base upgrades.
In summary, metal structures provide superior durability and protection compared to stone, making them a necessity for late-game survival in ARK: Survival Evolved. By gathering resources efficiently, upgrading critical structures first, and using advanced defense techniques, you can create a nearly impregnable base. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, investing in metal structures will significantly enhance your chances of survival in the dangerous world of ARK.