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-based weapons or creatures like the Phoenix. Stone structures, on the other hand, can be destroyed by fire, 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 a metal pick for better yields. Once youÔÇÖve collected metal ore, youÔÇÖll need to smelt it into metal ingots using a refining forge. This process requires a fuel source like wood or thatch. For large-scale metal production, consider building multiple forges or using an industrial forge, which smelts metal much faster. 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.
When transitioning from stone to metal, start by replacing your most critical structures first, such as outer walls, gates, and turret towers. These are the most vulnerable parts of your base and should be prioritized for upgrades. Once your defenses are secure, you can gradually replace interior walls, floors, and ceilings with metal. Keep in mind that metal structures are heavier than stone, so ensure your foundation can support the additional weight. Reinforced foundations or pillars may be necessary for larger bases.
One common mistake players make is underestimating the resource requirements for metal structures. Building an entire base out of metal requires a significant amount of metal ingots and cementing paste, so plan accordingly. ItÔÇÖs a good idea to set up a dedicated resource-gathering operation, such as taming an Ankylosaurus for efficient metal mining or a Doedicurus for stone gathering. These dinosaurs can greatly speed up the process and reduce the time spent manually gathering resources.
For advanced players, consider using tek structures once youÔÇÖve unlocked them. Tek structures are even more durable than metal and offer unique features like force fields and teleporters. However, they require rare resources like element, which can only be obtained by defeating bosses. Until then, metal structures are your best option for high-level base defense.
In terms of tribe versus solo play, tribes have a clear advantage when transitioning to metal structures. Tribes can pool resources and assign roles, such as having one member focus on mining while another handles smelting and crafting. Solo players will need to manage all aspects of resource gathering and base building themselves, so efficient time management is crucial. Consider setting up smaller, more manageable bases with metal defenses rather than attempting to build a massive fortress alone.
A specific example of the benefits of metal structures can be seen in PvP scenarios. In a raid, stone walls can be easily destroyed with a few C4 explosives or a well-placed rocket. Metal walls, however, require significantly more explosives to breach, giving you more time to mount a defense or counterattack. Additionally, metal turrets are more durable and can withstand enemy fire longer than stone turrets, providing better protection for your base.
In conclusion, transitioning to metal structures is a critical step in ARK: Survival Evolved for ensuring the longevity and security of your base. While the process requires significant resources and preparation, the increased durability and resistance to damage make it well worth the effort. By prioritizing key defenses, efficiently gathering resources, and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a formidable metal fortress capable of withstanding even the toughest challenges the game has to offer.
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-based weapons or creatures like the Phoenix. Stone structures, on the other hand, can be destroyed by fire, 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 a metal pick for better yields. Once youÔÇÖve collected metal ore, youÔÇÖll need to smelt it into metal ingots using a refining forge. This process requires a fuel source like wood or thatch. For large-scale metal production, consider building multiple forges or using an industrial forge, which smelts metal much faster. 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.
When transitioning from stone to metal, start by replacing your most critical structures first, such as outer walls, gates, and turret towers. These are the most vulnerable parts of your base and should be prioritized for upgrades. Once your defenses are secure, you can gradually replace interior walls, floors, and ceilings with metal. Keep in mind that metal structures are heavier than stone, so ensure your foundation can support the additional weight. Reinforced foundations or pillars may be necessary for larger bases.
One common mistake players make is underestimating the resource requirements for metal structures. Building an entire base out of metal requires a significant amount of metal ingots and cementing paste, so plan accordingly. ItÔÇÖs a good idea to set up a dedicated resource-gathering operation, such as taming an Ankylosaurus for efficient metal mining or a Doedicurus for stone gathering. These dinosaurs can greatly speed up the process and reduce the time spent manually gathering resources.
For advanced players, consider using tek structures once youÔÇÖve unlocked them. Tek structures are even more durable than metal and offer unique features like force fields and teleporters. However, they require rare resources like element, which can only be obtained by defeating bosses. Until then, metal structures are your best option for high-level base defense.
In terms of tribe versus solo play, tribes have a clear advantage when transitioning to metal structures. Tribes can pool resources and assign roles, such as having one member focus on mining while another handles smelting and crafting. Solo players will need to manage all aspects of resource gathering and base building themselves, so efficient time management is crucial. Consider setting up smaller, more manageable bases with metal defenses rather than attempting to build a massive fortress alone.
A specific example of the benefits of metal structures can be seen in PvP scenarios. In a raid, stone walls can be easily destroyed with a few C4 explosives or a well-placed rocket. Metal walls, however, require significantly more explosives to breach, giving you more time to mount a defense or counterattack. Additionally, metal turrets are more durable and can withstand enemy fire longer than stone turrets, providing better protection for your base.
In conclusion, transitioning to metal structures is a critical step in ARK: Survival Evolved for ensuring the longevity and security of your base. While the process requires significant resources and preparation, the increased durability and resistance to damage make it well worth the effort. By prioritizing key defenses, efficiently gathering resources, and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a formidable metal fortress capable of withstanding even the toughest challenges the game has to offer.