What is the best way to farm metal for advanced base building in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Farming metal efficiently in ARK: Survival Evolved is crucial for advanced base building, as metal is one of the most important resources for crafting high-tier structures, tools, and weapons. Metal nodes are the primary source of metal, and they are found in specific locations across the map, often in mountainous or rocky areas. To farm metal effectively, you need to understand the mechanics, prepare the right tools and dinosaurs, and optimize your strategy for maximum efficiency.
First, you need to locate metal-rich areas. On most maps, such as The Island, metal nodes are abundant in mountains, caves, and certain riverbeds. For example, the volcano on The Island is a prime location for metal farming. Once you identify a good spot, you need the right tools. A metal pickaxe is essential for harvesting metal, as it yields more metal per node compared to a stone pickaxe. Additionally, using a high-level Ankylosaurus is highly recommended because it can gather large amounts of metal quickly and has a weight reduction for metal, allowing it to carry more.
Before heading out to farm metal, prepare your inventory and your dinosaur. Bring a high-durability pickaxe, a few stacks of food, and some medical supplies in case of emergencies. If you are using an Ankylosaurus, ensure it has a good saddle for protection and a decent weight stat to carry as much metal as possible. You may also want to bring a flying mount, such as an Argentavis, to transport the metal back to your base. Argentavis has a weight reduction for metal and can carry the Ankylosaurus if needed, making it an excellent companion for metal farming.
When you arrive at the metal-rich area, start harvesting the nodes with your Ankylosaurus. Focus on the shiny, metallic rocks, as these yield the most metal. After gathering a significant amount, transfer the metal to your Argentavis or another flying mount to reduce the weight burden. If you are playing solo, you may need to make multiple trips, so plan your route carefully to avoid dangerous areas or hostile creatures. In a tribe, you can assign roles, such as one person gathering metal while another transports it, to speed up the process.
One common mistake is overloading your dinosaur or yourself with too much metal, which can slow you down and make you vulnerable to attacks. Always monitor your weight and avoid carrying more than you can handle. Another mistake is not scouting the area for threats before starting to farm. Predators like Rexes or Carnos can easily disrupt your farming session, so clear the area or have a plan to escape if necessary.
Advanced techniques include setting up a temporary base or storage near the metal-rich area. For example, you can place a few storage boxes and a bed near the volcano on The Island to store metal and respawn if you die. This reduces the need for constant trips back to your main base. Additionally, using a Quetzal with a platform saddle can allow you to carry the Ankylosaurus directly to the metal nodes, making the process even more efficient.
Resource requirements for metal farming include a metal pickaxe, a high-level Ankylosaurus, and a flying mount like an Argentavis or Quetzal. You may also need materials for crafting storage boxes or a temporary base, such as wood, thatch, and stone. Preparation is key, so ensure you have enough food, medical supplies, and tools before heading out.
In a tribe, coordination is essential for efficient metal farming. Assign roles, such as gatherers and transporters, and communicate effectively to avoid wasting time. Solo players should focus on optimizing their route and using dinosaurs with weight reduction for metal to minimize the number of trips required.
Specific examples include farming metal at the volcano on The Island, where metal nodes are abundant and easily accessible. Another example is the mountains in the northwest of The Island, which also have a high concentration of metal nodes. On other maps, such as Ragnarok, the highlands and certain caves are excellent spots for metal farming.
In conclusion, farming metal efficiently in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, the right tools and dinosaurs, and a solid strategy. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can gather large amounts of metal for advanced base building and other high-tier crafting needs. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, optimizing your metal farming process will significantly enhance your survival and progression in the game.
First, you need to locate metal-rich areas. On most maps, such as The Island, metal nodes are abundant in mountains, caves, and certain riverbeds. For example, the volcano on The Island is a prime location for metal farming. Once you identify a good spot, you need the right tools. A metal pickaxe is essential for harvesting metal, as it yields more metal per node compared to a stone pickaxe. Additionally, using a high-level Ankylosaurus is highly recommended because it can gather large amounts of metal quickly and has a weight reduction for metal, allowing it to carry more.
Before heading out to farm metal, prepare your inventory and your dinosaur. Bring a high-durability pickaxe, a few stacks of food, and some medical supplies in case of emergencies. If you are using an Ankylosaurus, ensure it has a good saddle for protection and a decent weight stat to carry as much metal as possible. You may also want to bring a flying mount, such as an Argentavis, to transport the metal back to your base. Argentavis has a weight reduction for metal and can carry the Ankylosaurus if needed, making it an excellent companion for metal farming.
When you arrive at the metal-rich area, start harvesting the nodes with your Ankylosaurus. Focus on the shiny, metallic rocks, as these yield the most metal. After gathering a significant amount, transfer the metal to your Argentavis or another flying mount to reduce the weight burden. If you are playing solo, you may need to make multiple trips, so plan your route carefully to avoid dangerous areas or hostile creatures. In a tribe, you can assign roles, such as one person gathering metal while another transports it, to speed up the process.
One common mistake is overloading your dinosaur or yourself with too much metal, which can slow you down and make you vulnerable to attacks. Always monitor your weight and avoid carrying more than you can handle. Another mistake is not scouting the area for threats before starting to farm. Predators like Rexes or Carnos can easily disrupt your farming session, so clear the area or have a plan to escape if necessary.
Advanced techniques include setting up a temporary base or storage near the metal-rich area. For example, you can place a few storage boxes and a bed near the volcano on The Island to store metal and respawn if you die. This reduces the need for constant trips back to your main base. Additionally, using a Quetzal with a platform saddle can allow you to carry the Ankylosaurus directly to the metal nodes, making the process even more efficient.
Resource requirements for metal farming include a metal pickaxe, a high-level Ankylosaurus, and a flying mount like an Argentavis or Quetzal. You may also need materials for crafting storage boxes or a temporary base, such as wood, thatch, and stone. Preparation is key, so ensure you have enough food, medical supplies, and tools before heading out.
In a tribe, coordination is essential for efficient metal farming. Assign roles, such as gatherers and transporters, and communicate effectively to avoid wasting time. Solo players should focus on optimizing their route and using dinosaurs with weight reduction for metal to minimize the number of trips required.
Specific examples include farming metal at the volcano on The Island, where metal nodes are abundant and easily accessible. Another example is the mountains in the northwest of The Island, which also have a high concentration of metal nodes. On other maps, such as Ragnarok, the highlands and certain caves are excellent spots for metal farming.
In conclusion, farming metal efficiently in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, the right tools and dinosaurs, and a solid strategy. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can gather large amounts of metal for advanced base building and other high-tier crafting needs. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, optimizing your metal farming process will significantly enhance your survival and progression in the game.