What are the best ways to gather metal for advanced base building in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Gathering metal efficiently in ARK: Survival Evolved is essential for advanced base building, as metal is one of the most durable and versatile resources in the game. Metal is used to craft high-tier structures, tools, weapons, and advanced technology, making it a critical resource for mid-to-late game progression. To gather metal effectively, you need to understand the mechanics, prepare the right tools and dinosaurs, and optimize your strategy based on whether you are playing solo or in a tribe.
First, metal nodes are the primary source of metal. These nodes are typically found in mountainous regions, caves, and certain areas of the map. They are distinguishable by their shiny, metallic appearance and are often located near other valuable resources like crystal and obsidian. To harvest metal, you need tools like a metal pick or a high-level dinosaur with good harvesting capabilities. The most efficient dinosaurs for gathering metal are the Ankylosaurus and the Magmasaur. The Ankylosaurus has a high metal yield and can carry a significant amount of weight, while the Magmasaur is even more efficient but requires specific conditions to tame.
To start gathering metal, you should first craft a metal pick. This tool is more effective than a stone pick and will yield more metal per node. If you have access to an Ankylosaurus, tame one as soon as possible. Ankylosaurus taming requires narcotics, mejoberries, and patience, as they are slow to tame but incredibly useful. Once tamed, equip the Ankylosaurus with a saddle and take it to a metal-rich area. Use its tail attack to harvest metal nodes. The Ankylosaurus has a weight reduction for metal, allowing it to carry more metal than other creatures.
For solo players, efficiency is key. Plan your route to metal-rich areas and bring along a flying mount like an Argentavis or a Pteranodon to transport the Ankylosaurus if needed. The Argentavis is particularly useful because it can carry the Ankylosaurus in its talons, allowing you to move quickly between metal nodes. Additionally, the Argentavis has a weight reduction for metal, making it an excellent choice for transporting large amounts of metal back to your base.
In a tribe, coordination can significantly improve metal gathering. Assign roles to tribe members, such as one person gathering metal with an Ankylosaurus while another transports it with an Argentavis. You can also set up a temporary base or storage near metal-rich areas to reduce travel time. Using a Quetzal with a platform saddle can further optimize this process, as it allows you to carry multiple Ankylosaurus and transport large quantities of metal in a single trip.
Resource management is crucial when gathering metal. Always bring enough food, water, and tools for repairs. Metal nodes are often located in dangerous areas, so be prepared to defend yourself against hostile creatures. Bring weapons like a crossbow or a rifle, and consider taming a defensive dinosaur like a Carnotaurus or a Rex to protect you while you gather.
Common mistakes to avoid include overloading your dinosaurs, which can slow them down and make them vulnerable to attacks. Always monitor the weight of your dinosaurs and unload metal into storage or transport dinosaurs as needed. Another mistake is not bringing enough tools or repair materials. Metal tools degrade quickly, so bring extra materials to craft replacements in the field.
Advanced techniques include using a Doedicurus to gather stone alongside your Ankylosaurus for metal. This allows you to craft metal structures on the go, reducing the need to return to your base frequently. You can also use a Tek Transmitter to teleport resources directly to your base, but this requires access to advanced technology.
In summary, gathering metal efficiently in ARK: Survival Evolved involves understanding the mechanics, preparing the right tools and dinosaurs, and optimizing your strategy based on your playstyle. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, careful planning and resource management will ensure a steady supply of metal for your advanced base building needs.
First, metal nodes are the primary source of metal. These nodes are typically found in mountainous regions, caves, and certain areas of the map. They are distinguishable by their shiny, metallic appearance and are often located near other valuable resources like crystal and obsidian. To harvest metal, you need tools like a metal pick or a high-level dinosaur with good harvesting capabilities. The most efficient dinosaurs for gathering metal are the Ankylosaurus and the Magmasaur. The Ankylosaurus has a high metal yield and can carry a significant amount of weight, while the Magmasaur is even more efficient but requires specific conditions to tame.
To start gathering metal, you should first craft a metal pick. This tool is more effective than a stone pick and will yield more metal per node. If you have access to an Ankylosaurus, tame one as soon as possible. Ankylosaurus taming requires narcotics, mejoberries, and patience, as they are slow to tame but incredibly useful. Once tamed, equip the Ankylosaurus with a saddle and take it to a metal-rich area. Use its tail attack to harvest metal nodes. The Ankylosaurus has a weight reduction for metal, allowing it to carry more metal than other creatures.
For solo players, efficiency is key. Plan your route to metal-rich areas and bring along a flying mount like an Argentavis or a Pteranodon to transport the Ankylosaurus if needed. The Argentavis is particularly useful because it can carry the Ankylosaurus in its talons, allowing you to move quickly between metal nodes. Additionally, the Argentavis has a weight reduction for metal, making it an excellent choice for transporting large amounts of metal back to your base.
In a tribe, coordination can significantly improve metal gathering. Assign roles to tribe members, such as one person gathering metal with an Ankylosaurus while another transports it with an Argentavis. You can also set up a temporary base or storage near metal-rich areas to reduce travel time. Using a Quetzal with a platform saddle can further optimize this process, as it allows you to carry multiple Ankylosaurus and transport large quantities of metal in a single trip.
Resource management is crucial when gathering metal. Always bring enough food, water, and tools for repairs. Metal nodes are often located in dangerous areas, so be prepared to defend yourself against hostile creatures. Bring weapons like a crossbow or a rifle, and consider taming a defensive dinosaur like a Carnotaurus or a Rex to protect you while you gather.
Common mistakes to avoid include overloading your dinosaurs, which can slow them down and make them vulnerable to attacks. Always monitor the weight of your dinosaurs and unload metal into storage or transport dinosaurs as needed. Another mistake is not bringing enough tools or repair materials. Metal tools degrade quickly, so bring extra materials to craft replacements in the field.
Advanced techniques include using a Doedicurus to gather stone alongside your Ankylosaurus for metal. This allows you to craft metal structures on the go, reducing the need to return to your base frequently. You can also use a Tek Transmitter to teleport resources directly to your base, but this requires access to advanced technology.
In summary, gathering metal efficiently in ARK: Survival Evolved involves understanding the mechanics, preparing the right tools and dinosaurs, and optimizing your strategy based on your playstyle. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, careful planning and resource management will ensure a steady supply of metal for your advanced base building needs.