What are the best ways to farm charcoal for base building in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Farming charcoal in ARK: Survival Evolved is essential for crafting gunpowder, which is used in ammunition, explosives, and other advanced items. Charcoal is obtained by burning wood in a fire source, such as a campfire, standing torch, industrial forge, or refining forge. The most efficient way to farm charcoal depends on your progression level, available resources, and whether you are playing solo or in a tribe.
To start farming charcoal, you need a reliable source of wood and a fire source. Early in the game, the simplest method is to gather wood by hand or with a pickaxe, then burn it in a campfire or standing torch. However, this method is slow and inefficient for large-scale charcoal production. As you progress, you can use tamed creatures like the Beaver, Mammoth, or Therizinosaurus to gather wood more efficiently. These creatures have high wood-gathering rates and can carry large amounts of wood, making them ideal for charcoal farming.
Once you have a steady supply of wood, the next step is to burn it. Early-game players can use multiple campfires or standing torches to increase production. Place several campfires close together and fill them with wood. Each piece of wood burns into one charcoal, so the more wood you burn, the more charcoal you produce. However, this method requires constant attention to refill the fires and collect the charcoal.
For mid-to-late-game players, the industrial forge is the best option for charcoal farming. The industrial forge burns wood much faster than campfires and can hold a large amount of wood at once. To use an industrial forge, you need to unlock its engram at level 89 and gather the required resources, including metal ingots, cementing paste, and electronics. Once built, place the industrial forge in a secure location, preferably inside your base, and fill it with wood. The industrial forge will burn the wood quickly, producing charcoal at a much higher rate than campfires. This method is ideal for tribes or solo players with access to advanced resources.
Another advanced technique is to use a refining forge. While not as fast as the industrial forge, the refining forge is more accessible and can still produce charcoal efficiently. It requires metal ingots, cementing paste, and hide to craft. Like the industrial forge, the refining forge can hold a large amount of wood and burn it quickly. This method is a good alternative for players who have not yet unlocked the industrial forge.
When farming charcoal, it is important to manage your resources effectively. Wood is heavy, so make sure you have enough carrying capacity or use tamed creatures to transport it. If you are playing in a tribe, assign roles to members to streamline the process. For example, one player can gather wood while another manages the fires. This division of labor can significantly increase efficiency.
A common mistake is neglecting to protect your fire sources. Hostile creatures or other players can destroy your campfires or forges, interrupting your charcoal production. Always place your fire sources in a secure location, preferably inside your base or behind walls. Additionally, avoid overloading your inventory with charcoal, as it can quickly fill up your storage space. Use storage boxes or vaults to keep your charcoal organized and accessible.
For advanced players, consider automating the process using turrets or defensive creatures to protect your base while you farm charcoal. You can also use wind turbines or solar panels to power your industrial forge, reducing the need for gasoline. If you are playing on a map with abundant resources, such as The Island or Ragnarok, take advantage of dense forests to gather wood quickly.
In summary, farming charcoal in ARK: Survival Evolved requires a combination of efficient wood gathering and fast-burning fire sources. Early-game players can use campfires, while mid-to-late-game players should invest in industrial or refining forges. Manage your resources carefully, protect your fire sources, and consider tribe roles for maximum efficiency. With these strategies, you can produce large amounts of charcoal for all your crafting needs.
To start farming charcoal, you need a reliable source of wood and a fire source. Early in the game, the simplest method is to gather wood by hand or with a pickaxe, then burn it in a campfire or standing torch. However, this method is slow and inefficient for large-scale charcoal production. As you progress, you can use tamed creatures like the Beaver, Mammoth, or Therizinosaurus to gather wood more efficiently. These creatures have high wood-gathering rates and can carry large amounts of wood, making them ideal for charcoal farming.
Once you have a steady supply of wood, the next step is to burn it. Early-game players can use multiple campfires or standing torches to increase production. Place several campfires close together and fill them with wood. Each piece of wood burns into one charcoal, so the more wood you burn, the more charcoal you produce. However, this method requires constant attention to refill the fires and collect the charcoal.
For mid-to-late-game players, the industrial forge is the best option for charcoal farming. The industrial forge burns wood much faster than campfires and can hold a large amount of wood at once. To use an industrial forge, you need to unlock its engram at level 89 and gather the required resources, including metal ingots, cementing paste, and electronics. Once built, place the industrial forge in a secure location, preferably inside your base, and fill it with wood. The industrial forge will burn the wood quickly, producing charcoal at a much higher rate than campfires. This method is ideal for tribes or solo players with access to advanced resources.
Another advanced technique is to use a refining forge. While not as fast as the industrial forge, the refining forge is more accessible and can still produce charcoal efficiently. It requires metal ingots, cementing paste, and hide to craft. Like the industrial forge, the refining forge can hold a large amount of wood and burn it quickly. This method is a good alternative for players who have not yet unlocked the industrial forge.
When farming charcoal, it is important to manage your resources effectively. Wood is heavy, so make sure you have enough carrying capacity or use tamed creatures to transport it. If you are playing in a tribe, assign roles to members to streamline the process. For example, one player can gather wood while another manages the fires. This division of labor can significantly increase efficiency.
A common mistake is neglecting to protect your fire sources. Hostile creatures or other players can destroy your campfires or forges, interrupting your charcoal production. Always place your fire sources in a secure location, preferably inside your base or behind walls. Additionally, avoid overloading your inventory with charcoal, as it can quickly fill up your storage space. Use storage boxes or vaults to keep your charcoal organized and accessible.
For advanced players, consider automating the process using turrets or defensive creatures to protect your base while you farm charcoal. You can also use wind turbines or solar panels to power your industrial forge, reducing the need for gasoline. If you are playing on a map with abundant resources, such as The Island or Ragnarok, take advantage of dense forests to gather wood quickly.
In summary, farming charcoal in ARK: Survival Evolved requires a combination of efficient wood gathering and fast-burning fire sources. Early-game players can use campfires, while mid-to-late-game players should invest in industrial or refining forges. Manage your resources carefully, protect your fire sources, and consider tribe roles for maximum efficiency. With these strategies, you can produce large amounts of charcoal for all your crafting needs.