What is the best way to farm electronics for advanced base building in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Farming electronics in ARK: Survival Evolved is essential for advanced base building, as they are required for crafting high-tier items like turrets, generators, and advanced crafting stations. Electronics are primarily obtained by crafting them using materials like metal ingots and oil, or by harvesting them from specific creatures and locations. Below is a detailed guide on how to efficiently farm electronics, covering mechanics, strategies, and tips.

To craft electronics, you need a fabricator, which is unlocked at level 54. The recipe requires 50 metal ingots, 20 oil, and 5 polymer per electronic. Metal ingots are smelted from metal ore in a forge, oil can be gathered from oil nodes in the ocean or by harvesting creatures like Trilobites, and polymer can be obtained from organic polymer (harvested from Kairuku or Hesperornis) or by crafting it using obsidian and cementing paste. This method is reliable but resource-intensive, so itÔÇÖs best suited for mid-to-late game players with access to industrial forges and large amounts of resources.

For early-game players or those looking for a faster method, harvesting electronics from specific creatures is a great alternative. Tek creatures, such as Tek Parasaur, Tek Raptor, and Tek Rex, drop electronics when killed. These creatures are found in certain areas of the map, such as the Snow Biome or near mountains. Using a high-damage weapon or a strong tamed dinosaur like a Rex or Spino can make this process easier. Additionally, killing creatures like the Electrophorus in the ocean or the Lamprey in the swamp can yield electronics, though these methods are less efficient.

Another effective way to farm electronics is by looting supply drops, caves, and orbital supply drops. Supply drops, especially red and purple ones, often contain electronics. Caves, particularly those with high-level loot crates, can also yield electronics as part of their rewards. Orbital supply drops, which appear after defeating a boss, are another excellent source of electronics. These methods require preparation, such as bringing strong tames or gear to handle the dangers of caves and high-level areas.

For advanced players, setting up an industrial grinder can optimize electronics farming. The grinder allows you to break down unwanted items into their base components, including electronics. For example, grinding Tek structures or items can yield a significant amount of electronics. This method is particularly useful for tribes with excess resources or items they no longer need.

When farming electronics, itÔÇÖs important to consider resource management and preparation. Always bring a high-damage weapon or a strong tame when hunting Tek creatures or exploring caves. For crafting electronics, ensure you have a steady supply of metal, oil, and polymer. Setting up a metal farming base near a mountain or using an Ankylosaurus to gather metal ore can significantly speed up the process. Oil can be farmed efficiently using a Dunkleosteus in the ocean or by placing oil pumps in oil-rich areas like the Snow Biome.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the dangers of Tek creatures or caves. Always bring adequate armor, weapons, and healing items. Another mistake is neglecting to use tames for resource gathering. Tames like the Ankylosaurus for metal, the Doedicurus for stone, and the Beaver for wood can drastically improve your resource farming efficiency. Additionally, avoid over-relying on one method. Combining crafting, creature harvesting, and looting ensures a steady supply of electronics.

For tribes, coordination is key. Assign roles to tribe members, such as one person gathering metal, another farming oil, and a third hunting Tek creatures. This division of labor maximizes efficiency. Solo players should focus on taming resource-gathering dinosaurs and setting up a secure base near resource-rich areas to minimize travel time.

In summary, farming electronics in ARK requires a combination of crafting, creature harvesting, and looting. Efficient resource management, proper preparation, and the use of tames are crucial for success. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, following these strategies will ensure a steady supply of electronics for advanced base building and crafting.