What is the best way to set up a smelting area in my base in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Setting up a smelting area in your base in ARK: Survival Evolved is a critical step in progressing through the game, as it allows you to refine raw materials like metal ore into usable metal ingots. A well-designed smelting area ensures efficiency, safety, and scalability as your resource needs grow. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you create an effective smelting setup.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics involved. Smelting in ARK requires a forge, which is a crafting station used to convert metal ore into metal ingots. There are several types of forges, including the Campfire, Refining Forge, Industrial Forge, and Tek Forge. The Campfire is the most basic and can smelt small amounts of ore, but it is inefficient for large-scale operations. The Refining Forge is the standard option for early to mid-game players, while the Industrial Forge is the most efficient for late-game players due to its large capacity and fast smelting speed. The Tek Forge is an advanced option available in the late game, requiring Tek Tier technology.
To set up a smelting area, start by choosing a location within your base that is easily accessible but not too close to flammable structures. Forges produce heat and can cause fires if placed near thatch or wooden structures. Stone or metal foundations are ideal for building your smelting area, as they are fireproof and durable. Once youÔÇÖve selected a location, place your forge on a flat surface. If youÔÇÖre using a Refining Forge, youÔÇÖll need to fuel it with wood or thatch. The Industrial Forge requires gasoline, which is crafted in a Fabricator using oil and hide.
Next, consider the layout of your smelting area. Place storage boxes nearby to hold raw materials like metal ore, wood, and fuel. This minimizes the time spent running back and forth to gather resources. If youÔÇÖre using an Industrial Forge, you may also want to include a water source, such as a water tap or reservoir, as it requires water to operate. Additionally, place a preserving bin or refrigerator nearby to store cooked meat or other perishable items that may be produced as a byproduct of smelting.
Resource management is key to maintaining an efficient smelting area. Metal ore is heavy, so itÔÇÖs important to have a system for transporting it to your base. Tamed dinosaurs like the Ankylosaurus are excellent for gathering metal ore, as they have a weight reduction bonus for carrying it. Once youÔÇÖve gathered the ore, use a high-weight dinosaur like a Brontosaurus or Argentavis to transport it to your base. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, consider using a storage box or vault near your mining location to temporarily store ore before transporting it in bulk.
One common mistake players make is underestimating the amount of fuel required for smelting. Wood is the most basic fuel source, but it burns quickly and is inefficient for large-scale operations. Charcoal, produced as a byproduct of smelting, can be used as fuel but is not as effective as gasoline. If youÔÇÖre using an Industrial Forge, prioritize crafting gasoline in bulk to ensure uninterrupted smelting. Another mistake is placing forges too close to each other, which can cause overheating and reduce efficiency. Leave enough space between forges to allow for proper ventilation and access.
Advanced techniques for optimizing your smelting area include using multiple forges to increase production speed. For example, placing several Refining Forges in a row allows you to smelt large quantities of ore simultaneously. If youÔÇÖre in the late game, upgrading to an Industrial Forge is highly recommended, as it can smelt 20 metal ingots at once and operates much faster than a Refining Forge. Additionally, consider using a Tek Generator to power your Industrial Forge if you have access to Tek Tier technology, as it provides a reliable and renewable energy source.
Tribe considerations are also important when setting up a smelting area. In a tribe,ÕêåÕÀÑÕÉêõ¢£ÕÅ»õ╗ѵÅÉÚ½ÿµòêþÄçÒÇéõ¥ïÕªé´╝îõ©Çõ©¬µêÉÕæÿÕÅ»õ╗ÑÞ┤ƒÞ┤úÚççÚøåÚçæÕ▒×þƒ┐þƒ│´╝îÕŪõ©Çõ©¬µêÉÕæÿÞ┤ƒÞ┤úÞ┐ÉÞ¥ô´╝îþ¼¼õ©ëõ©¬µêÉÕæÿÞ┤ƒÞ┤úÕåÂþé╝ÒÇéþí«õ┐صëǵ£ëµêÉÕæÿÚâ¢þƒÑÚüôÕåÂþé╝Õî║þÜäÕ©âÕ▒ÇÕÆîÞÁäµ║ÉÕ¡ÿµö¥õ¢ìþ¢«´╝îõ╗ÑÚü┐ÕàìµÀÀõ╣▒ÒÇéÕ»╣õ║ÄÕìòõ║║þĮի´╝îÞç¬Õè¿ÕîûÕÀÑÕàÀÕªéÕÀÑõ©ÜþåöþéëÕÆîÕÅæþöÁµ£║ÕÅ»õ╗ÑÕñºÕñºÕçÅÕ░æÕÀÑõ¢£ÚçÅÒÇé
Finally, letÔÇÖs look at a specific example. Imagine youÔÇÖre playing on The Island map and have established a base near the volcano, a prime location for metal ore. YouÔÇÖve tamed an Ankylosaurus for mining and an Argentavis for transportation. Your smelting area consists of two Industrial Forges placed on metal foundations, with a water tap connected to a nearby reservoir. Storage boxes are positioned next to the forges to hold metal ore and gasoline. A preserving bin is nearby to store cooked meat. This setup allows you to efficiently smelt large quantities of metal ore while minimizing downtime.
In conclusion, setting up a smelting area in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning and resource management. By choosing the right location, using efficient forges, and organizing your resources, you can create a smelting area that meets your needs and supports your progression in the game. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, these strategies will help you build a functional and scalable smelting setup.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics involved. Smelting in ARK requires a forge, which is a crafting station used to convert metal ore into metal ingots. There are several types of forges, including the Campfire, Refining Forge, Industrial Forge, and Tek Forge. The Campfire is the most basic and can smelt small amounts of ore, but it is inefficient for large-scale operations. The Refining Forge is the standard option for early to mid-game players, while the Industrial Forge is the most efficient for late-game players due to its large capacity and fast smelting speed. The Tek Forge is an advanced option available in the late game, requiring Tek Tier technology.
To set up a smelting area, start by choosing a location within your base that is easily accessible but not too close to flammable structures. Forges produce heat and can cause fires if placed near thatch or wooden structures. Stone or metal foundations are ideal for building your smelting area, as they are fireproof and durable. Once youÔÇÖve selected a location, place your forge on a flat surface. If youÔÇÖre using a Refining Forge, youÔÇÖll need to fuel it with wood or thatch. The Industrial Forge requires gasoline, which is crafted in a Fabricator using oil and hide.
Next, consider the layout of your smelting area. Place storage boxes nearby to hold raw materials like metal ore, wood, and fuel. This minimizes the time spent running back and forth to gather resources. If youÔÇÖre using an Industrial Forge, you may also want to include a water source, such as a water tap or reservoir, as it requires water to operate. Additionally, place a preserving bin or refrigerator nearby to store cooked meat or other perishable items that may be produced as a byproduct of smelting.
Resource management is key to maintaining an efficient smelting area. Metal ore is heavy, so itÔÇÖs important to have a system for transporting it to your base. Tamed dinosaurs like the Ankylosaurus are excellent for gathering metal ore, as they have a weight reduction bonus for carrying it. Once youÔÇÖve gathered the ore, use a high-weight dinosaur like a Brontosaurus or Argentavis to transport it to your base. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, consider using a storage box or vault near your mining location to temporarily store ore before transporting it in bulk.
One common mistake players make is underestimating the amount of fuel required for smelting. Wood is the most basic fuel source, but it burns quickly and is inefficient for large-scale operations. Charcoal, produced as a byproduct of smelting, can be used as fuel but is not as effective as gasoline. If youÔÇÖre using an Industrial Forge, prioritize crafting gasoline in bulk to ensure uninterrupted smelting. Another mistake is placing forges too close to each other, which can cause overheating and reduce efficiency. Leave enough space between forges to allow for proper ventilation and access.
Advanced techniques for optimizing your smelting area include using multiple forges to increase production speed. For example, placing several Refining Forges in a row allows you to smelt large quantities of ore simultaneously. If youÔÇÖre in the late game, upgrading to an Industrial Forge is highly recommended, as it can smelt 20 metal ingots at once and operates much faster than a Refining Forge. Additionally, consider using a Tek Generator to power your Industrial Forge if you have access to Tek Tier technology, as it provides a reliable and renewable energy source.
Tribe considerations are also important when setting up a smelting area. In a tribe,ÕêåÕÀÑÕÉêõ¢£ÕÅ»õ╗ѵÅÉÚ½ÿµòêþÄçÒÇéõ¥ïÕªé´╝îõ©Çõ©¬µêÉÕæÿÕÅ»õ╗ÑÞ┤ƒÞ┤úÚççÚøåÚçæÕ▒×þƒ┐þƒ│´╝îÕŪõ©Çõ©¬µêÉÕæÿÞ┤ƒÞ┤úÞ┐ÉÞ¥ô´╝îþ¼¼õ©ëõ©¬µêÉÕæÿÞ┤ƒÞ┤úÕåÂþé╝ÒÇéþí«õ┐صëǵ£ëµêÉÕæÿÚâ¢þƒÑÚüôÕåÂþé╝Õî║þÜäÕ©âÕ▒ÇÕÆîÞÁäµ║ÉÕ¡ÿµö¥õ¢ìþ¢«´╝îõ╗ÑÚü┐ÕàìµÀÀõ╣▒ÒÇéÕ»╣õ║ÄÕìòõ║║þĮի´╝îÞç¬Õè¿ÕîûÕÀÑÕàÀÕªéÕÀÑõ©ÜþåöþéëÕÆîÕÅæþöÁµ£║ÕÅ»õ╗ÑÕñºÕñºÕçÅÕ░æÕÀÑõ¢£ÚçÅÒÇé
Finally, letÔÇÖs look at a specific example. Imagine youÔÇÖre playing on The Island map and have established a base near the volcano, a prime location for metal ore. YouÔÇÖve tamed an Ankylosaurus for mining and an Argentavis for transportation. Your smelting area consists of two Industrial Forges placed on metal foundations, with a water tap connected to a nearby reservoir. Storage boxes are positioned next to the forges to hold metal ore and gasoline. A preserving bin is nearby to store cooked meat. This setup allows you to efficiently smelt large quantities of metal ore while minimizing downtime.
In conclusion, setting up a smelting area in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning and resource management. By choosing the right location, using efficient forges, and organizing your resources, you can create a smelting area that meets your needs and supports your progression in the game. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, these strategies will help you build a functional and scalable smelting setup.