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. Wood can be gathered by using a metal hatchet, chainsaw, or a tamed creature like a Beaver, Mammoth, or Therizinosaurus. These creatures are highly efficient at gathering wood, especially the Therizinosaurus, which can collect large amounts quickly. Once you have wood, you need to burn it in a fire source. Early-game players can use campfires or standing torches, but these are less efficient. Mid to late-game players should use refining forges or industrial forges, as they burn wood faster and produce charcoal more efficiently.

For early-game players, the simplest method is to gather wood manually or with a low-level tamed creature and burn it in a campfire. Place the wood in the campfire's inventory and light it. Each piece of wood burns into one charcoal, but this process is slow and requires constant attention. To speed things up, you can use multiple campfires or standing torches. However, this method is not ideal for large-scale charcoal farming.

Mid-game players should focus on using refining forges. Refining forges burn wood faster than campfires and can hold more wood at once. To use a refining forge, place it in a secure location, such as your base, and fill it with wood. Light the forge, and it will automatically convert wood into charcoal. This method is more efficient than campfires but still requires manual wood gathering. If you have access to a tamed creature like a Beaver or Mammoth, you can gather wood quickly and feed it into the forge.

Late-game players should use industrial forges for maximum efficiency. Industrial forges burn wood extremely quickly and can process large amounts of wood in a short time. To use an industrial forge, you need to power it with gasoline. Place the wood in the forge's inventory, and it will convert wood into charcoal at a rapid rate. This method is ideal for tribes or players with access to advanced resources. Industrial forges are expensive to craft, requiring cementing paste, metal ingots, and electronics, but they are worth the investment for large-scale charcoal production.

One advanced technique is to use a chainsaw for wood gathering. Chainsaws are highly efficient and can gather large amounts of wood quickly. Pairing a chainsaw with an industrial forge is one of the fastest ways to farm charcoal. Another optimization is to use a tamed Therizinosaurus with the "Power Harvesting" ability. This creature can gather massive amounts of wood in a short time, making it ideal for feeding an industrial forge.

When farming charcoal, it is important to manage your resources efficiently. Always have a steady supply of wood, and ensure your fire source is fueled and operational. If you are using an industrial forge, make sure you have enough gasoline to keep it running. Gasoline is crafted from oil and hide in a refining forge or fabricator, so keep a stockpile of these resources.

Common mistakes to avoid include using inefficient fire sources, such as campfires, for large-scale charcoal farming. Campfires are slow and require constant attention, making them unsuitable for producing large amounts of charcoal. Another mistake is not using tamed creatures for wood gathering. Manual wood gathering is time-consuming and inefficient, especially when you need large quantities. Always use a tamed creature or chainsaw for wood gathering to save time and effort.

Tribe considerations are important for large-scale charcoal farming. In a tribe, you can divide tasks among members, such as one person gathering wood while another manages the forge. This division of labor increases efficiency and allows for faster charcoal production. Solo players should focus on optimizing their workflow by using efficient tools and tamed creatures.

In summary, farming charcoal in ARK: Survival Evolved requires a reliable source of wood and an efficient fire source. Early-game players can use campfires, while mid to late-game players should use refining forges or industrial forges. Advanced techniques include using chainsaws and tamed Therizinosaurus for wood gathering. Efficient resource management and avoiding common mistakes are key to successful charcoal farming. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, optimizing your workflow and using the right tools will ensure a steady supply of charcoal for your base-building and crafting needs.