What are the best ways to gather sulfur for advanced base building in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Gathering sulfur in ARK: Survival Evolved is essential for advanced base building, as it is a key ingredient in crafting gunpowder, which is used for ammunition, explosives, and other advanced items. Sulfur is primarily found in volcanic regions, caves, and certain resource-rich areas on the map. To efficiently gather sulfur, you need to understand the mechanics, prepare properly, and use the right strategies.

First, sulfur is most commonly found in the form of yellow rocks in volcanic biomes, such as the volcano on The Island or the lava-filled areas on Scorched Earth. These rocks are distinct in appearance and can be mined using tools like a pickaxe or a metal hatchet. However, using a metal pickaxe is more efficient, as it yields more sulfur per rock. Additionally, certain creatures, such as the Ankylosaurus, can harvest sulfur more effectively than hand tools. Taming an Ankylosaurus is highly recommended for large-scale sulfur gathering, as it can carry a significant amount of resources and has a weight reduction for sulfur.

Before heading out to gather sulfur, you should prepare adequately. Equip yourself with a high-quality metal pickaxe, a strong mount like an Ankylosaurus, and a flyer such as an Argentavis or Pteranodon for transportation. Bring plenty of food, water, and medical supplies, as volcanic regions are dangerous and often filled with hostile creatures like Carnotaurus, Raptors, and even the occasional Rex. If you are playing on a PvP server, consider bringing weapons and armor to defend yourself against other players.

When you arrive at a sulfur-rich area, dismount your flyer and use your Ankylosaurus to mine the yellow sulfur rocks. The Ankylosaurus has a special attack that allows it to break rocks more efficiently, so use its tail swipe to gather sulfur quickly. Be mindful of your surroundings, as volcanic areas are often hot and can cause you to overheat. Wearing desert armor or using consumables like cactus broth can help mitigate this. Additionally, keep an eye on your mount's health, as hostile creatures may attack while you are mining.

One common mistake players make is not bringing enough storage for the sulfur they gather. Sulfur is heavy, and without proper weight management, you may find yourself overburdened quickly. To avoid this, use a flyer with high weight capacity, such as an Argentavis, to carry the sulfur back to your base. Alternatively, you can set up a temporary storage box or a small outpost near the sulfur source to store your resources before transporting them.

For advanced players, consider using a Quetzal with a platform saddle to create a mobile mining operation. You can place an Ankylosaurus on the platform and fly it to sulfur-rich areas, allowing you to gather large quantities of sulfur without needing to dismount. This method is particularly effective for tribes, as multiple players can work together to maximize efficiency. Additionally, using a Tek Stryder with a mining drill attachment can automate the sulfur gathering process, though this requires access to advanced Tek-tier technology.

Resource management is crucial when gathering sulfur. Ensure you have enough space in your inventory or storage containers to hold the sulfur, as well as any other resources you may gather, such as metal or obsidian. If you are playing solo, prioritize gathering only what you need and avoid overextending yourself in dangerous areas. For tribes, coordinate with your teammates to divide tasks, such as one player mining while another guards against threats.

In summary, gathering sulfur for advanced base building in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful preparation, the right tools, and efficient strategies. Use a metal pickaxe or an Ankylosaurus to mine sulfur from yellow rocks in volcanic regions, and bring a flyer to transport your resources. Be mindful of the dangers in these areas, and consider advanced techniques like using a Quetzal platform saddle or a Tek Stryder for large-scale operations. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, proper planning and resource management will ensure you have a steady supply of sulfur for your base-building needs.