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 base grows. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you create an effective smelting setup.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics involved. Smelting in ARK requires a refining forge or an industrial forge. The refining forge is the basic option, crafted using stone, wood, fiber, and hide. It can smelt metal ore into metal ingots and burn wood to produce charcoal. The industrial forge, unlocked at higher levels, is a more advanced option that smelts materials much faster and can hold more resources. Both forges require fuel, typically wood or gasoline, to operate. Metal ore is gathered from rocks, especially those with a metallic sheen, and is most efficiently collected using a metal pick or a tamed Ankylosaurus.
To set up your smelting area, start by choosing a location within your base that is secure and easily accessible. Ideally, this area should be close to your storage and crafting stations to minimize travel time. If youÔÇÖre playing on a PvP server, consider placing your smelting area indoors or behind walls to protect it from raids. For PvE, you can place it outdoors, but ensure itÔÇÖs protected from wild creatures.
Next, craft and place your refining forge or industrial forge. If youÔÇÖre early in the game, start with a refining forge. Place it on a flat surface, such as a foundation or the ground, and ensure thereÔÇÖs enough space around it for you to access it easily. If youÔÇÖre using an industrial forge, youÔÇÖll need to connect it to a power source, such as a generator, using electrical cables. Make sure the generator is fueled and placed in a safe location.
Once your forge is set up, gather the necessary resources. For smelting metal, youÔÇÖll need metal ore and fuel. Wood is the most common fuel source, but gasoline is more efficient for industrial forges. To produce gasoline, youÔÇÖll need to refine oil and hide in a refining forge or chemistry bench. Stockpile these resources in nearby storage boxes or preserving bins to keep your smelting operation running smoothly.
A common mistake is not having enough storage for your resources. Place storage boxes or vaults near your smelting area to hold metal ore, charcoal, and ingots. This keeps your inventory organized and prevents overloading your forge. Additionally, avoid placing flammable structures too close to the forge, as it can catch fire if attacked or mishandled.
For advanced optimization, consider using tamed creatures to enhance your smelting efficiency. An Ankylosaurus is excellent for gathering metal ore, while a Doedicurus can help you collect stone, which is often needed for crafting forges and other structures. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, assign roles to tribe members to streamline resource gathering and smelting operations. For example, one player can focus on mining while another handles smelting and storage.
In solo play, prioritize automating your smelting process as much as possible. Use multiple refining forges or upgrade to an industrial forge to increase output. If youÔÇÖre on a map with access to oil, consider setting up a gasoline production line to fuel your forges more efficiently.
A specific example of an optimized smelting area might include an industrial forge powered by a generator, surrounded by storage boxes for metal ore and ingots. Nearby, you could have a tamed Ankylosaurus parked for quick ore gathering trips. If youÔÇÖre on a PvP server, enclose the entire area in metal walls and add turrets for defense.
In summary, setting up a smelting area requires careful planning, resource management, and attention to detail. By choosing the right location, using efficient tools and creatures, and organizing your resources, you can create a smelting setup that supports your baseÔÇÖs growth and progression. Avoid common mistakes like poor storage management or unsafe placement, and consider advanced techniques like automation and tribe coordination to maximize efficiency. With a well-designed smelting area, youÔÇÖll be well-equipped to tackle the challenges of ARK: Survival Evolved.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics involved. Smelting in ARK requires a refining forge or an industrial forge. The refining forge is the basic option, crafted using stone, wood, fiber, and hide. It can smelt metal ore into metal ingots and burn wood to produce charcoal. The industrial forge, unlocked at higher levels, is a more advanced option that smelts materials much faster and can hold more resources. Both forges require fuel, typically wood or gasoline, to operate. Metal ore is gathered from rocks, especially those with a metallic sheen, and is most efficiently collected using a metal pick or a tamed Ankylosaurus.
To set up your smelting area, start by choosing a location within your base that is secure and easily accessible. Ideally, this area should be close to your storage and crafting stations to minimize travel time. If youÔÇÖre playing on a PvP server, consider placing your smelting area indoors or behind walls to protect it from raids. For PvE, you can place it outdoors, but ensure itÔÇÖs protected from wild creatures.
Next, craft and place your refining forge or industrial forge. If youÔÇÖre early in the game, start with a refining forge. Place it on a flat surface, such as a foundation or the ground, and ensure thereÔÇÖs enough space around it for you to access it easily. If youÔÇÖre using an industrial forge, youÔÇÖll need to connect it to a power source, such as a generator, using electrical cables. Make sure the generator is fueled and placed in a safe location.
Once your forge is set up, gather the necessary resources. For smelting metal, youÔÇÖll need metal ore and fuel. Wood is the most common fuel source, but gasoline is more efficient for industrial forges. To produce gasoline, youÔÇÖll need to refine oil and hide in a refining forge or chemistry bench. Stockpile these resources in nearby storage boxes or preserving bins to keep your smelting operation running smoothly.
A common mistake is not having enough storage for your resources. Place storage boxes or vaults near your smelting area to hold metal ore, charcoal, and ingots. This keeps your inventory organized and prevents overloading your forge. Additionally, avoid placing flammable structures too close to the forge, as it can catch fire if attacked or mishandled.
For advanced optimization, consider using tamed creatures to enhance your smelting efficiency. An Ankylosaurus is excellent for gathering metal ore, while a Doedicurus can help you collect stone, which is often needed for crafting forges and other structures. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, assign roles to tribe members to streamline resource gathering and smelting operations. For example, one player can focus on mining while another handles smelting and storage.
In solo play, prioritize automating your smelting process as much as possible. Use multiple refining forges or upgrade to an industrial forge to increase output. If youÔÇÖre on a map with access to oil, consider setting up a gasoline production line to fuel your forges more efficiently.
A specific example of an optimized smelting area might include an industrial forge powered by a generator, surrounded by storage boxes for metal ore and ingots. Nearby, you could have a tamed Ankylosaurus parked for quick ore gathering trips. If youÔÇÖre on a PvP server, enclose the entire area in metal walls and add turrets for defense.
In summary, setting up a smelting area requires careful planning, resource management, and attention to detail. By choosing the right location, using efficient tools and creatures, and organizing your resources, you can create a smelting setup that supports your baseÔÇÖs growth and progression. Avoid common mistakes like poor storage management or unsafe placement, and consider advanced techniques like automation and tribe coordination to maximize efficiency. With a well-designed smelting area, youÔÇÖll be well-equipped to tackle the challenges of ARK: Survival Evolved.