What are the advantages of using metal structures over stone in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Using metal structures over stone in ARK: Survival Evolved offers significant advantages, especially as you progress further into the game and face tougher threats. Metal structures are far more durable and resistant to damage compared to stone, making them essential for late-game base building and defense. HereÔÇÖs a detailed breakdown of why metal structures are superior and how to effectively transition from stone to metal.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics. Metal structures have much higher health points than stone structures. For example, a metal wall has 10,000 health, while a stone wall only has 10,000 health. This means metal structures can withstand significantly more damage from both creatures and players. Additionally, metal structures are immune to fire damage, which is a common threat from creatures like the Dragon or players using fire-based weapons. Stone structures, on the other hand, can be destroyed by explosives like C4 or rockets, whereas metal structures require more advanced explosives like Tek weapons or a large number of C4 charges to break through. This makes metal structures a must-have for defending against raids in PvP or surviving high-level creature attacks in PvE.
To start building with metal, youÔÇÖll need to gather the necessary resources. Metal is primarily obtained by mining metal nodes, which are found in mountainous regions or near rivers. Use a pickaxe or, better yet, a metal pick or an Ankylosaurus for more efficient harvesting. Once youÔÇÖve gathered metal ore, youÔÇÖll need to smelt it into metal ingots using a refining forge. This process requires fuel, such as wood or sparkpowder, so make sure you have a steady supply. Each metal structure requires a significant amount of metal ingots, so prepare to spend time gathering and smelting large quantities of metal. For example, a single metal wall costs 15 metal ingots, while a metal foundation costs 35 metal ingots.
When transitioning from stone to metal, itÔÇÖs important to plan your base layout carefully. Start by replacing critical structures like walls, gates, and turret towers with metal. Focus on areas that are most vulnerable to attacks, such as the perimeter of your base. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, assign roles to members to streamline the process. For example, one player can focus on gathering metal, another on smelting, and another on building. This division of labor can significantly speed up the transition.
One common mistake players make is underestimating the resource requirements for metal structures. Building an entire base out of metal can be extremely resource-intensive, so prioritize upgrading the most important parts first. Another mistake is neglecting to secure your metal supply. Metal nodes are often located in dangerous areas, so make sure to bring a strong tamed dinosaur like an Ankylosaurus or a Rex for protection while gathering. Additionally, always have a backup plan in case your base is raided. Store extra metal ingots in hidden vaults or secondary bases to ensure you can rebuild quickly.
Advanced techniques for optimizing metal base building include using turrets and traps to defend your base. Auto turrets and heavy turrets can be placed on metal structures to deter raiders. Combine these with plant species X turrets for added defense. You can also use metal spike walls and bear traps to slow down or damage attackers. Another optimization is to use metal behemoth gates for large entrances, as they provide better protection than regular gates.
Resource management is crucial when building with metal. Always keep an eye on your metal supply and plan ahead for large projects. Consider setting up a dedicated metal farming route with tamed dinosaurs to maximize efficiency. For example, an Ankylosaurus with high melee damage can gather large amounts of metal quickly, while a Quetzal or Argentavis can transport the metal back to your base.
Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, metal structures are essential for long-term survival. Solo players should focus on building smaller, more efficient bases to conserve resources, while tribes can afford to build larger, more elaborate fortresses. In PvP scenarios, metal bases are a necessity to withstand raids, while in PvE, they provide peace of mind against high-level creatures.
In conclusion, transitioning to metal structures in ARK: Survival Evolved is a game-changing step that significantly improves your baseÔÇÖs durability and defense. By understanding the mechanics, gathering resources efficiently, and planning your base layout carefully, you can create a secure and functional home that can withstand the toughest challenges the game has to offer.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics. Metal structures have much higher health points than stone structures. For example, a metal wall has 10,000 health, while a stone wall only has 10,000 health. This means metal structures can withstand significantly more damage from both creatures and players. Additionally, metal structures are immune to fire damage, which is a common threat from creatures like the Dragon or players using fire-based weapons. Stone structures, on the other hand, can be destroyed by explosives like C4 or rockets, whereas metal structures require more advanced explosives like Tek weapons or a large number of C4 charges to break through. This makes metal structures a must-have for defending against raids in PvP or surviving high-level creature attacks in PvE.
To start building with metal, youÔÇÖll need to gather the necessary resources. Metal is primarily obtained by mining metal nodes, which are found in mountainous regions or near rivers. Use a pickaxe or, better yet, a metal pick or an Ankylosaurus for more efficient harvesting. Once youÔÇÖve gathered metal ore, youÔÇÖll need to smelt it into metal ingots using a refining forge. This process requires fuel, such as wood or sparkpowder, so make sure you have a steady supply. Each metal structure requires a significant amount of metal ingots, so prepare to spend time gathering and smelting large quantities of metal. For example, a single metal wall costs 15 metal ingots, while a metal foundation costs 35 metal ingots.
When transitioning from stone to metal, itÔÇÖs important to plan your base layout carefully. Start by replacing critical structures like walls, gates, and turret towers with metal. Focus on areas that are most vulnerable to attacks, such as the perimeter of your base. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, assign roles to members to streamline the process. For example, one player can focus on gathering metal, another on smelting, and another on building. This division of labor can significantly speed up the transition.
One common mistake players make is underestimating the resource requirements for metal structures. Building an entire base out of metal can be extremely resource-intensive, so prioritize upgrading the most important parts first. Another mistake is neglecting to secure your metal supply. Metal nodes are often located in dangerous areas, so make sure to bring a strong tamed dinosaur like an Ankylosaurus or a Rex for protection while gathering. Additionally, always have a backup plan in case your base is raided. Store extra metal ingots in hidden vaults or secondary bases to ensure you can rebuild quickly.
Advanced techniques for optimizing metal base building include using turrets and traps to defend your base. Auto turrets and heavy turrets can be placed on metal structures to deter raiders. Combine these with plant species X turrets for added defense. You can also use metal spike walls and bear traps to slow down or damage attackers. Another optimization is to use metal behemoth gates for large entrances, as they provide better protection than regular gates.
Resource management is crucial when building with metal. Always keep an eye on your metal supply and plan ahead for large projects. Consider setting up a dedicated metal farming route with tamed dinosaurs to maximize efficiency. For example, an Ankylosaurus with high melee damage can gather large amounts of metal quickly, while a Quetzal or Argentavis can transport the metal back to your base.
Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, metal structures are essential for long-term survival. Solo players should focus on building smaller, more efficient bases to conserve resources, while tribes can afford to build larger, more elaborate fortresses. In PvP scenarios, metal bases are a necessity to withstand raids, while in PvE, they provide peace of mind against high-level creatures.
In conclusion, transitioning to metal structures in ARK: Survival Evolved is a game-changing step that significantly improves your baseÔÇÖs durability and defense. By understanding the mechanics, gathering resources efficiently, and planning your base layout carefully, you can create a secure and functional home that can withstand the toughest challenges the game has to offer.