What are the best ways to gather element dust for advanced base building in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Gathering element dust in ARK: Survival Evolved is essential for advanced base building, as it is used to craft high-tier items like Tek structures, weapons, and tools. Element dust is a refined resource obtained by breaking down element shards or element itself, which are typically acquired from boss fights, Tek creatures, or specific maps like Extinction. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to efficiently gather element dust for your base-building needs.
To start, you need to understand the mechanics of obtaining element dust. Element dust is primarily acquired by grinding element shards or element in a grinder or by harvesting Tek creatures. Element shards are found on the Extinction map, where they drop from corrupted creatures or can be harvested from specific nodes. Element itself is obtained by defeating bosses or completing certain endgame activities. Once you have element or element shards, you can place them in a grinder to convert them into element dust. Each element shard yields 1 element dust, while a full element yields 100 element dust. This process is straightforward but requires preparation and the right tools.
For solo players, the most accessible method is to farm Tek creatures. Creatures like Tek Raptors, Tek Stegos, and Tek Parasaurs can be found on various maps and drop element dust when harvested. Using a high-damage tool like a chainsaw or a metal pickaxe will yield more dust. Taming a high-level carnivore like a Rex or a Therizinosaurus can also help you kill Tek creatures more efficiently. On Extinction, corrupted creatures drop element shards, which can be ground into dust. These creatures are aggressive and spawn in large numbers, so having a strong mount and a well-prepared inventory is crucial.
For tribes, coordinating boss fights is the most efficient way to gather element. Bosses like the Broodmother, Megapithecus, and Dragon drop element upon defeat. These fights require strong tames, such as Rexes, Therizinos, or Megatheriums, and good armor and weapons for the players. After defeating the boss, the element can be divided among tribe members and ground into dust. Tribes can also set up dedicated grinding stations near boss arenas to streamline the process. On Extinction, tribes can focus on defending and harvesting element nodes during OSD (Orbital Supply Drop) events, which provide large amounts of element shards.
Preparation is key when farming element dust. Ensure you have a grinder ready, as it is the only way to convert element or shards into dust. Stock up on ammunition, healing items, and food for both you and your tames. If youÔÇÖre farming Tek creatures, bring a high-damage harvesting tool and a strong mount. For boss fights, make sure your tames are properly leveled and equipped with good saddles. On Extinction, bring plenty of weapons and armor to handle the corrupted creatures.
Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the difficulty of boss fights or corrupted creature swarms. Always prepare thoroughly and bring backup supplies. Another mistake is not having a grinder ready, which can delay your progress. Additionally, avoid wasting element by using it directly for crafting when you could grind it into dust for more versatile use.
Advanced techniques include using a Tek Stryder on Genesis Part 2, which can harvest element shards directly from specific nodes. This method is highly efficient but requires access to the Genesis map and the ability to tame a Tek Stryder. Another optimization is to use a high-level Ankylosaurus or Mantis with a high-damage pick to maximize element shard yields from corrupted creatures or Tek nodes.
Resource requirements include a grinder, which costs 75 metal ingots, 25 cementing paste, and 25 electronics to craft. For boss fights, youÔÇÖll need strong tames, good saddles, and plenty of healing items. For farming Tek creatures, a chainsaw or metal pickaxe is essential. On Extinction, youÔÇÖll need weapons, armor, and ammunition to handle corrupted creatures.
In summary, gathering element dust requires a combination of preparation, efficient farming methods, and the right tools. Whether youÔÇÖre solo or in a tribe, focusing on Tek creatures, corrupted creatures, or boss fights will yield the best results. Avoid common mistakes, optimize your farming techniques, and ensure you have the necessary resources to succeed. With these strategies, youÔÇÖll have a steady supply of element dust for advanced base building in ARK: Survival Evolved.
To start, you need to understand the mechanics of obtaining element dust. Element dust is primarily acquired by grinding element shards or element in a grinder or by harvesting Tek creatures. Element shards are found on the Extinction map, where they drop from corrupted creatures or can be harvested from specific nodes. Element itself is obtained by defeating bosses or completing certain endgame activities. Once you have element or element shards, you can place them in a grinder to convert them into element dust. Each element shard yields 1 element dust, while a full element yields 100 element dust. This process is straightforward but requires preparation and the right tools.
For solo players, the most accessible method is to farm Tek creatures. Creatures like Tek Raptors, Tek Stegos, and Tek Parasaurs can be found on various maps and drop element dust when harvested. Using a high-damage tool like a chainsaw or a metal pickaxe will yield more dust. Taming a high-level carnivore like a Rex or a Therizinosaurus can also help you kill Tek creatures more efficiently. On Extinction, corrupted creatures drop element shards, which can be ground into dust. These creatures are aggressive and spawn in large numbers, so having a strong mount and a well-prepared inventory is crucial.
For tribes, coordinating boss fights is the most efficient way to gather element. Bosses like the Broodmother, Megapithecus, and Dragon drop element upon defeat. These fights require strong tames, such as Rexes, Therizinos, or Megatheriums, and good armor and weapons for the players. After defeating the boss, the element can be divided among tribe members and ground into dust. Tribes can also set up dedicated grinding stations near boss arenas to streamline the process. On Extinction, tribes can focus on defending and harvesting element nodes during OSD (Orbital Supply Drop) events, which provide large amounts of element shards.
Preparation is key when farming element dust. Ensure you have a grinder ready, as it is the only way to convert element or shards into dust. Stock up on ammunition, healing items, and food for both you and your tames. If youÔÇÖre farming Tek creatures, bring a high-damage harvesting tool and a strong mount. For boss fights, make sure your tames are properly leveled and equipped with good saddles. On Extinction, bring plenty of weapons and armor to handle the corrupted creatures.
Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the difficulty of boss fights or corrupted creature swarms. Always prepare thoroughly and bring backup supplies. Another mistake is not having a grinder ready, which can delay your progress. Additionally, avoid wasting element by using it directly for crafting when you could grind it into dust for more versatile use.
Advanced techniques include using a Tek Stryder on Genesis Part 2, which can harvest element shards directly from specific nodes. This method is highly efficient but requires access to the Genesis map and the ability to tame a Tek Stryder. Another optimization is to use a high-level Ankylosaurus or Mantis with a high-damage pick to maximize element shard yields from corrupted creatures or Tek nodes.
Resource requirements include a grinder, which costs 75 metal ingots, 25 cementing paste, and 25 electronics to craft. For boss fights, youÔÇÖll need strong tames, good saddles, and plenty of healing items. For farming Tek creatures, a chainsaw or metal pickaxe is essential. On Extinction, youÔÇÖll need weapons, armor, and ammunition to handle corrupted creatures.
In summary, gathering element dust requires a combination of preparation, efficient farming methods, and the right tools. Whether youÔÇÖre solo or in a tribe, focusing on Tek creatures, corrupted creatures, or boss fights will yield the best results. Avoid common mistakes, optimize your farming techniques, and ensure you have the necessary resources to succeed. With these strategies, youÔÇÖll have a steady supply of element dust for advanced base building in ARK: Survival Evolved.