What are the best ways to gather element shards in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Gathering element shards in ARK: Survival Evolved is a crucial task for players looking to craft advanced technology and equipment. Element shards are a refined form of element, which is a high-tier resource used for crafting Tek-tier items. Element shards are primarily obtained by harvesting element nodes found in specific areas of the game, such as the Genesis Part 1 and Part 2 maps, or by breaking down element into shards using a Tek Dedicated Storage or a Tek Replicator. Below is a detailed guide on how to efficiently gather element shards, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.
Element shards are most commonly found in the Genesis Part 1 and Part 2 maps. In Genesis Part 1, element nodes can be found in the Lunar Biome, while in Genesis Part 2, they are scattered throughout the Rockwell's Innards Biome. These nodes are glowing, crystalline structures that can be harvested using a high-quality pickaxe, a mining drill, or a tamed creature with strong harvesting capabilities, such as a Magmasaur or a Mining Drill-equipped Mek. The amount of element shards you gather depends on the tool or creature used, as well as the quality of the node.
To begin gathering element shards, you will need to prepare adequately. First, ensure you have the necessary tools or tames. A high-quality pickaxe is the most basic tool for harvesting, but it is less efficient than using a Magmasaur or a Mining Drill. If you are using a Magmasaur, make sure it has high melee damage, as this increases the amount of resources harvested. For a Mining Drill, ensure you have enough fuel, as it consumes gasoline during operation. Additionally, bring along a strong mount for protection, as the areas where element nodes are found are often populated by dangerous creatures.
When you arrive at the location with element nodes, start by clearing the area of hostile creatures. This is especially important in the Lunar Biome of Genesis Part 1, where aggressive creatures like Lunar Reapers and Astrocetus can pose a significant threat. Once the area is safe, approach the element nodes and begin harvesting. If you are using a Magmasaur, its innate ability to harvest resources efficiently will yield a large number of element shards quickly. If you are using a Mining Drill, position yourself close to the node and activate the drill to start harvesting. Be mindful of your surroundings, as the noise from the drill can attract nearby creatures.
One important tip is to use a Tek Suit or a high-level mount with good mobility to navigate the challenging terrain of the Lunar Biome or Rockwell's Innards Biome. The Tek Suit allows for flight and quick movement, making it easier to avoid threats and reach nodes in hard-to-access areas. Additionally, consider bringing a Cryopod to store your tames when not in use, as this can save time and reduce the risk of losing them to hostile creatures.
A common mistake to avoid is underestimating the dangers of the areas where element nodes are found. The Lunar Biome, for example, has low gravity and a lack of oxygen, which can disorient players and make combat more difficult. Always carry oxygen tanks and a gas mask if you are in the Lunar Biome, and be prepared for sudden attacks from aggressive creatures. Another mistake is not bringing enough supplies, such as food, water, and ammunition, as the process of gathering element shards can be time-consuming and resource-intensive.
For advanced players, optimizing the gathering process can involve using multiple tames or tools simultaneously. For example, you can use a Magmasaur to harvest element nodes while a Tek Suit-equipped player scouts for additional nodes and defends against threats. Additionally, consider setting up a small outpost near the harvesting area to store resources and provide a safe retreat if needed. This can be especially useful in multiplayer settings, where tribe members can take turns gathering and defending.
In terms of resource requirements, gathering element shards requires minimal resources if you are using a Magmasaur or a Mining Drill. However, if you are using a pickaxe, you may need to repair it frequently, so bring along extra materials like metal and wood. For tribe play, coordination is key. Assign roles to tribe members, such as one person harvesting while others defend or scout. This ensures efficiency and reduces the risk of losing valuable tames or resources.
In solo play, the process is more challenging but still manageable. Focus on using a high-level Magmasaur or a Mining Drill to maximize efficiency, and always be prepared to retreat if the situation becomes too dangerous. Consider using traps or tames with crowd-control abilities, such as a Yutyrannus, to manage groups of hostile creatures.
In conclusion, gathering element shards in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful preparation, the right tools or tames, and a solid understanding of the dangers involved. By following the strategies outlined above, you can efficiently gather element shards and progress toward crafting advanced Tek-tier items. Whether playing solo or with a tribe, always prioritize safety and resource management to ensure a successful harvesting expedition.
Element shards are most commonly found in the Genesis Part 1 and Part 2 maps. In Genesis Part 1, element nodes can be found in the Lunar Biome, while in Genesis Part 2, they are scattered throughout the Rockwell's Innards Biome. These nodes are glowing, crystalline structures that can be harvested using a high-quality pickaxe, a mining drill, or a tamed creature with strong harvesting capabilities, such as a Magmasaur or a Mining Drill-equipped Mek. The amount of element shards you gather depends on the tool or creature used, as well as the quality of the node.
To begin gathering element shards, you will need to prepare adequately. First, ensure you have the necessary tools or tames. A high-quality pickaxe is the most basic tool for harvesting, but it is less efficient than using a Magmasaur or a Mining Drill. If you are using a Magmasaur, make sure it has high melee damage, as this increases the amount of resources harvested. For a Mining Drill, ensure you have enough fuel, as it consumes gasoline during operation. Additionally, bring along a strong mount for protection, as the areas where element nodes are found are often populated by dangerous creatures.
When you arrive at the location with element nodes, start by clearing the area of hostile creatures. This is especially important in the Lunar Biome of Genesis Part 1, where aggressive creatures like Lunar Reapers and Astrocetus can pose a significant threat. Once the area is safe, approach the element nodes and begin harvesting. If you are using a Magmasaur, its innate ability to harvest resources efficiently will yield a large number of element shards quickly. If you are using a Mining Drill, position yourself close to the node and activate the drill to start harvesting. Be mindful of your surroundings, as the noise from the drill can attract nearby creatures.
One important tip is to use a Tek Suit or a high-level mount with good mobility to navigate the challenging terrain of the Lunar Biome or Rockwell's Innards Biome. The Tek Suit allows for flight and quick movement, making it easier to avoid threats and reach nodes in hard-to-access areas. Additionally, consider bringing a Cryopod to store your tames when not in use, as this can save time and reduce the risk of losing them to hostile creatures.
A common mistake to avoid is underestimating the dangers of the areas where element nodes are found. The Lunar Biome, for example, has low gravity and a lack of oxygen, which can disorient players and make combat more difficult. Always carry oxygen tanks and a gas mask if you are in the Lunar Biome, and be prepared for sudden attacks from aggressive creatures. Another mistake is not bringing enough supplies, such as food, water, and ammunition, as the process of gathering element shards can be time-consuming and resource-intensive.
For advanced players, optimizing the gathering process can involve using multiple tames or tools simultaneously. For example, you can use a Magmasaur to harvest element nodes while a Tek Suit-equipped player scouts for additional nodes and defends against threats. Additionally, consider setting up a small outpost near the harvesting area to store resources and provide a safe retreat if needed. This can be especially useful in multiplayer settings, where tribe members can take turns gathering and defending.
In terms of resource requirements, gathering element shards requires minimal resources if you are using a Magmasaur or a Mining Drill. However, if you are using a pickaxe, you may need to repair it frequently, so bring along extra materials like metal and wood. For tribe play, coordination is key. Assign roles to tribe members, such as one person harvesting while others defend or scout. This ensures efficiency and reduces the risk of losing valuable tames or resources.
In solo play, the process is more challenging but still manageable. Focus on using a high-level Magmasaur or a Mining Drill to maximize efficiency, and always be prepared to retreat if the situation becomes too dangerous. Consider using traps or tames with crowd-control abilities, such as a Yutyrannus, to manage groups of hostile creatures.
In conclusion, gathering element shards in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful preparation, the right tools or tames, and a solid understanding of the dangers involved. By following the strategies outlined above, you can efficiently gather element shards and progress toward crafting advanced Tek-tier items. Whether playing solo or with a tribe, always prioritize safety and resource management to ensure a successful harvesting expedition.