What are the best ways to gather corrupted nodules in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Corrupted nodules are a unique resource in ARK: Survival Evolved, primarily found in the Extinction map. These nodules are essential for crafting certain advanced items, such as the Tek Cloning Chamber and the Tek Dedicated Storage. Gathering corrupted nodules requires specific strategies and preparation, as they are only obtained by harvesting corrupted creatures or corrupted nodes. Below is a detailed guide on how to efficiently gather corrupted nodules, covering mechanics, strategies, and tips.

To begin, corrupted nodules are harvested from corrupted creatures, which are aggressive, mutated versions of standard dinosaurs found throughout the Extinction map. These creatures include corrupted raptors, trikes, rexes, and more. Corrupted nodes, on the other hand, are glowing, pulsating structures scattered across the map, particularly in the wasteland and desert biomes. Both sources require careful handling, as corrupted creatures are highly aggressive and often attack in groups, while corrupted nodes are guarded by these creatures.

The first step in gathering corrupted nodules is preparation. You will need strong tamed dinosaurs or high-level gear to handle the threats posed by corrupted creatures. Recommended tames include high-level rexes, spinos, or therizinos, as they have high damage output and durability. Alternatively, a well-equipped player with advanced weapons like shotguns or assault rifles can also take on smaller corrupted creatures. Ensure your tames or character have sufficient health, stamina, and damage stats to survive prolonged encounters. Additionally, bring a harvesting tool like a chainsaw or a high-damage melee weapon to maximize the number of nodules obtained per kill.

When hunting corrupted creatures, focus on smaller targets like corrupted raptors or parasaurs first, as they are easier to defeat and still yield nodules. Larger creatures like corrupted rexes or spinos are more dangerous and should only be tackled with strong tames or a well-coordinated tribe. Use hit-and-run tactics to avoid being overwhelmed, and always keep an eye on your surroundings, as corrupted creatures often attack in packs. After defeating a corrupted creature, use your harvesting tool to gather nodules from its body. The amount of nodules obtained depends on the creature's size and your harvesting efficiency.

For corrupted nodes, approach them cautiously, as they are often surrounded by corrupted creatures. Clear the area of threats before attempting to harvest the node. Use a pickaxe or chainsaw to gather nodules from the node, and be prepared to defend yourself if more corrupted creatures spawn nearby. Corrupted nodes respawn over time, so mark their locations on your map for future farming runs.

One common mistake is underestimating the aggression and numbers of corrupted creatures. Always bring backup tames or tribe members to handle large groups, and avoid engaging multiple corrupted rexes or spinos at once. Another mistake is neglecting to bring a high-efficiency harvesting tool, which can significantly reduce the time and effort required to gather nodules.

Advanced techniques include using a giga or a high-level wyvern to quickly dispatch corrupted creatures, as their high damage output can make farming more efficient. Additionally, setting up a small outpost near a cluster of corrupted nodes can provide a safe zone for healing and resupplying during farming sessions. Use turrets or plant species X to defend your outpost from wandering corrupted creatures.

Resource requirements for gathering corrupted nodules include strong tames, high-quality weapons, and healing items like medical brews or cooked meat. If playing solo, prioritize tames with high survivability and damage, as you will need to handle threats alone. In a tribe, coordinate roles such as tanking, damage dealing, and harvesting to maximize efficiency.

In summary, gathering corrupted nodules in ARK: Survival Evolved requires preparation, strong tames or gear, and careful handling of corrupted creatures and nodes. Focus on smaller targets, use efficient harvesting tools, and avoid engaging large groups of corrupted creatures without backup. With the right strategy and preparation, you can efficiently farm corrupted nodules to craft advanced Tek items and progress further in the game.