What are the best ways to gather sap in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Gathering sap in ARK: Survival Evolved is an essential task for crafting various items, including tree platforms, greenhouse structures, and certain consumables. Sap is primarily obtained from specific trees called Redwood Trees and the smaller, sap-producing trees found in certain regions. Understanding the mechanics and strategies for efficient sap collection is crucial for both solo players and tribes.
To gather sap, you need to locate the appropriate trees. Redwood Trees are the most common source of sap and are found in the Redwood Biome, which is present on several maps, including The Island, Ragnarok, and Valguero. These massive trees are easily identifiable by their towering height and thick trunks. Additionally, smaller sap-producing trees, often referred to as "sap taps," can be found in various biomes, including the Redwood Forest and some temperate zones.
The primary tool for collecting sap is the Tree Sap Tap. To craft a Tree Sap Tap, you will need to unlock the engram at level 20. The crafting recipe requires 15 wood, 25 thatch, and 10 cementing paste. Cementing paste can be obtained by combining chitin or keratin with stone in a mortar and pestle or by harvesting it from certain creatures like Beavers or Achatina.
Once you have crafted a Tree Sap Tap, you need to place it on a Redwood Tree or a smaller sap-producing tree. To do this, approach the tree and look for a flat surface on the trunk. The game will prompt you to place the tap. After placing the tap, it will start collecting sap over time. Each tap can hold up to 10 sap, and it takes approximately 30 minutes to fill completely. You can place multiple taps on different trees to increase your sap yield.
For solo players, managing sap collection can be time-consuming, but it is manageable with proper planning. Start by crafting several Tree Sap Taps to maximize your sap production. Place the taps on trees near your base or in a secure area to minimize travel time and reduce the risk of losing the taps to hostile creatures or other players. Regularly check the taps to collect the sap and reset the collection timer.
Tribes can optimize sap collection by assigning specific members to manage the taps. This allows for more efficient resource gathering and ensures that the taps are checked and emptied regularly. Additionally, tribes can establish a base near the Redwood Biome to reduce travel time and protect the taps from potential threats.
One common mistake to avoid is placing Tree Sap Taps in unsafe areas. The Redwood Biome is home to dangerous creatures like Thylacoleos and Microraptors, which can pose a significant threat to players. Always be cautious when placing and checking taps, and consider taming creatures like the Argentavis or Pteranodon for safer and faster travel.
Advanced techniques for sap collection include using tamed creatures to assist in the process. For example, the Beaver (Castoroides) can gather wood and thatch efficiently, which are essential for crafting Tree Sap Taps. Additionally, the Argentavis can carry multiple taps and resources, making it easier to transport them to and from the Redwood Biome.
Resource management is crucial when gathering sap. Ensure you have enough materials to craft multiple Tree Sap Taps and maintain a steady supply of cementing paste. Stockpile sap in preserving bins or refrigerators to prevent spoilage, especially if you are collecting large quantities.
In summary, gathering sap in ARK: Survival Evolved involves crafting Tree Sap Taps, placing them on Redwood Trees or smaller sap-producing trees, and regularly collecting the sap. Solo players should focus on efficient placement and regular checks, while tribes can optimize the process by assigning specific roles and establishing a base near the Redwood Biome. Avoid common mistakes like placing taps in unsafe areas and use tamed creatures to enhance efficiency. With proper planning and resource management, you can ensure a steady supply of sap for all your crafting needs.
To gather sap, you need to locate the appropriate trees. Redwood Trees are the most common source of sap and are found in the Redwood Biome, which is present on several maps, including The Island, Ragnarok, and Valguero. These massive trees are easily identifiable by their towering height and thick trunks. Additionally, smaller sap-producing trees, often referred to as "sap taps," can be found in various biomes, including the Redwood Forest and some temperate zones.
The primary tool for collecting sap is the Tree Sap Tap. To craft a Tree Sap Tap, you will need to unlock the engram at level 20. The crafting recipe requires 15 wood, 25 thatch, and 10 cementing paste. Cementing paste can be obtained by combining chitin or keratin with stone in a mortar and pestle or by harvesting it from certain creatures like Beavers or Achatina.
Once you have crafted a Tree Sap Tap, you need to place it on a Redwood Tree or a smaller sap-producing tree. To do this, approach the tree and look for a flat surface on the trunk. The game will prompt you to place the tap. After placing the tap, it will start collecting sap over time. Each tap can hold up to 10 sap, and it takes approximately 30 minutes to fill completely. You can place multiple taps on different trees to increase your sap yield.
For solo players, managing sap collection can be time-consuming, but it is manageable with proper planning. Start by crafting several Tree Sap Taps to maximize your sap production. Place the taps on trees near your base or in a secure area to minimize travel time and reduce the risk of losing the taps to hostile creatures or other players. Regularly check the taps to collect the sap and reset the collection timer.
Tribes can optimize sap collection by assigning specific members to manage the taps. This allows for more efficient resource gathering and ensures that the taps are checked and emptied regularly. Additionally, tribes can establish a base near the Redwood Biome to reduce travel time and protect the taps from potential threats.
One common mistake to avoid is placing Tree Sap Taps in unsafe areas. The Redwood Biome is home to dangerous creatures like Thylacoleos and Microraptors, which can pose a significant threat to players. Always be cautious when placing and checking taps, and consider taming creatures like the Argentavis or Pteranodon for safer and faster travel.
Advanced techniques for sap collection include using tamed creatures to assist in the process. For example, the Beaver (Castoroides) can gather wood and thatch efficiently, which are essential for crafting Tree Sap Taps. Additionally, the Argentavis can carry multiple taps and resources, making it easier to transport them to and from the Redwood Biome.
Resource management is crucial when gathering sap. Ensure you have enough materials to craft multiple Tree Sap Taps and maintain a steady supply of cementing paste. Stockpile sap in preserving bins or refrigerators to prevent spoilage, especially if you are collecting large quantities.
In summary, gathering sap in ARK: Survival Evolved involves crafting Tree Sap Taps, placing them on Redwood Trees or smaller sap-producing trees, and regularly collecting the sap. Solo players should focus on efficient placement and regular checks, while tribes can optimize the process by assigning specific roles and establishing a base near the Redwood Biome. Avoid common mistakes like placing taps in unsafe areas and use tamed creatures to enhance efficiency. With proper planning and resource management, you can ensure a steady supply of sap for all your crafting needs.