What is the best way to gather metal in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Gathering metal in ARK: Survival Evolved is one of the most important tasks for progression, as metal is essential for crafting advanced tools, weapons, armor, and structures. Metal nodes are the primary source of metal, and they are found in specific locations across the map, often in mountainous or rocky areas. To efficiently gather metal, you need to understand the mechanics, prepare properly, and use the right tools and dinosaurs.
First, you need to locate metal nodes. These are large, shiny rocks with a metallic appearance, often found in clusters. On The Island map, for example, metal nodes are abundant in areas like the Volcano, the mountains near the Red Obelisk, and the northern regions. Other maps, such as Ragnarok or Valguero, also have rich metal deposits in their mountainous or high-altitude areas. Once you find a metal node, you can harvest it using tools like a pickaxe or a metal hatchet. A pickaxe yields more metal, while a hatchet provides more stone, so always use a pickaxe for metal gathering.
To maximize efficiency, you should tame dinosaurs that specialize in resource gathering. The Ankylosaurus is the best dinosaur for harvesting metal. It has a high damage output against metal nodes and can carry a large amount of metal due to its weight reduction for metal in its inventory. To use an Ankylosaurus effectively, level up its melee damage and weight stats. This will allow it to gather more metal per swing and carry more before becoming encumbered. Additionally, you can use a Quetzal or Argentavis to transport the Ankylosaurus to metal-rich areas, as these flying dinosaurs can carry other creatures.
Preparation is key to successful metal gathering. Before heading out, ensure you have the necessary tools and supplies. Bring a high-quality pickaxe, food, water, and a bed or sleeping bag in case you need to respawn. If you are traveling with dinosaurs, bring enough food for them and consider bringing a few extra tools in case yours break. It is also a good idea to build a small outpost near the metal-rich area to store your gathered resources and provide a safe respawn point.
When gathering metal, always be aware of your surroundings. Metal nodes are often located in dangerous areas with aggressive creatures like Carnotaurus, Raptors, or even Rexes. Bring a strong combat dinosaur, such as a Rex or Spino, to protect yourself while gathering. If you are playing solo, consider taming a pack of Raptors or a pack-boosting creature like a Yutyrannus to increase your chances of survival.
One common mistake is overloading your dinosaur or yourself with metal. Metal is extremely heavy, and carrying too much will slow you down or prevent you from moving at all. To avoid this, always monitor your weight and consider using a weight-reducing dinosaur like a Argentavis or a platform saddle on a Quetzal to transport the metal back to your base. Another mistake is not bringing enough tools or backup supplies. Metal gathering trips can take a long time, and running out of tools or food can leave you stranded in a dangerous area.
Advanced techniques for metal gathering include using a mining drill, which is a late-game tool that can harvest large amounts of metal quickly. However, the mining drill requires gasoline and is best used in conjunction with a high-level Ankylosaurus. Another advanced strategy is to build a metal farming base near a rich metal deposit. This base can include storage boxes, forges, and a bed for quick respawns. You can also use a Tek Transmitter to teleport metal directly to your main base, saving time and effort.
In a tribe setting, metal gathering can be more efficient. Tribe members can divide tasks, such as one person gathering metal while another protects the area or transports resources. Using a Quetzal with a platform saddle, tribe members can build a mobile base on the Quetzal, complete with storage and forges, to process metal on the go. This eliminates the need for multiple trips and maximizes efficiency.
In conclusion, gathering metal in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, the right tools, and the use of specialized dinosaurs. By locating metal-rich areas, preparing adequately, and using advanced techniques, you can efficiently gather the metal needed for advanced crafting and building. Always be mindful of your surroundings and avoid common mistakes like overloading or running out of supplies. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, metal gathering is a crucial part of progressing in the game and ensuring your survival in the harsh world of ARK.
First, you need to locate metal nodes. These are large, shiny rocks with a metallic appearance, often found in clusters. On The Island map, for example, metal nodes are abundant in areas like the Volcano, the mountains near the Red Obelisk, and the northern regions. Other maps, such as Ragnarok or Valguero, also have rich metal deposits in their mountainous or high-altitude areas. Once you find a metal node, you can harvest it using tools like a pickaxe or a metal hatchet. A pickaxe yields more metal, while a hatchet provides more stone, so always use a pickaxe for metal gathering.
To maximize efficiency, you should tame dinosaurs that specialize in resource gathering. The Ankylosaurus is the best dinosaur for harvesting metal. It has a high damage output against metal nodes and can carry a large amount of metal due to its weight reduction for metal in its inventory. To use an Ankylosaurus effectively, level up its melee damage and weight stats. This will allow it to gather more metal per swing and carry more before becoming encumbered. Additionally, you can use a Quetzal or Argentavis to transport the Ankylosaurus to metal-rich areas, as these flying dinosaurs can carry other creatures.
Preparation is key to successful metal gathering. Before heading out, ensure you have the necessary tools and supplies. Bring a high-quality pickaxe, food, water, and a bed or sleeping bag in case you need to respawn. If you are traveling with dinosaurs, bring enough food for them and consider bringing a few extra tools in case yours break. It is also a good idea to build a small outpost near the metal-rich area to store your gathered resources and provide a safe respawn point.
When gathering metal, always be aware of your surroundings. Metal nodes are often located in dangerous areas with aggressive creatures like Carnotaurus, Raptors, or even Rexes. Bring a strong combat dinosaur, such as a Rex or Spino, to protect yourself while gathering. If you are playing solo, consider taming a pack of Raptors or a pack-boosting creature like a Yutyrannus to increase your chances of survival.
One common mistake is overloading your dinosaur or yourself with metal. Metal is extremely heavy, and carrying too much will slow you down or prevent you from moving at all. To avoid this, always monitor your weight and consider using a weight-reducing dinosaur like a Argentavis or a platform saddle on a Quetzal to transport the metal back to your base. Another mistake is not bringing enough tools or backup supplies. Metal gathering trips can take a long time, and running out of tools or food can leave you stranded in a dangerous area.
Advanced techniques for metal gathering include using a mining drill, which is a late-game tool that can harvest large amounts of metal quickly. However, the mining drill requires gasoline and is best used in conjunction with a high-level Ankylosaurus. Another advanced strategy is to build a metal farming base near a rich metal deposit. This base can include storage boxes, forges, and a bed for quick respawns. You can also use a Tek Transmitter to teleport metal directly to your main base, saving time and effort.
In a tribe setting, metal gathering can be more efficient. Tribe members can divide tasks, such as one person gathering metal while another protects the area or transports resources. Using a Quetzal with a platform saddle, tribe members can build a mobile base on the Quetzal, complete with storage and forges, to process metal on the go. This eliminates the need for multiple trips and maximizes efficiency.
In conclusion, gathering metal in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, the right tools, and the use of specialized dinosaurs. By locating metal-rich areas, preparing adequately, and using advanced techniques, you can efficiently gather the metal needed for advanced crafting and building. Always be mindful of your surroundings and avoid common mistakes like overloading or running out of supplies. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, metal gathering is a crucial part of progressing in the game and ensuring your survival in the harsh world of ARK.