What is the best way to gather element dust and shards in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Gathering element dust and shards in ARK: Survival Evolved is a crucial part of late-game progression, as these resources are used to craft advanced items like Tek-tier equipment and structures. Element dust and shards are primarily obtained by breaking down element, which is a rare resource found in boss fights, certain caves, and Extinction's Orbital Supply Drops. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to efficiently gather these materials.
To start, element dust can be obtained by grinding element in a grinder. Each piece of element yields 100 element dust when processed. Element shards, on the other hand, are found in specific locations, such as the Extinction map, where they can be harvested from corrupted nodes or obtained as loot from certain creatures and supply drops. On other maps, element shards are not naturally available, so youÔÇÖll need to rely on breaking down element or transferring resources from Extinction.
For solo players, the most straightforward method to gather element dust is by defeating bosses. Each boss fight rewards you with element, which can then be ground into dust. To prepare for boss fights, youÔÇÖll need a strong team of tamed dinosaurs, such as Rexes, Therizinos, or Megatheriums, depending on the boss. Breeding and imprinting these creatures will significantly boost their stats, making the fights easier. Additionally, crafting high-quality saddles for your dinosaurs is essential to reduce damage taken during combat. Stock up on medical brews and food to keep your tames alive during prolonged fights.
For tribes, coordinating boss fights is more efficient. Assign roles to tribe members, such as healers using Daeodons or players riding Yutyrannus to provide buffs. This teamwork can make boss fights faster and safer. After defeating a boss, the element can be distributed among tribe members or stored in a secure location for grinding.
On the Extinction map, element shards can be harvested directly from corrupted nodes using a pickaxe or a mining drill. These nodes are often guarded by corrupted creatures, so bring a strong mount like a Giga or a Velonasaur to clear the area. Element shards can also be obtained from Orbital Supply Drops, which require defending against waves of corrupted creatures. Higher-tier drops yield more shards, so prioritize these if you have the firepower to handle the waves.
A common mistake is underestimating the difficulty of boss fights or Orbital Supply Drops. Always overprepare by bringing extra supplies and backup tames. Another mistake is not protecting your element or shards after gathering. These resources are highly valuable and can be stolen by other players in PvP servers. Store them in a secure vault or hidden base to prevent theft.
Advanced techniques include using a Tek Stryder on Extinction to automate shard gathering. The StryderÔÇÖs mining drill can harvest shards efficiently, and its resource storage allows for extended farming sessions. Additionally, using a Tek Dedicated Storage system can help manage large quantities of element dust and shards, making crafting more efficient.
Resource requirements for gathering element dust and shards include high-quality weapons, armor, and saddles, as well as medical supplies and food. For boss fights, youÔÇÖll also need tributes, which are specific items or artifacts required to summon the bosses. These can be obtained from caves or by defeating certain creatures.
In summary, gathering element dust and shards requires preparation, teamwork, and efficient resource management. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, focus on defeating bosses, defending Orbital Supply Drops, and using advanced tools like the Tek Stryder to maximize your yield. Protect your resources and always be ready for the challenges that come with late-game content in ARK: Survival Evolved.
To start, element dust can be obtained by grinding element in a grinder. Each piece of element yields 100 element dust when processed. Element shards, on the other hand, are found in specific locations, such as the Extinction map, where they can be harvested from corrupted nodes or obtained as loot from certain creatures and supply drops. On other maps, element shards are not naturally available, so youÔÇÖll need to rely on breaking down element or transferring resources from Extinction.
For solo players, the most straightforward method to gather element dust is by defeating bosses. Each boss fight rewards you with element, which can then be ground into dust. To prepare for boss fights, youÔÇÖll need a strong team of tamed dinosaurs, such as Rexes, Therizinos, or Megatheriums, depending on the boss. Breeding and imprinting these creatures will significantly boost their stats, making the fights easier. Additionally, crafting high-quality saddles for your dinosaurs is essential to reduce damage taken during combat. Stock up on medical brews and food to keep your tames alive during prolonged fights.
For tribes, coordinating boss fights is more efficient. Assign roles to tribe members, such as healers using Daeodons or players riding Yutyrannus to provide buffs. This teamwork can make boss fights faster and safer. After defeating a boss, the element can be distributed among tribe members or stored in a secure location for grinding.
On the Extinction map, element shards can be harvested directly from corrupted nodes using a pickaxe or a mining drill. These nodes are often guarded by corrupted creatures, so bring a strong mount like a Giga or a Velonasaur to clear the area. Element shards can also be obtained from Orbital Supply Drops, which require defending against waves of corrupted creatures. Higher-tier drops yield more shards, so prioritize these if you have the firepower to handle the waves.
A common mistake is underestimating the difficulty of boss fights or Orbital Supply Drops. Always overprepare by bringing extra supplies and backup tames. Another mistake is not protecting your element or shards after gathering. These resources are highly valuable and can be stolen by other players in PvP servers. Store them in a secure vault or hidden base to prevent theft.
Advanced techniques include using a Tek Stryder on Extinction to automate shard gathering. The StryderÔÇÖs mining drill can harvest shards efficiently, and its resource storage allows for extended farming sessions. Additionally, using a Tek Dedicated Storage system can help manage large quantities of element dust and shards, making crafting more efficient.
Resource requirements for gathering element dust and shards include high-quality weapons, armor, and saddles, as well as medical supplies and food. For boss fights, youÔÇÖll also need tributes, which are specific items or artifacts required to summon the bosses. These can be obtained from caves or by defeating certain creatures.
In summary, gathering element dust and shards requires preparation, teamwork, and efficient resource management. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, focus on defeating bosses, defending Orbital Supply Drops, and using advanced tools like the Tek Stryder to maximize your yield. Protect your resources and always be ready for the challenges that come with late-game content in ARK: Survival Evolved.