What is the best way 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 recipes. Sap is primarily obtained from specific trees called Redwood Trees or by using a Tree Sap Tap. Below is a detailed guide on how to efficiently gather sap, covering mechanics, strategies, and tips to optimize the process.
To gather sap, you need to locate Redwood Trees, which are found in the Redwood Forest biome on most maps. These trees are massive and easy to identify due to their towering height and unique appearance. Once you find a Redwood Tree, you can place a Tree Sap Tap on it to collect sap over time. The Tree Sap Tap is a structure that can be crafted once you unlock its engram at level 20. To craft it, you will need 15 wood, 25 thatch, 10 fiber, and 5 cementing paste. Cementing paste can be crafted using chitin or keratin and stone in a mortar and pestle, or obtained by harvesting beaver dams or taming a Beelzebufo.
To place a Tree Sap Tap, approach a Redwood Tree and look for a flat section of the trunk. The tap must be placed on the tree itself, not on the ground. Once placed, the tap will automatically start collecting sap. Each tap can hold up to 20 sap before it needs to be emptied. Sap is collected slowly, so it is recommended to place multiple taps on different trees to maximize efficiency. You can check the tap's inventory by accessing it, and the sap will appear as a resource that can be transferred to your inventory.
One important tip is to place the taps high up on the tree to avoid interference from other players or wild creatures. However, this requires careful planning, as you will need a way to reach the taps to collect the sap. Using a flying mount like an Argentavis or a Pteranodon is highly recommended for this purpose. Alternatively, you can build a ladder or platform near the tree to access the taps easily.
When gathering sap, it is crucial to consider your surroundings. The Redwood Forest is home to dangerous creatures like Thylacoleos, which can ambush you from trees, and Carnotaurus, which roam the area. Always be prepared for combat by bringing weapons, armor, and a tamed dinosaur for protection. A strong mount like a Rex or Spino can help fend off threats while you focus on collecting sap.
A common mistake is placing too few taps, which limits your sap production. To avoid this, place as many taps as you can manage, especially if you are part of a tribe with multiple members who can help maintain them. Another mistake is forgetting to check the taps regularly, as they will stop collecting sap once they reach their capacity. Set a schedule to collect sap every few hours to ensure continuous production.
For advanced players, consider using a tamed Beaver (Castoroides) to gather wood and thatch while you focus on sap collection. Beavers are excellent gatherers and can help you replenish the resources needed to craft additional taps. Additionally, using a Quetzal with a platform saddle can allow you to transport multiple taps and resources efficiently, making the process faster and more organized.
If you are playing solo, prioritize safety and resource management. Focus on placing a few taps in a secure area and use a flying mount to access them. For tribes, coordinate with members to cover more ground and protect the taps from potential threats. Assign roles, such as one person gathering resources for taps while another focuses on defending the area.
In summary, gathering sap in ARK requires preparation, strategy, and vigilance. Craft Tree Sap Taps, place them on Redwood Trees, and use flying mounts or platforms to access them. Be mindful of the dangers in the Redwood Forest and optimize your setup by placing multiple taps and checking them regularly. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, efficient sap collection will greatly benefit your crafting and building efforts in the game.
To gather sap, you need to locate Redwood Trees, which are found in the Redwood Forest biome on most maps. These trees are massive and easy to identify due to their towering height and unique appearance. Once you find a Redwood Tree, you can place a Tree Sap Tap on it to collect sap over time. The Tree Sap Tap is a structure that can be crafted once you unlock its engram at level 20. To craft it, you will need 15 wood, 25 thatch, 10 fiber, and 5 cementing paste. Cementing paste can be crafted using chitin or keratin and stone in a mortar and pestle, or obtained by harvesting beaver dams or taming a Beelzebufo.
To place a Tree Sap Tap, approach a Redwood Tree and look for a flat section of the trunk. The tap must be placed on the tree itself, not on the ground. Once placed, the tap will automatically start collecting sap. Each tap can hold up to 20 sap before it needs to be emptied. Sap is collected slowly, so it is recommended to place multiple taps on different trees to maximize efficiency. You can check the tap's inventory by accessing it, and the sap will appear as a resource that can be transferred to your inventory.
One important tip is to place the taps high up on the tree to avoid interference from other players or wild creatures. However, this requires careful planning, as you will need a way to reach the taps to collect the sap. Using a flying mount like an Argentavis or a Pteranodon is highly recommended for this purpose. Alternatively, you can build a ladder or platform near the tree to access the taps easily.
When gathering sap, it is crucial to consider your surroundings. The Redwood Forest is home to dangerous creatures like Thylacoleos, which can ambush you from trees, and Carnotaurus, which roam the area. Always be prepared for combat by bringing weapons, armor, and a tamed dinosaur for protection. A strong mount like a Rex or Spino can help fend off threats while you focus on collecting sap.
A common mistake is placing too few taps, which limits your sap production. To avoid this, place as many taps as you can manage, especially if you are part of a tribe with multiple members who can help maintain them. Another mistake is forgetting to check the taps regularly, as they will stop collecting sap once they reach their capacity. Set a schedule to collect sap every few hours to ensure continuous production.
For advanced players, consider using a tamed Beaver (Castoroides) to gather wood and thatch while you focus on sap collection. Beavers are excellent gatherers and can help you replenish the resources needed to craft additional taps. Additionally, using a Quetzal with a platform saddle can allow you to transport multiple taps and resources efficiently, making the process faster and more organized.
If you are playing solo, prioritize safety and resource management. Focus on placing a few taps in a secure area and use a flying mount to access them. For tribes, coordinate with members to cover more ground and protect the taps from potential threats. Assign roles, such as one person gathering resources for taps while another focuses on defending the area.
In summary, gathering sap in ARK requires preparation, strategy, and vigilance. Craft Tree Sap Taps, place them on Redwood Trees, and use flying mounts or platforms to access them. Be mindful of the dangers in the Redwood Forest and optimize your setup by placing multiple taps and checking them regularly. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, efficient sap collection will greatly benefit your crafting and building efforts in the game.