What is the best way to gather rare resources like hexagons in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Hexagons are a unique and valuable resource in ARK: Survival Evolved, primarily used in the Genesis Part 1 and Genesis Part 2 DLCs. They function as a currency for purchasing items, tames, and resources from the HLN-A shop or the Mission Terminals. Gathering hexagons efficiently requires a combination of mission completion, exploration, and resource management. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to gather hexagons effectively.

To start, hexagons are earned primarily by completing missions in the Genesis maps. Missions vary in difficulty and type, ranging from simple fetch quests to complex combat challenges. Each mission rewards a specific amount of hexagons based on its difficulty and your performance. For example, completing a Gamma-level mission will yield fewer hexagons than completing the same mission on Alpha difficulty. Therefore, focusing on higher-difficulty missions is key to maximizing your hexagon income.

Before attempting missions, preparation is crucial. Ensure your character is well-equipped with armor, weapons, and consumables like medical brews or stimulants. Tamed dinosaurs play a significant role in mission success. For combat missions, bring strong tames like Rexes, Spinos, or Shadowmanes. For transport or gathering missions, creatures like Argentavis, Ankylosaurus, or Magmasaurs are ideal. Always check the mission requirements and tailor your loadout accordingly.

When selecting missions, prioritize those that align with your strengths and available resources. For example, if you have a powerful combat tame, focus on hunting or wave-based missions. If you excel at resource gathering, choose missions that involve collecting specific items. Some missions, like races or obstacle courses, require agility and precision, so practice these beforehand to improve your chances of success.

One effective strategy is to form a tribe and tackle missions cooperatively. Many missions are easier to complete with multiple players, as you can divide tasks and support each other during combat. For example, one player can focus on healing while another deals damage, or one can gather resources while another defends against hostile creatures. Communication and coordination are essential for maximizing efficiency and minimizing mistakes.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating mission difficulty and failing to prepare adequately. Always scout the mission area beforehand to understand the challenges youÔÇÖll face. For example, some missions spawn waves of aggressive creatures, so ensure you have enough firepower and healing items to survive. Another mistake is neglecting to bring backup tames or equipment. If your primary tame dies or your weapon breaks, having a backup can save the mission.

Advanced techniques involve optimizing your mission runs for speed and efficiency. For example, in resource-gathering missions, use tames with high weight capacity and gathering efficiency to collect items quickly. In combat missions, focus on crowd control and area-of-effect attacks to handle multiple enemies at once. Additionally, learn the spawn patterns and behaviors of mission-specific creatures to anticipate and counter their moves.

Resource requirements for hexagon farming include a steady supply of ammunition, healing items, and food for your tames. Stockpile these resources in your base or on your tames to avoid running out mid-mission. Crafting stations like the Fabricator or Chemistry Bench are essential for producing advanced gear and consumables. Ensure your base is well-defended, as leaving it unattended during missions can make it vulnerable to raids or creature attacks.

For solo players, focus on missions that are manageable alone, such as gathering or simpler combat tasks. Use versatile tames like the Shadowmane, which excels in both combat and mobility. Solo players should also prioritize missions with lower risk and higher rewards to avoid unnecessary losses. For tribes, assign roles based on each memberÔÇÖs strengths, such as having a dedicated healer or gatherer. This division of labor can significantly improve mission efficiency.

Specific examples of hexagon-rich missions include the "Hunt missions" in Genesis Part 2, where you must defeat waves of creatures, and the "Gauntlet missions," which test your combat and survival skills. Another example is the "Star Dolphin" mission, where you escort a dolphin-like creature through a dangerous area. Completing these missions on higher difficulties can yield thousands of hexagons, making them highly rewarding.

In summary, gathering hexagons in ARK: Survival Evolved requires a combination of preparation, strategy, and teamwork. Focus on high-difficulty missions, use appropriate tames and equipment, and avoid common mistakes like underestimating challenges or neglecting backups. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, optimizing your approach to missions will ensure a steady flow of hexagons for purchasing valuable items and resources.