What is the best way to farm element dust in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Farming element dust in ARK: Survival Evolved is a crucial activity for players looking to craft advanced items and technology. Element dust is a refined resource obtained by breaking down element shards or element itself, and it is used in various high-tier recipes, such as crafting tek gear, structures, and ammunition. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to efficiently farm element dust, covering mechanics, strategies, and tips.

To start, element dust can be obtained by grinding element shards or element in a grinder. Element shards are smaller fragments of element and are more commonly found in certain maps like Extinction or through specific activities like defeating corrupted creatures. Element, on the other hand, is typically obtained from boss fights or tek creatures. Once you have either element shards or element, you can place them in a grinder to convert them into element dust. One element shard yields 100 element dust, while one full element yields 1,000 element dust. This makes grinding element shards more efficient if you have access to them.

For solo players, the best way to farm element dust is to focus on gathering element shards. On Extinction, corrupted creatures drop element shards when killed. These creatures are found in the wasteland and around the city. Using a strong tamed dinosaur like a Rex, Giga, or Wyvern can make farming these creatures easier. Corrupted creatures are aggressive and come in large numbers, so having a mount with high damage and health is essential. Additionally, using a chainsaw or a high-damage weapon can help you quickly harvest element shards from their bodies after killing them.

For tribes, coordinating efforts can significantly increase efficiency. Assigning roles, such as one player focusing on killing corrupted creatures while another gathers the shards, can speed up the process. Tribes can also set up a base near the wasteland or city to store resources and repair equipment quickly. Using a grinder at the base allows for immediate conversion of shards into dust, reducing the need for multiple trips.

Preparation is key when farming element dust. Ensure you have a strong tamed dinosaur, preferably one with high damage output and health. Bring plenty of healing items, such as cooked meat or custom consumables, to keep your mount alive during prolonged fights. Additionally, carry a chainsaw or a high-damage weapon for harvesting shards efficiently. Having a grinder ready at your base or a mobile base like a platform saddle can save time.

One common mistake is underestimating the difficulty of corrupted creatures. They deal significant damage and can overwhelm unprepared players. Always scout the area before engaging and avoid pulling too many creatures at once. Another mistake is not bringing enough resources to repair your equipment. Chainsaws and weapons degrade quickly, so carry extra materials like metal and polymer for repairs.

Advanced techniques include using tek gear to enhance your farming efficiency. Tek armor, such as the tek chestpiece, can provide additional protection and mobility, making it easier to navigate dangerous areas. Tek rifles or tek saddles can also increase your damage output, allowing you to kill corrupted creatures faster. Additionally, using a quetzal with a platform saddle to carry a grinder and storage can create a mobile farming station, reducing downtime.

Resource requirements for farming element dust include a grinder, which requires metal, cementing paste, and electronics to craft. YouÔÇÖll also need a strong tamed dinosaur, weapons, and tools for harvesting. Stock up on repair materials and healing items to ensure you can sustain long farming sessions.

In summary, farming element dust involves gathering element shards from corrupted creatures or grinding down element. Solo players should focus on using strong tamed dinosaurs and efficient harvesting tools, while tribes can coordinate efforts for faster results. Preparation, such as bringing repair materials and healing items, is crucial. Avoid common mistakes like underestimating corrupted creatures or neglecting equipment repairs. Advanced techniques, such as using tek gear or mobile bases, can optimize your farming efficiency. With the right strategy and preparation, you can efficiently gather element dust to craft advanced items and dominate in ARK: Survival Evolved.