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, such as tree platforms, bug repellent, and certain recipes. Sap is primarily obtained from specific trees called Redwood Trees or by using a Tree Sap Tap. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to efficiently gather sap, covering mechanics, strategies, and tips.

To start, sap can be collected in two main ways: manually from Redwood Trees or by placing Tree Sap Taps on certain trees. Redwood Trees are found in the Redwood Biome, which is a dense forest area filled with tall, massive trees. These trees have visible sap nodes that can be harvested directly. However, the more efficient method is using Tree Sap Taps, which passively collect sap over time.

To craft a Tree Sap Tap, you need to unlock the engram at level 20. The crafting recipe requires 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. Once you have the materials, craft the Tree Sap Tap and head to the Redwood Biome or other areas with suitable trees.

When placing a Tree Sap Tap, look for large trees with visible sap nodes. Approach the tree and place the tap on the node. Each tap can hold up to 50 sap before it needs to be emptied. Sap is collected passively over time, so you can place multiple taps on different trees to maximize your yield. ItÔÇÖs a good idea to mark the locations of your taps on the map to make it easier to return and collect the sap.

For solo players, gathering sap can be time-consuming, especially if you need large quantities. To optimize your efforts, consider taming a flying mount like an Argentavis or a Pteranodon to quickly travel between trees and taps. Additionally, having a storage box near your taps can help you store sap without needing to return to your base frequently. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, coordinate with your tribe members to place and maintain multiple taps across the map, ensuring a steady supply of sap.

One common mistake is placing Tree Sap Taps on the wrong types of trees. Not all trees can support a tap, so make sure to look for the correct ones in the Redwood Biome or other designated areas. Another mistake is forgetting to check your taps regularly, which can lead to wasted time and resources. Set a timer or schedule to visit your taps every few hours to collect the sap and reset the taps.

Advanced techniques for sap gathering include using a tamed Megatherium or a Therizinosaurus to harvest sap nodes manually. These creatures have high harvesting efficiency and can gather large amounts of sap quickly. Additionally, consider building a small outpost near your taps with storage and crafting stations to process the sap into useful items on the spot.

Resource management is crucial when gathering sap. Ensure you have enough materials to craft multiple Tree Sap Taps and maintain them. Stockpile cementing paste and other resources to avoid running out when you need to replace or repair taps. If youÔÇÖre in a tribe, assign roles to members to handle different aspects of sap gathering, such as crafting taps, placing them, and collecting sap.

In summary, gathering sap in ARK: Survival Evolved involves understanding the mechanics of Tree Sap Taps and Redwood Trees, optimizing your efforts with tamed dinosaurs and flying mounts, and managing resources efficiently. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, following these strategies will help you gather sap effectively and support your crafting and building needs in the game.