What is the best way to gather sap from redwood trees in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Gathering sap from redwood trees in ARK: Survival Evolved is an essential task for crafting various items, such as tree platforms, greenhouse structures, and certain advanced recipes. Sap is a valuable resource, and obtaining it efficiently requires understanding the mechanics and preparing adequately. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to gather sap effectively.

To gather sap, you need to use a Tree Sap Tap. This item can be crafted at level 20 and requires 15 wood, 10 thatch, and 5 fiber. Once crafted, you can place the Tree Sap Tap on specific trees, primarily the redwood trees found in the Redwood Biome. These trees are massive and easy to identify due to their towering height and unique appearance. The Tree Sap Tap must be placed on the trunk of the tree, and it will slowly collect sap over time. Each tap can hold up to 100 sap before it needs to be emptied.

To begin, youÔÇÖll need to locate a redwood tree. The Redwood Biome is typically found in the central or northern regions of most ARK maps, such as The Island or Ragnarok. Once youÔÇÖve found a suitable tree, approach it and place the Tree Sap Tap on the trunk. You can place multiple taps on different trees to increase your sap collection rate. Each tap will produce sap at a rate of approximately 1 sap every 20 minutes, so having several taps is beneficial for gathering large quantities.

One important consideration is the safety of the Redwood Biome. This area is home to dangerous creatures like Thylacoleos, Microraptors, and Terror Birds, which can pose a significant threat, especially to solo players. To mitigate this risk, itÔÇÖs advisable to bring a tamed dinosaur for protection. A strong mount like a Rex, Spino, or even a pack of Raptors can help fend off aggressive creatures. Additionally, building a small outpost near your sap collection area can provide a safe retreat if needed. This outpost should include basic defenses like walls, a bed for respawning, and storage for your sap and other resources.

When placing Tree Sap Taps, itÔÇÖs important to consider their accessibility. Placing taps too high on the tree can make it difficult to reach them for emptying. Using a flying mount like an Argentavis or Pteranodon can help you reach higher taps, but itÔÇÖs generally more efficient to place taps at a height you can easily access on foot. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, this is especially important, as you wonÔÇÖt have tribe members to assist with gathering.

A common mistake players make is not checking their taps frequently enough. While sap collection is passive, the taps can fill up quickly if you have multiple placed. Leaving taps full for extended periods means youÔÇÖre missing out on potential sap. To optimize your collection, set a timer or make regular trips to check and empty your taps. This ensures youÔÇÖre maximizing your sap yield.

For advanced players, there are ways to optimize sap collection further. One strategy is to use a tamed Beaver or Mammoth to gather wood efficiently, as these creatures have weight reduction for wood and can carry large amounts. This allows you to craft more Tree Sap Taps and place them across multiple trees. Additionally, using a Quetzal or Argentavis to transport resources can save time, especially if youÔÇÖre managing a large number of taps spread across the biome.

In a tribe setting, sap collection can be a shared responsibility. Tribe members can take turns checking and emptying taps, or you can designate specific players to manage sap collection while others focus on other tasks like taming or base building. Communication is key to ensuring that sap is collected efficiently and that resources are distributed as needed.

In summary, gathering sap from redwood trees involves crafting Tree Sap Taps, placing them on redwood trees, and regularly checking and emptying them. Safety in the Redwood Biome is crucial, so bring a strong mount or build a small outpost for protection. Avoid placing taps too high, and check them frequently to maximize your sap yield. Advanced techniques include using resource-gathering dinosaurs and coordinating with tribe members for efficient collection. With proper preparation and strategy, you can gather sap effectively to support your crafting and building needs in ARK: Survival Evolved.