What is the most efficient way to gather wood and stone in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Gathering wood and stone efficiently in ARK: Survival Evolved is crucial for survival, base building, and crafting. These resources are foundational for early-game progression and remain essential throughout the game. To maximize efficiency, you need to understand the mechanics, use the right tools, and leverage tamed dinosaurs. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you gather wood and stone effectively.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics. Wood is primarily obtained by hitting trees with tools like the Stone Pick, Metal Hatchet, or by using tamed dinosaurs with gathering abilities. Stone is gathered by hitting rocks with a Stone Pick or Metal Pick, or by using certain dinosaurs. The type of tool or dinosaur you use affects the yield and speed of gathering. For example, a Metal Hatchet gathers wood faster and in larger quantities than a Stone Hatchet, while a Metal Pick is better for stone. Dinosaurs like the Beaver (Castoroides) or Mammoth are excellent for wood, while the Doedicurus is the best for stone.

To start gathering wood and stone, youÔÇÖll need basic tools. Early in the game, craft a Stone Pick and Stone Hatchet. These tools are made from thatch, wood, stone, and fiber, which are easy to gather. As you progress, upgrade to metal tools for better efficiency. Metal tools require metal ingots, which are smelted from metal ore in a forge. Always prioritize upgrading your tools as soon as possible.

For wood, the most efficient method is to tame a Beaver or Mammoth. Beavers are smaller and easier to tame, while Mammoths are larger and can carry more wood. To tame a Beaver, use Tranquilizer Arrows or a Slingshot to knock it out, then feed it Rare Flowers or Vegetables. Once tamed, the Beaver can gather wood quickly and has a weight reduction for wood, allowing it to carry more. Similarly, a Mammoth can be tamed with Tranquilizer Arrows and Vegetables. Mammoths also have a special ability to gather wood in large quantities with their trunk attack.

For stone, the Doedicurus is the best option. This dinosaur can roll into a ball and smash rocks, gathering stone rapidly. To tame a Doedicurus, use Tranquilizer Arrows or a Crossbow with Tranquilizer Darts. Feed it Vegetables or Berries to tame it. Once tamed, the Doedicurus can gather stone much faster than any tool and has a weight reduction for stone, making it ideal for large-scale gathering.

When gathering resources, always consider your weight limit. Overencumbering yourself will slow you down and make you vulnerable to predators. Use dinosaurs with high weight capacity to carry resources back to your base. For example, a Trike or Parasaur can be used as a pack animal early in the game, while a Brontosaurus or Argentavis is better for late-game resource transportation.

Base location is also important. Set up your base near dense forests for wood and rocky areas for stone. This reduces travel time and increases efficiency. However, be cautious of nearby predators and hostile creatures. Always scout the area and clear out threats before setting up a resource-gathering operation.

Advanced techniques include using a Quetzal with a platform saddle to transport large amounts of resources. You can build a mobile base on the QuetzalÔÇÖs back, complete with storage boxes and forges, allowing you to gather and process resources on the go. Another advanced strategy is to use a chainsaw, which is a late-game tool that gathers wood extremely quickly. Chainsaws require gasoline, so ensure you have a steady supply of oil and hide to craft fuel.

Common mistakes to avoid include overharvesting in one area, which can deplete resources and force you to travel further. Always rotate your gathering spots to maintain a steady supply. Another mistake is neglecting to protect your tamed dinosaurs. Always keep an eye on them while gathering, as they can be attacked by predators or other players in PvP.

In summary, efficient wood and stone gathering in ARK involves using the right tools and tamed dinosaurs, managing weight limits, and choosing strategic base locations. Upgrade your tools as soon as possible, tame dinosaurs like the Beaver, Mammoth, and Doedicurus, and use advanced techniques like Quetzal platforms and chainsaws for maximum efficiency. Avoid common mistakes like overharvesting and neglecting dinosaur safety. With these strategies, youÔÇÖll be able to gather wood and stone quickly and effectively, ensuring your survival and progression in ARK: Survival Evolved.