What is the best way to gather metal in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Gathering metal in ARK: Survival Evolved is one of the most important tasks for progression, as metal is essential for crafting advanced tools, weapons, armor, and structures. Metal nodes are the primary source of metal, and they are found in specific locations across the map, often in mountainous or rocky areas. To efficiently gather metal, you need to understand the mechanics, prepare properly, and use the right strategies.
First, you need to locate metal nodes. These are large, shiny rocks with a metallic appearance, often found in clusters. On The Island map, for example, metal nodes are abundant in areas like the Volcano, the mountains near the Red Obelisk, and the northern regions. Other maps, such as Ragnarok or Valguero, also have rich metal deposits in their highland or mountainous areas. Once you find a metal node, you can harvest it using tools like a pickaxe or a metal hatchet. A pickaxe yields more metal, while a hatchet provides more stone, so always use a pickaxe for metal gathering.
To maximize efficiency, you should tame dinosaurs that specialize in resource gathering. Ankylosaurus is the best dinosaur for harvesting metal. It has a high damage output against metal nodes and can carry a large amount of metal due to its weight reduction bonus for metal. To use an Ankylosaurus effectively, level up its melee damage and weight stats. This will allow it to gather more metal per swing and carry more before becoming encumbered. Additionally, you can use a Quetzal or Argentavis to transport the Ankylosaurus to metal-rich areas, as these flying dinosaurs can carry other creatures.
Preparation is key when gathering metal. Before heading out, ensure you have the necessary tools and supplies. Bring a high-quality pickaxe, a few stacks of food and water, and some medical brews or stimulants in case of emergencies. If you are traveling with dinosaurs, make sure they are saddled and have enough food to sustain them. It is also a good idea to bring a bed or sleeping bag to set up a temporary spawn point near the metal nodes, in case you die during the trip.
When gathering metal, always be aware of your surroundings. Metal-rich areas are often populated by dangerous creatures like Carnotaurus, Raptors, or even Rexes. Bring a strong combat dinosaur, such as a Rex or Spino, to protect yourself and your gathering dinosaurs. If you are playing solo, consider building a small outpost near the metal nodes with a bed, storage boxes, and a smithy. This will allow you to store and process metal on-site, reducing the need for multiple trips.
One common mistake is overloading your dinosaurs or yourself with too much metal. Metal is extremely heavy, and carrying too much can slow you down or even immobilize your dinosaurs. To avoid this, use weight-reduction strategies. For example, an Argentavis has a weight reduction bonus for metal, making it an excellent choice for transporting large amounts. You can also use a combination of dinosaurs to distribute the weight. For instance, have the Ankylosaurus gather the metal, then transfer it to an Argentavis for transport back to your base.
Advanced techniques include using industrial-grade equipment to optimize metal gathering. Once you reach higher levels, you can craft an Industrial Forge, which smelts metal much faster than a regular forge. You can also use a Mining Drill, which is a late-game tool that harvests metal and other resources at an incredible rate. However, these tools require significant resources and preparation, so they are best used by established tribes or players with advanced bases.
Tribe considerations are important when gathering metal. In a tribe, you can divide tasks to make the process more efficient. For example, one player can focus on gathering metal with an Ankylosaurus, while another player uses an Argentavis to transport the metal back to base. Tribes can also set up mining outposts near metal-rich areas, complete with forges and storage, to streamline the process. Solo players, on the other hand, need to be more self-sufficient and should focus on taming dinosaurs that can handle multiple roles, such as an Argentavis for both combat and transportation.
In summary, gathering metal in ARK requires careful planning, the right tools, and the use of specialized dinosaurs. Locate metal nodes in mountainous areas, use an Ankylosaurus for efficient harvesting, and transport the metal using an Argentavis or Quetzal. Always be prepared for dangers in metal-rich zones, and avoid overloading your dinosaurs. Advanced players can use industrial equipment to further optimize the process, while tribes can divide tasks for maximum efficiency. By following these strategies, you can gather metal effectively and progress smoothly in ARK: Survival Evolved.
First, you need to locate metal nodes. These are large, shiny rocks with a metallic appearance, often found in clusters. On The Island map, for example, metal nodes are abundant in areas like the Volcano, the mountains near the Red Obelisk, and the northern regions. Other maps, such as Ragnarok or Valguero, also have rich metal deposits in their highland or mountainous areas. Once you find a metal node, you can harvest it using tools like a pickaxe or a metal hatchet. A pickaxe yields more metal, while a hatchet provides more stone, so always use a pickaxe for metal gathering.
To maximize efficiency, you should tame dinosaurs that specialize in resource gathering. Ankylosaurus is the best dinosaur for harvesting metal. It has a high damage output against metal nodes and can carry a large amount of metal due to its weight reduction bonus for metal. To use an Ankylosaurus effectively, level up its melee damage and weight stats. This will allow it to gather more metal per swing and carry more before becoming encumbered. Additionally, you can use a Quetzal or Argentavis to transport the Ankylosaurus to metal-rich areas, as these flying dinosaurs can carry other creatures.
Preparation is key when gathering metal. Before heading out, ensure you have the necessary tools and supplies. Bring a high-quality pickaxe, a few stacks of food and water, and some medical brews or stimulants in case of emergencies. If you are traveling with dinosaurs, make sure they are saddled and have enough food to sustain them. It is also a good idea to bring a bed or sleeping bag to set up a temporary spawn point near the metal nodes, in case you die during the trip.
When gathering metal, always be aware of your surroundings. Metal-rich areas are often populated by dangerous creatures like Carnotaurus, Raptors, or even Rexes. Bring a strong combat dinosaur, such as a Rex or Spino, to protect yourself and your gathering dinosaurs. If you are playing solo, consider building a small outpost near the metal nodes with a bed, storage boxes, and a smithy. This will allow you to store and process metal on-site, reducing the need for multiple trips.
One common mistake is overloading your dinosaurs or yourself with too much metal. Metal is extremely heavy, and carrying too much can slow you down or even immobilize your dinosaurs. To avoid this, use weight-reduction strategies. For example, an Argentavis has a weight reduction bonus for metal, making it an excellent choice for transporting large amounts. You can also use a combination of dinosaurs to distribute the weight. For instance, have the Ankylosaurus gather the metal, then transfer it to an Argentavis for transport back to your base.
Advanced techniques include using industrial-grade equipment to optimize metal gathering. Once you reach higher levels, you can craft an Industrial Forge, which smelts metal much faster than a regular forge. You can also use a Mining Drill, which is a late-game tool that harvests metal and other resources at an incredible rate. However, these tools require significant resources and preparation, so they are best used by established tribes or players with advanced bases.
Tribe considerations are important when gathering metal. In a tribe, you can divide tasks to make the process more efficient. For example, one player can focus on gathering metal with an Ankylosaurus, while another player uses an Argentavis to transport the metal back to base. Tribes can also set up mining outposts near metal-rich areas, complete with forges and storage, to streamline the process. Solo players, on the other hand, need to be more self-sufficient and should focus on taming dinosaurs that can handle multiple roles, such as an Argentavis for both combat and transportation.
In summary, gathering metal in ARK requires careful planning, the right tools, and the use of specialized dinosaurs. Locate metal nodes in mountainous areas, use an Ankylosaurus for efficient harvesting, and transport the metal using an Argentavis or Quetzal. Always be prepared for dangers in metal-rich zones, and avoid overloading your dinosaurs. Advanced players can use industrial equipment to further optimize the process, while tribes can divide tasks for maximum efficiency. By following these strategies, you can gather metal effectively and progress smoothly in ARK: Survival Evolved.