What are the best ways to gather metal in the early game of ARK: Survival Evolved?
Gathering metal in the early game of ARK: Survival Evolved is crucial for progressing to more advanced tools, weapons, and structures. Metal is used to craft items like metal tools, weapons, and building components, which are essential for surviving and thriving in the game. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to efficiently gather metal in the early stages of the game.
First, you need to understand where to find metal. Metal nodes are the primary source of metal and can be found in specific locations across the map. These nodes look like large, shiny rocks with a metallic sheen and are often found in mountainous or hilly areas. On The Island map, for example, metal nodes are abundant in areas like the Volcano, the mountains near the Red Obelisk, and the cliffs around the Blue Obelisk. In the early game, you may not have access to these high-risk areas, so look for smaller metal nodes scattered in safer regions like the southern beaches or near rivers.
To gather metal, you need the right tools. A stone pickaxe is the most basic tool for harvesting metal, but it is inefficient and yields less metal compared to a metal pickaxe. However, since you need metal to craft a metal pickaxe, youÔÇÖll have to start with the stone pickaxe. Once you gather enough metal, prioritize crafting a metal pickaxe as it significantly increases your metal yield per node. Additionally, using a metal hatchet on metal nodes will give you more stone and less metal, so always use a pickaxe for metal gathering.
Early-game metal gathering can be dangerous, as metal nodes are often located in areas with aggressive creatures. Before venturing out, prepare by crafting basic armor, weapons, and healing items. A bow with arrows or a spear can help you defend yourself against predators. Bring plenty of food and water, as well as a bed or sleeping bag to respawn nearby if you die. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, consider going in a group to increase your chances of survival and to carry more metal back to your base.
Transporting metal can be challenging due to its weight. Metal is one of the heaviest resources in the game, so youÔÇÖll need a strategy to carry it efficiently. Early on, you can use a raft to transport metal from coastal nodes to your base. Later, taming a dinosaur with high weight capacity, such as a Trike or a Parasaur, can help you carry more metal. For even better efficiency, tame a Ankylosaurus, which is the best dinosaur for gathering metal. The Ankylosaurus not only harvests metal more efficiently but also reduces the weight of metal in its inventory, making it ideal for transporting large amounts.
When gathering metal, always prioritize safety. Avoid areas with high-level predators or hostile players if youÔÇÖre on a PvP server. Scout the area before starting to mine, and be ready to flee if necessary. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, consider building a small outpost near metal-rich areas to store your resources and respawn if needed. In a tribe, assign roles to members, such as one person gathering metal while others provide protection or transport.
A common mistake early-game players make is not planning their metal runs. Without proper preparation, you risk losing your resources or dying to predators. Always bring backup tools and weapons, and avoid overloading yourself with metal, as it will slow you down and make you vulnerable. Another mistake is not using dinosaurs for gathering and transport. Even a low-level Ankylosaurus can significantly improve your metal-gathering efficiency, so prioritize taming one as soon as possible.
Advanced techniques for metal gathering include using a Quetzal or Argentavis to carry an Ankylosaurus to metal-rich areas. This allows you to gather metal from high-risk zones without exposing yourself to danger. Additionally, setting up a forge near metal nodes can save time, as you can smelt the metal on-site and reduce the weight you need to carry back to your base.
In summary, early-game metal gathering in ARK requires careful planning, the right tools, and efficient transportation methods. Start by locating metal nodes in safer areas, use a pickaxe for maximum yield, and prioritize taming dinosaurs like the Ankylosaurus for better efficiency. Always prepare for dangers, and consider building outposts or using rafts to transport metal. By following these strategies, youÔÇÖll be able to gather enough metal to progress and thrive in the game.
First, you need to understand where to find metal. Metal nodes are the primary source of metal and can be found in specific locations across the map. These nodes look like large, shiny rocks with a metallic sheen and are often found in mountainous or hilly areas. On The Island map, for example, metal nodes are abundant in areas like the Volcano, the mountains near the Red Obelisk, and the cliffs around the Blue Obelisk. In the early game, you may not have access to these high-risk areas, so look for smaller metal nodes scattered in safer regions like the southern beaches or near rivers.
To gather metal, you need the right tools. A stone pickaxe is the most basic tool for harvesting metal, but it is inefficient and yields less metal compared to a metal pickaxe. However, since you need metal to craft a metal pickaxe, youÔÇÖll have to start with the stone pickaxe. Once you gather enough metal, prioritize crafting a metal pickaxe as it significantly increases your metal yield per node. Additionally, using a metal hatchet on metal nodes will give you more stone and less metal, so always use a pickaxe for metal gathering.
Early-game metal gathering can be dangerous, as metal nodes are often located in areas with aggressive creatures. Before venturing out, prepare by crafting basic armor, weapons, and healing items. A bow with arrows or a spear can help you defend yourself against predators. Bring plenty of food and water, as well as a bed or sleeping bag to respawn nearby if you die. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, consider going in a group to increase your chances of survival and to carry more metal back to your base.
Transporting metal can be challenging due to its weight. Metal is one of the heaviest resources in the game, so youÔÇÖll need a strategy to carry it efficiently. Early on, you can use a raft to transport metal from coastal nodes to your base. Later, taming a dinosaur with high weight capacity, such as a Trike or a Parasaur, can help you carry more metal. For even better efficiency, tame a Ankylosaurus, which is the best dinosaur for gathering metal. The Ankylosaurus not only harvests metal more efficiently but also reduces the weight of metal in its inventory, making it ideal for transporting large amounts.
When gathering metal, always prioritize safety. Avoid areas with high-level predators or hostile players if youÔÇÖre on a PvP server. Scout the area before starting to mine, and be ready to flee if necessary. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, consider building a small outpost near metal-rich areas to store your resources and respawn if needed. In a tribe, assign roles to members, such as one person gathering metal while others provide protection or transport.
A common mistake early-game players make is not planning their metal runs. Without proper preparation, you risk losing your resources or dying to predators. Always bring backup tools and weapons, and avoid overloading yourself with metal, as it will slow you down and make you vulnerable. Another mistake is not using dinosaurs for gathering and transport. Even a low-level Ankylosaurus can significantly improve your metal-gathering efficiency, so prioritize taming one as soon as possible.
Advanced techniques for metal gathering include using a Quetzal or Argentavis to carry an Ankylosaurus to metal-rich areas. This allows you to gather metal from high-risk zones without exposing yourself to danger. Additionally, setting up a forge near metal nodes can save time, as you can smelt the metal on-site and reduce the weight you need to carry back to your base.
In summary, early-game metal gathering in ARK requires careful planning, the right tools, and efficient transportation methods. Start by locating metal nodes in safer areas, use a pickaxe for maximum yield, and prioritize taming dinosaurs like the Ankylosaurus for better efficiency. Always prepare for dangers, and consider building outposts or using rafts to transport metal. By following these strategies, youÔÇÖll be able to gather enough metal to progress and thrive in the game.