What are the best ways to gather crystal for crafting in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Gathering crystal in ARK: Survival Evolved is essential for crafting advanced items like electronics, scuba gear, and certain weapons. Crystal is a valuable resource that can be found in specific locations across the maps, and efficiently collecting it requires preparation, strategy, and sometimes the help of tamed dinosaurs. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to gather crystal effectively.

Crystal nodes are large, shiny, and often found in mountainous or rocky areas. They are most abundant in regions like the Snow Biome, Volcano, and certain caves. To gather crystal, you need tools like a pickaxe, an Ankylosaurus, or a Metal Hatchet. A pickaxe yields more crystal per node compared to a hatchet, but using a tamed Ankylosaurus is the most efficient method. The Ankylosaurus has a special ability that allows it to gather crystal, metal, and other resources at a much higher rate than tools, and it also reduces the weight of these resources in its inventory.

To start gathering crystal, you need to prepare. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, youÔÇÖll need to craft a pickaxe or tame an Ankylosaurus. Taming an Ankylosaurus requires narcotics, mejoberries, or vegetables like carrots or potatoes, depending on the level of the dinosaur. Once tamed, equip the Ankylosaurus with a saddle so you can ride it. If youÔÇÖre in a tribe, you can coordinate with other members to tame multiple Ankylosauruses or use a Quetzal with a platform saddle to transport them to crystal-rich areas.

When youÔÇÖre ready to gather crystal, head to a location where it is abundant. On The Island map, the Snow Biome and the Volcano are excellent spots. On other maps like Ragnarok or Valguero, crystal can be found in high-altitude areas or specific caves. Be cautious when traveling to these locations, as they are often populated by dangerous creatures like wolves, sabertooths, or even larger predators like Rexes. Bring weapons, armor, and healing items to defend yourself.

Once you reach a crystal node, use your pickaxe or Ankylosaurus to harvest it. If using an Ankylosaurus, its tail attack will break the node and collect the crystal. The Ankylosaurus also reduces the weight of crystal in its inventory, allowing you to gather more before needing to return to your base. If youÔÇÖre using a pickaxe, be prepared to make multiple trips, as crystal is heavy and can quickly fill your inventory.

A common mistake is not bringing enough storage or transportation for the crystal. Crystal is heavy, and without proper planning, you may find yourself over-encumbered and unable to move. To avoid this, bring a tamed dinosaur with high weight capacity, like a Paraceratherium or a Quetzal, to carry the crystal back to your base. Alternatively, you can set up a temporary storage box near the crystal nodes to store the resource before transporting it.

Advanced techniques include using a Quetzal with a platform saddle to carry an Ankylosaurus to crystal-rich areas. This allows you to gather crystal efficiently without worrying about the AnkylosaurusÔÇÖs slow movement speed. Another strategy is to build a small outpost near crystal nodes, complete with storage and a bed for respawning. This reduces travel time and makes the gathering process more efficient.

Resource requirements for crystal gathering include tools like pickaxes or metal hatchets, or the resources needed to tame an Ankylosaurus. YouÔÇÖll also need weapons and armor for protection, as well as food and water to sustain yourself during the trip. If youÔÇÖre using dinosaurs for transportation, make sure they have enough stamina and health to survive the journey.

In a tribe, crystal gathering can be optimized by assigning roles. One player can focus on taming and handling the Ankylosaurus, while another can provide protection or transport the crystal back to base. Communication and coordination are key to maximizing efficiency.

Specific examples include gathering crystal in the Snow Biome on The Island. This area is rich in crystal but is also extremely cold, so youÔÇÖll need fur armor or other insulation to survive. Another example is the Volcano, which has abundant crystal but is dangerous due to the presence of predators and the risk of falling into lava.

In summary, gathering crystal in ARK requires preparation, the right tools or dinosaurs, and careful planning. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, using an Ankylosaurus is the most efficient method, but pickaxes can also work in a pinch. Be mindful of the dangers in crystal-rich areas, and always plan for storage and transportation to avoid being over-encumbered. With these strategies, youÔÇÖll be able to gather crystal efficiently and use it to craft advanced items for your survival and progression in the game.