What is the best way 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 a key resource used in crafting items like metal tools, weapons, and building materials, 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.
To start gathering metal, you need to locate metal nodes. These are large, shiny rocks that are typically found in mountainous or hilly areas. Unlike regular rocks, metal nodes have a distinct metallic appearance and are often located in clusters. Early-game players should focus on areas that are relatively safe but still have access to metal nodes. For example, the southern beaches of The Island map often have small metal nodes scattered around, which are easier to access for beginners.
The first step is to craft a pickaxe, which is essential for harvesting metal. You can craft a stone pickaxe using wood, thatch, and stone, which are all easily gathered from trees and rocks. Once you have a pickaxe, head to the nearest metal node and start mining. Each hit with the pickaxe will yield metal ore, flint, and stone. Metal ore is heavy, so youÔÇÖll need to manage your inventory carefully to avoid becoming over-encumbered.
One important tip is to bring a few storage containers or a tame that can carry items, such as a Parasaur or a Trike. These early-game dinosaurs can help you transport more metal ore back to your base without needing to make multiple trips. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, this is especially useful, as it saves time and reduces the risk of encountering dangerous creatures while carrying heavy loads.
Another consideration is the use of a Mortar and Pestle or a Refining Forge. Metal ore must be smelted into metal ingots before it can be used in crafting. To smelt metal, youÔÇÖll need to place the ore in a Refining Forge along with fuel, such as wood or thatch. Early-game players may not have access to a Refining Forge right away, so itÔÇÖs important to prioritize building one as soon as possible. A Mortar and Pestle can be used to craft sparkpowder, which is a more efficient fuel source for the forge.
A common mistake early-game players make is venturing too far into dangerous areas in search of metal. While larger metal nodes are often found in mountainous regions, these areas are also home to aggressive creatures like Raptors and Carnotaurus. ItÔÇÖs better to stick to safer areas with smaller metal nodes until you have better weapons and armor. Additionally, avoid mining metal at night unless you have a reliable light source, as visibility is low, and predators are harder to spot.
Advanced techniques for gathering metal include taming dinosaurs that are specialized for resource gathering. For example, an Ankylosaurus is one of the best dinosaurs for mining metal, as it can harvest large amounts of ore with each hit. Taming an Ankylosaurus early on can significantly speed up your metal gathering process. However, taming an Ankylosaurus requires preparation, such as gathering narcotics and berries or crops to keep it unconscious during the taming process.
Resource management is key when gathering metal. Make sure to bring enough food, water, and tools for the trip, as well as a bed or sleeping bag in case you need to respawn. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to divide tasks, such as one person gathering metal while another guards against predators or transports the ore back to base.
In summary, gathering metal in the early game involves locating metal nodes, using a pickaxe to harvest ore, and smelting it into ingots using a Refining Forge. Prioritize safe areas, use tames for transportation, and avoid dangerous regions until youÔÇÖre better equipped. Taming resource-gathering dinosaurs like the Ankylosaurus can greatly enhance your efficiency. With careful planning and resource management, youÔÇÖll be able to gather enough metal to progress and build a strong foundation for your survival in ARK: Survival Evolved.
To start gathering metal, you need to locate metal nodes. These are large, shiny rocks that are typically found in mountainous or hilly areas. Unlike regular rocks, metal nodes have a distinct metallic appearance and are often located in clusters. Early-game players should focus on areas that are relatively safe but still have access to metal nodes. For example, the southern beaches of The Island map often have small metal nodes scattered around, which are easier to access for beginners.
The first step is to craft a pickaxe, which is essential for harvesting metal. You can craft a stone pickaxe using wood, thatch, and stone, which are all easily gathered from trees and rocks. Once you have a pickaxe, head to the nearest metal node and start mining. Each hit with the pickaxe will yield metal ore, flint, and stone. Metal ore is heavy, so youÔÇÖll need to manage your inventory carefully to avoid becoming over-encumbered.
One important tip is to bring a few storage containers or a tame that can carry items, such as a Parasaur or a Trike. These early-game dinosaurs can help you transport more metal ore back to your base without needing to make multiple trips. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, this is especially useful, as it saves time and reduces the risk of encountering dangerous creatures while carrying heavy loads.
Another consideration is the use of a Mortar and Pestle or a Refining Forge. Metal ore must be smelted into metal ingots before it can be used in crafting. To smelt metal, youÔÇÖll need to place the ore in a Refining Forge along with fuel, such as wood or thatch. Early-game players may not have access to a Refining Forge right away, so itÔÇÖs important to prioritize building one as soon as possible. A Mortar and Pestle can be used to craft sparkpowder, which is a more efficient fuel source for the forge.
A common mistake early-game players make is venturing too far into dangerous areas in search of metal. While larger metal nodes are often found in mountainous regions, these areas are also home to aggressive creatures like Raptors and Carnotaurus. ItÔÇÖs better to stick to safer areas with smaller metal nodes until you have better weapons and armor. Additionally, avoid mining metal at night unless you have a reliable light source, as visibility is low, and predators are harder to spot.
Advanced techniques for gathering metal include taming dinosaurs that are specialized for resource gathering. For example, an Ankylosaurus is one of the best dinosaurs for mining metal, as it can harvest large amounts of ore with each hit. Taming an Ankylosaurus early on can significantly speed up your metal gathering process. However, taming an Ankylosaurus requires preparation, such as gathering narcotics and berries or crops to keep it unconscious during the taming process.
Resource management is key when gathering metal. Make sure to bring enough food, water, and tools for the trip, as well as a bed or sleeping bag in case you need to respawn. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to divide tasks, such as one person gathering metal while another guards against predators or transports the ore back to base.
In summary, gathering metal in the early game involves locating metal nodes, using a pickaxe to harvest ore, and smelting it into ingots using a Refining Forge. Prioritize safe areas, use tames for transportation, and avoid dangerous regions until youÔÇÖre better equipped. Taming resource-gathering dinosaurs like the Ankylosaurus can greatly enhance your efficiency. With careful planning and resource management, youÔÇÖll be able to gather enough metal to progress and build a strong foundation for your survival in ARK: Survival Evolved.