What is the best way to gather element shards in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Gathering element shards in ARK: Survival Evolved is a crucial task for players looking to craft advanced technology and equipment. Element shards are a refined form of element, which is a rare and powerful resource used in late-game crafting. Element shards are primarily obtained by defeating certain creatures, completing specific tasks, or harvesting from specific locations. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to efficiently gather element shards.
Element shards are most commonly found in the Extinction map, where they can be harvested from corrupted nodes or obtained by defeating corrupted creatures. Corrupted nodes are glowing purple rocks scattered across the map, particularly in the wasteland and desert biomes. These nodes can be harvested using a pickaxe, chainsaw, or a high-level dinosaur with good harvesting capabilities, such as a Mantis equipped with a pickaxe or a Doedicurus. Corrupted creatures, such as corrupted dinosaurs, also drop element shards when defeated. These creatures are aggressive and often travel in packs, so be prepared for combat.
To gather element shards efficiently, youÔÇÖll need to prepare adequately. First, ensure you have strong weapons and armor, as corrupted creatures can be tough to defeat. A high-level tamed dinosaur, such as a Rex, Spino, or Giga, is highly recommended for taking on groups of corrupted creatures. Additionally, bring along a harvesting dinosaur like a Doedicurus or Mantis to maximize the amount of shards you can gather from corrupted nodes. ItÔÇÖs also wise to bring plenty of healing items, such as medical brews or cooked meat, to sustain yourself during prolonged battles.
When venturing into the wasteland or desert biomes, always be on the lookout for corrupted nodes. These nodes are easy to spot due to their glowing purple appearance. Approach them carefully, as corrupted creatures often guard these nodes. Use your harvesting dinosaur or tool to gather the shards quickly. If you encounter corrupted creatures, engage them with your combat dinosaur or ranged weapons. Focus on taking them down one at a time to avoid being overwhelmed.
One common mistake players make is underestimating the strength of corrupted creatures. These creatures deal significant damage and can quickly overwhelm unprepared players. Always approach corrupted nodes with caution and be ready to fight. Another mistake is not bringing a harvesting dinosaur, which can significantly reduce the amount of shards you gather. Using a pickaxe or chainsaw is less efficient and can leave you vulnerable to attacks.
For advanced players, optimizing your gathering route can save time and increase efficiency. Plan a path through the wasteland that takes you past multiple corrupted nodes and areas with high concentrations of corrupted creatures. Using a flying mount, such as an Argentavis or Wyvern, can help you scout the area and identify the best locations to gather shards. Additionally, consider setting up a small outpost near the wasteland with storage and crafting stations to process your shards on the go.
Resource management is key when gathering element shards. Ensure you have enough inventory space to carry the shards and any other resources you might gather. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to cover more ground and defend each other during battles. Solo players should focus on staying mobile and avoiding large groups of corrupted creatures.
In summary, gathering element shards in ARK: Survival Evolved requires preparation, strategy, and caution. Equip yourself with strong weapons and armor, bring a high-level combat dinosaur, and use a harvesting dinosaur or tool to maximize your yield. Be mindful of corrupted creatures and plan your route to optimize efficiency. With these tips, youÔÇÖll be well on your way to gathering the element shards needed for advanced crafting and technology.
Element shards are most commonly found in the Extinction map, where they can be harvested from corrupted nodes or obtained by defeating corrupted creatures. Corrupted nodes are glowing purple rocks scattered across the map, particularly in the wasteland and desert biomes. These nodes can be harvested using a pickaxe, chainsaw, or a high-level dinosaur with good harvesting capabilities, such as a Mantis equipped with a pickaxe or a Doedicurus. Corrupted creatures, such as corrupted dinosaurs, also drop element shards when defeated. These creatures are aggressive and often travel in packs, so be prepared for combat.
To gather element shards efficiently, youÔÇÖll need to prepare adequately. First, ensure you have strong weapons and armor, as corrupted creatures can be tough to defeat. A high-level tamed dinosaur, such as a Rex, Spino, or Giga, is highly recommended for taking on groups of corrupted creatures. Additionally, bring along a harvesting dinosaur like a Doedicurus or Mantis to maximize the amount of shards you can gather from corrupted nodes. ItÔÇÖs also wise to bring plenty of healing items, such as medical brews or cooked meat, to sustain yourself during prolonged battles.
When venturing into the wasteland or desert biomes, always be on the lookout for corrupted nodes. These nodes are easy to spot due to their glowing purple appearance. Approach them carefully, as corrupted creatures often guard these nodes. Use your harvesting dinosaur or tool to gather the shards quickly. If you encounter corrupted creatures, engage them with your combat dinosaur or ranged weapons. Focus on taking them down one at a time to avoid being overwhelmed.
One common mistake players make is underestimating the strength of corrupted creatures. These creatures deal significant damage and can quickly overwhelm unprepared players. Always approach corrupted nodes with caution and be ready to fight. Another mistake is not bringing a harvesting dinosaur, which can significantly reduce the amount of shards you gather. Using a pickaxe or chainsaw is less efficient and can leave you vulnerable to attacks.
For advanced players, optimizing your gathering route can save time and increase efficiency. Plan a path through the wasteland that takes you past multiple corrupted nodes and areas with high concentrations of corrupted creatures. Using a flying mount, such as an Argentavis or Wyvern, can help you scout the area and identify the best locations to gather shards. Additionally, consider setting up a small outpost near the wasteland with storage and crafting stations to process your shards on the go.
Resource management is key when gathering element shards. Ensure you have enough inventory space to carry the shards and any other resources you might gather. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to cover more ground and defend each other during battles. Solo players should focus on staying mobile and avoiding large groups of corrupted creatures.
In summary, gathering element shards in ARK: Survival Evolved requires preparation, strategy, and caution. Equip yourself with strong weapons and armor, bring a high-level combat dinosaur, and use a harvesting dinosaur or tool to maximize your yield. Be mindful of corrupted creatures and plan your route to optimize efficiency. With these tips, youÔÇÖll be well on your way to gathering the element shards needed for advanced crafting and technology.