What is the best way to gather metal ingots in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Gathering metal ingots in ARK: Survival Evolved is one of the most important tasks for progressing in the game. Metal ingots are used to craft advanced tools, weapons, armor, and structures, making them essential for mid-to-late game survival. To efficiently gather metal ingots, you need to understand the mechanics of metal nodes, the refining process, and the tools and dinosaurs that can help you optimize your efforts.
First, metal ingots are crafted by smelting metal ore in a refining forge. Metal ore is obtained by harvesting metal nodes, which are large, shiny rocks found in specific locations across the map. These nodes are most commonly found in mountainous regions, caves, and certain riverbeds. When you approach a metal node, you can harvest it using a pickaxe, a metal pickaxe being the most efficient tool for this task. However, using a tamed dinosaur like an Ankylosaurus is far more effective, as it can gather large amounts of metal ore in a single swing.
To begin gathering metal, you should first locate a metal-rich area. On The Island map, for example, the mountains in the northwest and northeast are excellent spots. Once youÔÇÖve identified a location, youÔÇÖll need to prepare for the trip. Bring a pickaxe, a strong tamed dinosaur like an Ankylosaurus, and a flying mount such as an Argentavis to transport the heavy metal ore. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, an Argentavis is particularly useful because it can carry the Ankylosaurus, allowing you to quickly move between metal nodes.
When you arrive at the metal node, dismount your flying mount and use the Ankylosaurus to harvest the ore. The Ankylosaurus has a special ability that increases the yield of metal ore, making it the best dinosaur for this task. After gathering the ore, load it onto your Argentavis or another strong transport dinosaur. Be cautious of predators in the area, as metal-rich zones are often populated by dangerous creatures like Carnotaurus, Raptors, and even Rexes. Having a strong combat mount or a tribe member to guard you can make the process safer.
Once youÔÇÖve collected enough metal ore, return to your base and place it in a refining forge. The refining forge requires fuel, such as wood or thatch, to operate. It will slowly convert the metal ore into metal ingots. To speed up this process, you can use multiple forges or upgrade to an industrial forge, which smelts metal ore much faster and can hold more fuel. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, coordinating with your teammates to gather large quantities of metal ore and smelt it simultaneously can significantly increase your efficiency.
A common mistake players make is not using the right tools or dinosaurs for gathering metal. Using a pickaxe instead of an Ankylosaurus will result in much lower yields, and failing to bring a transport dinosaur can make the process slow and tedious. Another mistake is venturing into metal-rich areas without proper preparation. Always bring weapons, armor, and a strong mount to defend yourself against predators.
For advanced players, optimizing metal gathering involves setting up outposts near metal-rich areas. Building a small base with storage boxes, refining forges, and a bed for respawning can save time and reduce the risk of losing resources. Additionally, using a Quetzal with a platform saddle to carry an Ankylosaurus allows you to harvest metal nodes in hard-to-reach places. This setup is particularly useful for solo players who need to maximize efficiency.
Resource requirements for metal gathering include a pickaxe or Ankylosaurus, a transport dinosaur like an Argentavis or Quetzal, and refining forges. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, dividing tasks among members can make the process faster. For example, one player can focus on gathering metal ore while another handles smelting and crafting.
In summary, gathering metal ingots in ARK requires careful planning, the right tools, and strong dinosaurs. Locate metal-rich areas, use an Ankylosaurus for harvesting, and transport the ore with a flying mount. Smelt the ore in refining forges and consider setting up outposts for efficiency. Avoid common mistakes like using inefficient tools or venturing unprepared into dangerous areas. With these strategies, youÔÇÖll be able to gather metal ingots effectively and progress in the game.
First, metal ingots are crafted by smelting metal ore in a refining forge. Metal ore is obtained by harvesting metal nodes, which are large, shiny rocks found in specific locations across the map. These nodes are most commonly found in mountainous regions, caves, and certain riverbeds. When you approach a metal node, you can harvest it using a pickaxe, a metal pickaxe being the most efficient tool for this task. However, using a tamed dinosaur like an Ankylosaurus is far more effective, as it can gather large amounts of metal ore in a single swing.
To begin gathering metal, you should first locate a metal-rich area. On The Island map, for example, the mountains in the northwest and northeast are excellent spots. Once youÔÇÖve identified a location, youÔÇÖll need to prepare for the trip. Bring a pickaxe, a strong tamed dinosaur like an Ankylosaurus, and a flying mount such as an Argentavis to transport the heavy metal ore. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, an Argentavis is particularly useful because it can carry the Ankylosaurus, allowing you to quickly move between metal nodes.
When you arrive at the metal node, dismount your flying mount and use the Ankylosaurus to harvest the ore. The Ankylosaurus has a special ability that increases the yield of metal ore, making it the best dinosaur for this task. After gathering the ore, load it onto your Argentavis or another strong transport dinosaur. Be cautious of predators in the area, as metal-rich zones are often populated by dangerous creatures like Carnotaurus, Raptors, and even Rexes. Having a strong combat mount or a tribe member to guard you can make the process safer.
Once youÔÇÖve collected enough metal ore, return to your base and place it in a refining forge. The refining forge requires fuel, such as wood or thatch, to operate. It will slowly convert the metal ore into metal ingots. To speed up this process, you can use multiple forges or upgrade to an industrial forge, which smelts metal ore much faster and can hold more fuel. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, coordinating with your teammates to gather large quantities of metal ore and smelt it simultaneously can significantly increase your efficiency.
A common mistake players make is not using the right tools or dinosaurs for gathering metal. Using a pickaxe instead of an Ankylosaurus will result in much lower yields, and failing to bring a transport dinosaur can make the process slow and tedious. Another mistake is venturing into metal-rich areas without proper preparation. Always bring weapons, armor, and a strong mount to defend yourself against predators.
For advanced players, optimizing metal gathering involves setting up outposts near metal-rich areas. Building a small base with storage boxes, refining forges, and a bed for respawning can save time and reduce the risk of losing resources. Additionally, using a Quetzal with a platform saddle to carry an Ankylosaurus allows you to harvest metal nodes in hard-to-reach places. This setup is particularly useful for solo players who need to maximize efficiency.
Resource requirements for metal gathering include a pickaxe or Ankylosaurus, a transport dinosaur like an Argentavis or Quetzal, and refining forges. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, dividing tasks among members can make the process faster. For example, one player can focus on gathering metal ore while another handles smelting and crafting.
In summary, gathering metal ingots in ARK requires careful planning, the right tools, and strong dinosaurs. Locate metal-rich areas, use an Ankylosaurus for harvesting, and transport the ore with a flying mount. Smelt the ore in refining forges and consider setting up outposts for efficiency. Avoid common mistakes like using inefficient tools or venturing unprepared into dangerous areas. With these strategies, youÔÇÖll be able to gather metal ingots effectively and progress in the game.