What is the best way to gather metal ingots in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Gathering metal ingots in ARK: Survival Evolved is a critical part of progressing in the game, as metal is used to craft advanced tools, weapons, armor, and structures. To efficiently gather metal ingots, you need to understand the mechanics of metal nodes, refining metal ore into ingots, and optimizing your resource-gathering process. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you master this essential task.
First, you need to locate metal nodes. Metal nodes are large, shiny rocks that are typically found in mountainous or hilly areas. On The Island map, for example, the best locations for metal nodes are in the mountains near the Volcano, the Snow Biome, and the Western Coast. These nodes are distinguishable by their golden or silver appearance and are often found alongside stone nodes. Using a metal pickaxe or a tamed dinosaur with high melee damage, such as an Ankylosaurus, is the most effective way to harvest metal from these nodes. Ankylosaurus is particularly useful because it has a weight reduction bonus for metal, making it easier to transport large quantities.
Once youÔÇÖve gathered metal ore, youÔÇÖll need to refine it into metal ingots. This is done using a refining forge. To craft a refining forge, youÔÇÖll need stone, wood, fiber, and hide. Place the forge in a secure location, such as your base, and load it with metal ore and fuel, which can be wood, thatch, or sparkpowder. The refining process takes time, so itÔÇÖs a good idea to have multiple forges running simultaneously to increase efficiency. Each metal ore yields one metal ingot, so plan accordingly based on your needs.
One common mistake players make is not prioritizing weight management when gathering metal. Metal ore is heavy, and if youÔÇÖre not careful, you can quickly become over-encumbered. To avoid this, use dinosaurs with high weight capacity, such as a Argentavis or a Quetzal, to transport the ore back to your base. Argentavis also has a weight reduction bonus for metal, making it an excellent choice for this task. Additionally, consider crafting a storage box or a vault near your mining area to temporarily store metal ore before transporting it.
Advanced techniques for gathering metal include setting up a mining outpost near a metal-rich area. This outpost should include a refining forge, storage containers, and a bed for respawning if you die. You can also use a Quetzal with a platform saddle to carry an Ankylosaurus to metal nodes, allowing you to mine and transport metal more efficiently. Another optimization is to use a Tek Transmitter or a Cryopod to quickly move resources and dinosaurs between your base and mining locations.
Resource requirements and preparation are key to successful metal gathering. Before heading out, ensure you have the necessary tools, such as a metal pickaxe, and a tamed dinosaur for harvesting and transportation. Stock up on food, water, and medical supplies to survive in potentially dangerous areas. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to divide tasks, such as mining, refining, and defending the base. Solo players should focus on taming an Ankylosaurus and an Argentavis early on to make the process more manageable.
In specific scenarios, such as PvP servers, youÔÇÖll need to be extra cautious when gathering metal. Metal-rich areas are often hotspots for other players, so consider building a hidden outpost or using stealth tactics to avoid detection. Always be prepared for combat and have a plan to escape if necessary.
In summary, gathering metal ingots in ARK: Survival Evolved involves locating metal nodes, harvesting metal ore with the right tools or dinosaurs, refining the ore into ingots using a forge, and transporting the resources efficiently. By using tamed dinosaurs like Ankylosaurus and Argentavis, setting up mining outposts, and optimizing your refining process, you can gather metal ingots effectively. Avoid common mistakes like over-encumbrance and poor preparation, and consider advanced techniques like using platform saddles or Tek Transmitters for maximum efficiency. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, mastering metal gathering is essential for progressing in the game and crafting advanced equipment and structures.
First, you need to locate metal nodes. Metal nodes are large, shiny rocks that are typically found in mountainous or hilly areas. On The Island map, for example, the best locations for metal nodes are in the mountains near the Volcano, the Snow Biome, and the Western Coast. These nodes are distinguishable by their golden or silver appearance and are often found alongside stone nodes. Using a metal pickaxe or a tamed dinosaur with high melee damage, such as an Ankylosaurus, is the most effective way to harvest metal from these nodes. Ankylosaurus is particularly useful because it has a weight reduction bonus for metal, making it easier to transport large quantities.
Once youÔÇÖve gathered metal ore, youÔÇÖll need to refine it into metal ingots. This is done using a refining forge. To craft a refining forge, youÔÇÖll need stone, wood, fiber, and hide. Place the forge in a secure location, such as your base, and load it with metal ore and fuel, which can be wood, thatch, or sparkpowder. The refining process takes time, so itÔÇÖs a good idea to have multiple forges running simultaneously to increase efficiency. Each metal ore yields one metal ingot, so plan accordingly based on your needs.
One common mistake players make is not prioritizing weight management when gathering metal. Metal ore is heavy, and if youÔÇÖre not careful, you can quickly become over-encumbered. To avoid this, use dinosaurs with high weight capacity, such as a Argentavis or a Quetzal, to transport the ore back to your base. Argentavis also has a weight reduction bonus for metal, making it an excellent choice for this task. Additionally, consider crafting a storage box or a vault near your mining area to temporarily store metal ore before transporting it.
Advanced techniques for gathering metal include setting up a mining outpost near a metal-rich area. This outpost should include a refining forge, storage containers, and a bed for respawning if you die. You can also use a Quetzal with a platform saddle to carry an Ankylosaurus to metal nodes, allowing you to mine and transport metal more efficiently. Another optimization is to use a Tek Transmitter or a Cryopod to quickly move resources and dinosaurs between your base and mining locations.
Resource requirements and preparation are key to successful metal gathering. Before heading out, ensure you have the necessary tools, such as a metal pickaxe, and a tamed dinosaur for harvesting and transportation. Stock up on food, water, and medical supplies to survive in potentially dangerous areas. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to divide tasks, such as mining, refining, and defending the base. Solo players should focus on taming an Ankylosaurus and an Argentavis early on to make the process more manageable.
In specific scenarios, such as PvP servers, youÔÇÖll need to be extra cautious when gathering metal. Metal-rich areas are often hotspots for other players, so consider building a hidden outpost or using stealth tactics to avoid detection. Always be prepared for combat and have a plan to escape if necessary.
In summary, gathering metal ingots in ARK: Survival Evolved involves locating metal nodes, harvesting metal ore with the right tools or dinosaurs, refining the ore into ingots using a forge, and transporting the resources efficiently. By using tamed dinosaurs like Ankylosaurus and Argentavis, setting up mining outposts, and optimizing your refining process, you can gather metal ingots effectively. Avoid common mistakes like over-encumbrance and poor preparation, and consider advanced techniques like using platform saddles or Tek Transmitters for maximum efficiency. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, mastering metal gathering is essential for progressing in the game and crafting advanced equipment and structures.