What is the most efficient way to gather wood and stone in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Gathering wood and stone efficiently in ARK: Survival Evolved is essential for survival, base building, and crafting. These resources are foundational for early-game progression and remain critical throughout the game. To maximize efficiency, you need to understand the mechanics, use the right tools, and leverage tamed dinosaurs for gathering. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you gather wood and stone effectively.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics. Wood is primarily obtained by hitting trees with tools like the Stone Pick, Metal Hatchet, or by using tamed dinosaurs with gathering abilities. Stone is gathered from rocks using tools like the Stone Pick or Metal Pick, or by using certain dinosaurs. The type of tool or dinosaur you use affects the yield and speed of gathering. For example, a Metal Hatchet gathers wood faster and in larger quantities than a Stone Hatchet, while a Metal Pick is better for stone. Dinosaurs like the Beaver, Mammoth, or Therizinosaurus are excellent for gathering wood, while the Doedicurus is the best for stone.

To start gathering wood and stone efficiently, you need to prepare the right tools. Early in the game, craft a Stone Pick and Stone Hatchet. These are basic tools but will help you gather enough resources to progress. As you level up, prioritize unlocking and crafting Metal tools, as they significantly increase your gathering speed and yield. Additionally, tame dinosaurs that specialize in resource gathering. For wood, the Beaver is a great early-game option, while the Doedicurus is ideal for stone. These dinosaurs not only gather resources faster but also reduce the weight of the resources they carry, allowing you to gather more before needing to return to your base.

When gathering wood, look for dense forests with large trees. These areas provide the most wood in the shortest amount of time. Use your Metal Hatchet or a tamed dinosaur like the Beaver to hit the trees. The BeaverÔÇÖs ability to reduce the weight of wood makes it invaluable for large-scale gathering. For stone, search for rocky areas or mountains where rocks are abundant. Use your Metal Pick or a Doedicurus to gather stone. The Doedicurus can roll into a ball to break rocks quickly, making it the most efficient option.

One important tip is to always carry a weight-reducing dinosaur or use a platform saddle with storage. This allows you to gather more resources before needing to return to your base. For example, a Paraceratherium with a platform saddle can carry a lot of wood or stone, and you can place storage boxes on the saddle to increase capacity. Additionally, consider building a small outpost near resource-rich areas to store materials temporarily, reducing the need for frequent trips back to your main base.

Common mistakes to avoid include using the wrong tool for the job. For example, using a Stone Pick to gather wood is inefficient, as it yields less wood compared to a Hatchet. Another mistake is overloading yourself or your dinosaur with resources, which can slow you down or make you vulnerable to attacks. Always monitor your weight and plan your gathering trips accordingly. Also, avoid gathering in dangerous areas without proper protection. Hostile creatures can interrupt your gathering, so bring a tamed dinosaur for defense or scout the area first.

Advanced techniques include using a Therizinosaurus for both wood and stone. The Therizinosaurus is a versatile gatherer and can be leveled up to specialize in either resource. Additionally, using a Quetzal with a platform saddle allows you to transport large amounts of resources quickly. You can also use a chainsaw for wood gathering, which is one of the most efficient tools in the game but requires advanced resources to craft.

Resource requirements and preparation depend on your stage in the game. Early-game players need basic tools and a safe area to gather. Mid-game players should focus on taming resource-gathering dinosaurs and crafting Metal tools. Late-game players can optimize their gathering with advanced tools like the chainsaw and high-level dinosaurs. Always carry food, water, and weapons for protection during gathering trips.

For tribes, coordination is key. Assign roles to tribe members, such as one person gathering wood while another gathers stone. Use tamed dinosaurs to transport resources back to the base efficiently. Solo players should focus on taming a few key dinosaurs for gathering and defense, and prioritize building a secure storage system to protect their resources.

In specific scenarios, such as gathering in the Redwood Forest, be cautious of predators like Thylacoleos. Use a flying mount to scout the area and ensure safety before gathering. In mountainous regions, watch out for falling rocks or aggressive creatures like Carnotaurus. Always be prepared to defend yourself or retreat if necessary.

By following these strategies and tips, you can gather wood and stone efficiently in ARK: Survival Evolved, ensuring you have the resources needed to thrive in the game.