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 a critical step for progressing and crafting better tools, weapons, and structures. Metal is a key resource used in crafting advanced items like metal tools, weapons, and building materials, so knowing how to efficiently gather it early on can significantly improve your survival and progression. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to gather metal effectively in the early game.
First, you need to understand where metal nodes are located. Metal nodes are large, shiny rocks that are usually found in mountainous or rocky areas. They are distinct from regular rocks and have a metallic sheen. Early-game players should focus on areas like the base of mountains, hills, or riverbanks, as these locations often have accessible metal nodes. On The Island map, for example, the southern part of the map has some small metal nodes near the beaches, but larger deposits are found in the central and northern regions.
To gather metal, you need the right tools. A stone pickaxe is the most basic tool for harvesting metal, but it is not very efficient. As soon as possible, craft a metal pickaxe, which yields more metal per node. To craft a metal pickaxe, you will need to gather some metal first, so initially, you may need to use a stone pickaxe to collect enough metal to upgrade. Once you have a metal pickaxe, your efficiency will improve significantly.
When gathering metal, itÔÇÖs important to bring a tamed dinosaur to help carry the heavy load. Early-game dinosaurs like the Parasaur or Trike can be used as pack animals to carry resources. However, the best early-game dinosaur for metal gathering is the Ankylosaurus. The Ankylosaurus has a special ability to harvest metal more efficiently than any other creature, making it invaluable for metal farming. Taming an Ankylosaurus early on can greatly speed up your metal gathering process.
To prepare for a metal-gathering trip, make sure you have enough food, water, and tools. Bring multiple pickaxes in case one breaks, and consider bringing a bed or sleeping bag to set up a temporary respawn point near the metal nodes. This can save you time if you die while gathering. Additionally, bring a few storage containers or a tamed dinosaur with a saddle to store the metal. Metal is heavy, so you will quickly reach your weight limit without proper storage.
One common mistake early-game players make is not prioritizing weight management. Metal is one of the heaviest resources in the game, so itÔÇÖs important to allocate points into your weight stat or use dinosaurs to carry the load. Another mistake is venturing too far into dangerous areas without proper preparation. Metal nodes are often located in areas with aggressive creatures like Raptors or Carnotaurus, so bring weapons and armor to defend yourself.
For advanced techniques, consider setting up a small outpost near a metal-rich area. This outpost can include a bed, storage, and a forge to smelt the metal into ingots on-site. Smelting metal into ingots reduces its weight, making it easier to transport back to your main base. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to gather metal more efficiently. One player can focus on gathering while another protects or transports the resources.
In solo play, youÔÇÖll need to be more cautious and self-sufficient. Taming an Ankylosaurus early can make a huge difference, as it not only gathers metal efficiently but also carries a lot of weight. If youÔÇÖre playing on a server with other players, be aware of PvP threats when gathering metal in exposed areas. Consider gathering during off-peak hours or with a group to reduce the risk of being attacked.
In summary, gathering metal in the early game requires careful planning and preparation. Focus on finding metal nodes in safe, accessible areas, and use the right tools and dinosaurs to maximize efficiency. Manage your weight and resources carefully, and consider setting up a small outpost near metal-rich areas to streamline the process. By following these strategies, you can gather metal effectively and progress faster in ARK: Survival Evolved.
First, you need to understand where metal nodes are located. Metal nodes are large, shiny rocks that are usually found in mountainous or rocky areas. They are distinct from regular rocks and have a metallic sheen. Early-game players should focus on areas like the base of mountains, hills, or riverbanks, as these locations often have accessible metal nodes. On The Island map, for example, the southern part of the map has some small metal nodes near the beaches, but larger deposits are found in the central and northern regions.
To gather metal, you need the right tools. A stone pickaxe is the most basic tool for harvesting metal, but it is not very efficient. As soon as possible, craft a metal pickaxe, which yields more metal per node. To craft a metal pickaxe, you will need to gather some metal first, so initially, you may need to use a stone pickaxe to collect enough metal to upgrade. Once you have a metal pickaxe, your efficiency will improve significantly.
When gathering metal, itÔÇÖs important to bring a tamed dinosaur to help carry the heavy load. Early-game dinosaurs like the Parasaur or Trike can be used as pack animals to carry resources. However, the best early-game dinosaur for metal gathering is the Ankylosaurus. The Ankylosaurus has a special ability to harvest metal more efficiently than any other creature, making it invaluable for metal farming. Taming an Ankylosaurus early on can greatly speed up your metal gathering process.
To prepare for a metal-gathering trip, make sure you have enough food, water, and tools. Bring multiple pickaxes in case one breaks, and consider bringing a bed or sleeping bag to set up a temporary respawn point near the metal nodes. This can save you time if you die while gathering. Additionally, bring a few storage containers or a tamed dinosaur with a saddle to store the metal. Metal is heavy, so you will quickly reach your weight limit without proper storage.
One common mistake early-game players make is not prioritizing weight management. Metal is one of the heaviest resources in the game, so itÔÇÖs important to allocate points into your weight stat or use dinosaurs to carry the load. Another mistake is venturing too far into dangerous areas without proper preparation. Metal nodes are often located in areas with aggressive creatures like Raptors or Carnotaurus, so bring weapons and armor to defend yourself.
For advanced techniques, consider setting up a small outpost near a metal-rich area. This outpost can include a bed, storage, and a forge to smelt the metal into ingots on-site. Smelting metal into ingots reduces its weight, making it easier to transport back to your main base. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to gather metal more efficiently. One player can focus on gathering while another protects or transports the resources.
In solo play, youÔÇÖll need to be more cautious and self-sufficient. Taming an Ankylosaurus early can make a huge difference, as it not only gathers metal efficiently but also carries a lot of weight. If youÔÇÖre playing on a server with other players, be aware of PvP threats when gathering metal in exposed areas. Consider gathering during off-peak hours or with a group to reduce the risk of being attacked.
In summary, gathering metal in the early game requires careful planning and preparation. Focus on finding metal nodes in safe, accessible areas, and use the right tools and dinosaurs to maximize efficiency. Manage your weight and resources carefully, and consider setting up a small outpost near metal-rich areas to streamline the process. By following these strategies, you can gather metal effectively and progress faster in ARK: Survival Evolved.