What is the best way to gather crystal in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Gathering crystal in ARK: Survival Evolved is a crucial task for mid to late-game progression, as it is used to craft advanced items like electronics, scuba gear, and high-tier weapons. Crystal is a resource that can be found in specific locations across the map, often in mountainous or rocky areas. To efficiently gather crystal, you need to understand the mechanics, prepare properly, and use the right tools and dinosaurs.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of gathering crystal. Crystal nodes are large, shiny, and often found in clusters on cliffs, mountains, or caves. They can be harvested using tools like picks, hatchets, or certain dinosaurs. The type of tool or dinosaur you use affects the yield. For example, a metal pickaxe will gather more crystal than a stone pickaxe, and certain dinosaurs like the Ankylosaurus or the Magmasaur are highly efficient at harvesting crystal. Additionally, crystal nodes are finite and will respawn after a certain amount of time, so knowing where to find them is key.

To start gathering crystal, you need to prepare. First, ensure you have the right tools. A metal pickaxe is the minimum requirement for efficient gathering, but if you have access to an Ankylosaurus, itÔÇÖs even better. The Ankylosaurus has a special ability to gather crystal, metal, and other resources at a much higher rate than tools. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, taming an Ankylosaurus should be a priority. For tribes, having multiple Ankylosaurs or even a Magmasaur can significantly speed up the process.

Next, you need to locate crystal nodes. On most maps, crystal is abundant in mountainous regions. For example, on The Island, the best locations are the mountains in the northwest and northeast. On Ragnarok, the highlands and the volcano are excellent spots. Scouting these areas beforehand is a good idea, as some locations may be dangerous due to predators like Rexes or Argentavis. Bring a flying mount like an Argentavis or Pteranodon to safely navigate these areas and transport your gathered resources.

When you arrive at a crystal-rich area, start harvesting. If youÔÇÖre using a pickaxe, aim for the crystal nodes and swing away. If youÔÇÖre using an Ankylosaurus, use its tail attack to break the nodes. Be mindful of your weight limit, as crystal is heavy. If youÔÇÖre solo, you may need to make multiple trips or use a weight-reducing mount like a Argentavis to carry the crystal back to your base. For tribes, you can assign one player to gather while another transports the resources.

There are some important tips and considerations to keep in mind. First, always be aware of your surroundings. Crystal nodes are often in dangerous areas, so bring weapons and armor to defend yourself. Second, consider using a mining drill if youÔÇÖre in the late game. The mining drill is a high-tech tool that can harvest crystal and other resources quickly, but it requires fuel and is noisy, which can attract unwanted attention. Third, if youÔÇÖre playing on a PvP server, be cautious when gathering crystal in open areas, as other players may ambush you.

Common mistakes to avoid include overloading yourself or your dinosaur with crystal, which can slow you down and make you vulnerable. Always monitor your weight and make multiple trips if necessary. Another mistake is not bringing enough supplies. Crystal-rich areas are often far from your base, so bring food, water, and repair materials for your tools or saddle. Finally, avoid harvesting crystal in caves unless youÔÇÖre well-prepared, as caves are filled with dangerous creatures and environmental hazards.

For advanced techniques, consider using a Quetzal with a platform saddle to transport an Ankylosaurus. This allows you to fly to crystal nodes, harvest them with the Ankylosaurus, and carry the resources back without needing to make multiple trips. Another advanced strategy is to build a small outpost near a crystal-rich area. This can serve as a storage and repair station, reducing the need to travel back to your main base frequently.

In terms of resource requirements, youÔÇÖll need at least a metal pickaxe or an Ankylosaurus to gather crystal efficiently. If youÔÇÖre using a mining drill, youÔÇÖll need gasoline to power it. For transportation, a flying mount like an Argentavis or Quetzal is highly recommended. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, prioritize taming an Ankylosaurus and a flying mount to make the process easier. For tribes, coordinate roles to maximize efficiency, such as having one player gather while another transports.

In conclusion, gathering crystal in ARK: Survival Evolved requires preparation, the right tools, and careful planning. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, using dinosaurs like the Ankylosaurus or Magmasaur can greatly improve your efficiency. Always be aware of your surroundings, manage your weight, and consider building outposts near crystal-rich areas to streamline the process. With these strategies, youÔÇÖll be able to gather crystal effectively and progress through the gameÔÇÖs advanced crafting tiers.