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

Hexagons are a unique currency in ARK: Survival Evolved, primarily used in the Genesis Part 1 and Genesis Part 2 DLCs. They are essential for purchasing high-tier items, blueprints, and resources from the HLNA shop. Gathering hexagons efficiently requires a combination of exploration, combat, and resource management. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to gather hexagons effectively.

To start, hexagons are earned by completing missions in the Genesis maps. These missions vary in difficulty and type, ranging from hunting and racing to survival and crafting challenges. Each mission rewards a specific amount of hexagons based on its difficulty and your performance. The key to maximizing hexagon gains is to focus on missions that you can complete quickly and consistently.

First, familiarize yourself with the mission terminals scattered across the Genesis maps. These terminals are marked on your map and can be accessed to view available missions. Missions are divided into categories such as Easy, Medium, Hard, and Alpha, with Alpha missions offering the highest hexagon rewards. However, Alpha missions are also the most challenging, so itÔÇÖs important to assess your capabilities before attempting them.

For beginners, start with Easy and Medium missions. These missions are less demanding and can be completed with basic equipment and tamed dinosaurs. For example, the "Hunt" missions require you to kill a specific number of creatures within a time limit. These are relatively straightforward and can be completed with a strong mount like a Rex or Spino. Similarly, "Race" missions involve navigating a course on a mount, and practicing these can lead to consistent hexagon gains.

As you progress, you can tackle Hard and Alpha missions. These missions often require advanced preparation, such as high-level tames, powerful weapons, and a well-coordinated tribe. For instance, the "Gauntlet" missions involve surviving waves of enemies, and having a strong team with good gear is crucial. Alpha missions, like the "Bog Beatdown," require you to defeat a powerful boss, so ensure you have a well-prepared team and strong tames like Gigas or high-level Rexes.

Preparation is key to success in missions. Ensure you have the necessary equipment, such as weapons, armor, and medical supplies. Tamed dinosaurs should be leveled and equipped with saddles for added protection. For example, a high-level Yutyrannus can provide a courage buff to your team, making combat missions easier. Additionally, having a variety of mounts for different mission types, such as a fast mount for races and a strong mount for combat, will increase your chances of success.

Resource management is also important. Missions often require specific items or resources, so stock up on essentials like ammunition, healing items, and crafting materials. For example, the "Crafting" missions require you to create specific items within a time limit, so having the necessary resources readily available will save time and increase efficiency.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating mission difficulty and not preparing adequately. Attempting an Alpha mission without proper gear or tames can lead to failure and wasted time. Additionally, not practicing mission mechanics, such as racing courses or combat strategies, can result in poor performance and lower hexagon rewards.

Advanced techniques involve optimizing your approach to missions. For example, in "Hunt" missions, using a pack of strong tames like Allosaurus or Raptors can quickly dispatch targets. In "Race" missions, using a fast mount like a Managarmr or a high-speed land mount can help you complete the course quickly. Additionally, coordinating with your tribe to divide tasks and roles can streamline mission completion and maximize hexagon gains.

Resource requirements vary depending on the mission type. Combat missions require strong weapons and armor, while crafting missions need a stockpile of resources. Ensure your base is well-stocked with crafting stations and storage to facilitate quick preparation. For example, having a Fabricator and Chem Bench ready can speed up the creation of advanced items needed for missions.

Tribe considerations are important for maximizing hexagon gains. Working with a tribe allows you to tackle harder missions and share resources. For example, one tribe member can focus on taming and leveling mounts, while another gathers resources and crafts items. Solo players can still gather hexagons effectively by focusing on missions they can complete alone, such as Easy and Medium missions, and gradually building up their capabilities.

Specific examples include the "Hunt: Carnivores" mission, where you need to kill a set number of carnivorous dinosaurs. Using a high-level Rex or Spino can make this mission quick and easy. Another example is the "Race: Jungle" mission, where a fast mount like a Direwolf or Sabertooth can help you navigate the course efficiently.

In conclusion, gathering hexagons in ARK: Survival Evolved requires a combination of preparation, strategy, and practice. By focusing on missions that suit your capabilities, preparing adequately, and optimizing your approach, you can efficiently gather hexagons and unlock valuable items from the HLNA shop. Whether playing solo or with a tribe, consistent effort and smart resource management will lead to success in the Genesis maps.