Where is the best location to find metal nodes on The Island in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Finding metal nodes on The Island in ARK: Survival Evolved is crucial for progression, as metal is one of the most important resources for crafting advanced tools, weapons, and structures. Metal nodes are large, shiny rocks with a distinct golden or silver appearance, and they are primarily found in mountainous or rocky areas. Below is a detailed guide on locating and farming metal efficiently.
The best locations for metal nodes on The Island are the mountains and high-altitude areas. The most popular spots include the volcano in the center of the map, the mountain in the northwest (known as the Frozen Tooth), the mountain in the northeast (known as the Far's Peak), and the smaller hills scattered across the map. These areas are rich in metal nodes, but they are also dangerous due to the presence of predators like raptors, carnotaurus, and even the occasional rex. Therefore, preparation is key.
To begin, you will need a strong mount to carry the heavy metal and protect you from threats. Ankylosaurus is the best dinosaur for farming metal, as it has a weight reduction for metal and can harvest large amounts quickly with its tail attack. If you donÔÇÖt have an Ankylo, a pickaxe will work, but it is far less efficient. Before heading out, ensure you have a base nearby or a temporary storage solution, as metal is heavy and will quickly fill your inventory or your mountÔÇÖs weight capacity.
When farming metal, itÔÇÖs important to bring a few essential items. First, bring a high-quality pickaxe for manual mining if your Ankylo is not available. Second, bring a flyer like an Argentavis or Pteranodon to transport the metal back to your base. Argentavis is particularly useful because it has a weight reduction for metal and can carry an Ankylo, allowing you to farm and transport metal in one trip. Third, bring weapons and armor to defend yourself against predators. Finally, consider bringing a bed or sleeping bag to set up a respawn point in case you die.
Once you arrive at a metal-rich location, start by clearing the area of threats. Use your mount or weapons to eliminate any nearby predators. Then, begin mining the metal nodes with your Ankylo or pickaxe. Each node will yield a significant amount of metal, but it will also deplete quickly, so youÔÇÖll need to move from node to node. If youÔÇÖre using an Ankylo, make sure to keep an eye on its weight limit, as it can easily become overencumbered. If this happens, transfer the metal to your flyer or drop it on the ground temporarily.
A common mistake is not planning your route or overloading your mount. Metal is heavy, and if youÔÇÖre not careful, you can become stranded in a dangerous area. To avoid this, always monitor your weight and have a plan for transporting the metal back to your base. Another mistake is underestimating the dangers of mountainous areas. Always be prepared for ambushes by predators, and consider bringing a tribe member to help with defense and farming.
For advanced players, there are several optimizations you can make. First, consider building a small outpost near a metal-rich area. This can include a storage box, a bed, and a forge to smelt the metal on-site. This reduces the need for multiple trips and makes farming more efficient. Second, use a Quetzal with a platform saddle to carry an Ankylo. This allows you to farm metal from the air, avoiding ground threats entirely. Third, use a mining drill in late-game scenarios, as it can harvest metal even faster than an Ankylo.
In terms of tribe considerations, farming metal is much easier with a group. One player can focus on mining while others defend or transport the metal. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, prioritize safety and efficiency by using a flyer and Ankylo combo. Always have an escape plan in case of unexpected threats.
In summary, the best locations for metal nodes on The Island are the mountains and high-altitude areas, particularly the volcano and the northwest and northeast mountains. Use an Ankylo for efficient farming, and bring a flyer to transport the metal. Prepare for dangers by bringing weapons and armor, and consider building an outpost for smelting. Avoid common mistakes like overloading your mount or underestimating predators. With these strategies, you can farm metal efficiently and progress quickly in ARK: Survival Evolved.
The best locations for metal nodes on The Island are the mountains and high-altitude areas. The most popular spots include the volcano in the center of the map, the mountain in the northwest (known as the Frozen Tooth), the mountain in the northeast (known as the Far's Peak), and the smaller hills scattered across the map. These areas are rich in metal nodes, but they are also dangerous due to the presence of predators like raptors, carnotaurus, and even the occasional rex. Therefore, preparation is key.
To begin, you will need a strong mount to carry the heavy metal and protect you from threats. Ankylosaurus is the best dinosaur for farming metal, as it has a weight reduction for metal and can harvest large amounts quickly with its tail attack. If you donÔÇÖt have an Ankylo, a pickaxe will work, but it is far less efficient. Before heading out, ensure you have a base nearby or a temporary storage solution, as metal is heavy and will quickly fill your inventory or your mountÔÇÖs weight capacity.
When farming metal, itÔÇÖs important to bring a few essential items. First, bring a high-quality pickaxe for manual mining if your Ankylo is not available. Second, bring a flyer like an Argentavis or Pteranodon to transport the metal back to your base. Argentavis is particularly useful because it has a weight reduction for metal and can carry an Ankylo, allowing you to farm and transport metal in one trip. Third, bring weapons and armor to defend yourself against predators. Finally, consider bringing a bed or sleeping bag to set up a respawn point in case you die.
Once you arrive at a metal-rich location, start by clearing the area of threats. Use your mount or weapons to eliminate any nearby predators. Then, begin mining the metal nodes with your Ankylo or pickaxe. Each node will yield a significant amount of metal, but it will also deplete quickly, so youÔÇÖll need to move from node to node. If youÔÇÖre using an Ankylo, make sure to keep an eye on its weight limit, as it can easily become overencumbered. If this happens, transfer the metal to your flyer or drop it on the ground temporarily.
A common mistake is not planning your route or overloading your mount. Metal is heavy, and if youÔÇÖre not careful, you can become stranded in a dangerous area. To avoid this, always monitor your weight and have a plan for transporting the metal back to your base. Another mistake is underestimating the dangers of mountainous areas. Always be prepared for ambushes by predators, and consider bringing a tribe member to help with defense and farming.
For advanced players, there are several optimizations you can make. First, consider building a small outpost near a metal-rich area. This can include a storage box, a bed, and a forge to smelt the metal on-site. This reduces the need for multiple trips and makes farming more efficient. Second, use a Quetzal with a platform saddle to carry an Ankylo. This allows you to farm metal from the air, avoiding ground threats entirely. Third, use a mining drill in late-game scenarios, as it can harvest metal even faster than an Ankylo.
In terms of tribe considerations, farming metal is much easier with a group. One player can focus on mining while others defend or transport the metal. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, prioritize safety and efficiency by using a flyer and Ankylo combo. Always have an escape plan in case of unexpected threats.
In summary, the best locations for metal nodes on The Island are the mountains and high-altitude areas, particularly the volcano and the northwest and northeast mountains. Use an Ankylo for efficient farming, and bring a flyer to transport the metal. Prepare for dangers by bringing weapons and armor, and consider building an outpost for smelting. Avoid common mistakes like overloading your mount or underestimating predators. With these strategies, you can farm metal efficiently and progress quickly in ARK: Survival Evolved.