What are the most efficient ways to gather resources in the lava biome on Extinction in ARK: Survival Evolved?
The lava biome in Extinction is one of the most dangerous yet resource-rich areas in ARK: Survival Evolved. It is filled with valuable materials like metal, obsidian, and sulfur, but it also poses significant threats such as extreme heat, hostile creatures, and environmental hazards. To efficiently gather resources in this biome, you need to prepare thoroughly, use the right tools and dinos, and follow specific strategies to maximize your gains while minimizing risks.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of resource gathering in the lava biome. The biome is divided into two main areas: the surface and the underground lava caves. The surface has abundant metal nodes and obsidian deposits, while the caves contain sulfur, crystal, and additional metal nodes. However, the surface is extremely hot, requiring heat-resistant gear or dinos to survive. The caves are even more dangerous, with lava flows, aggressive creatures like Rock Elementals and Magmasaurs, and tight spaces that can trap you or your dinos.
To start, you need to prepare for the heat. Crafting a full set of Desert Cloth Armor or using a Tek Suit is essential for surviving the surface temperatures. If you donÔÇÖt have access to these, bring a high-level otter or a cooling consumable like Medical Brews or Cactus Broth. For the caves, youÔÇÖll need a strong mount like a Rock Drake or a Magmasaur, as they can handle the heat and combat threats effectively. Additionally, bring a Cryopod to store and deploy dinos as needed, especially in tight cave spaces.
For resource gathering, the best dinos to use are Ankylosaurus for metal and obsidian, and a Doedicurus for stone. These dinos have high weight reduction for their respective resources, allowing you to carry more before needing to return to base. If youÔÇÖre farming sulfur, a high-weight dino like a Paracer or a Tek Stryder is ideal, as sulfur is heavy and abundant in the caves. Always bring a flyer like an Argentavis or a Snow Owl to transport resources back to your base quickly.
When gathering on the surface, focus on the metal nodes scattered around the biome. These nodes are often found near the edges of the lava rivers or on rocky outcrops. Use your Ankylosaurus to harvest them efficiently. Be cautious of nearby threats like Carnotaurus or Tyrannosaurus, which can ambush you while youÔÇÖre focused on gathering. Always keep your mount on neutral or aggressive to defend itself.
In the caves, the strategy changes slightly. The underground lava caves are filled with sulfur nodes, which are essential for crafting explosives and other advanced items. Use a Magmasaur or a Rock Drake to navigate the caves safely. Magmasaurs are immune to lava damage and can harvest sulfur directly, making them ideal for this task. However, be mindful of Rock Elementals, which can deal massive damage and knock you off your mount. Use ranged weapons or a strong melee dino to deal with them.
One common mistake is underestimating the heat and environmental hazards. Always monitor your temperature and health, especially in the caves where lava flows can instantly kill you if youÔÇÖre not careful. Another mistake is overloading your dinos with resources, leaving you vulnerable to attacks. Always leave some weight capacity for emergencies, and consider setting up a small outpost near the biome to store resources temporarily.
Advanced techniques include using a Tek Stryder with a mining drill attachment for automated resource gathering. This dino can harvest large amounts of metal, obsidian, and sulfur quickly, but it requires a significant investment in Tekgrams and resources to build. Additionally, using a Quetzal with a platform saddle and a mounted Ankylosaurus can allow you to gather resources from hard-to-reach areas without dismounting.
For solo players, preparation is key. Bring extra supplies, including food, water, and medical items, as you wonÔÇÖt have backup in case of emergencies. For tribes, coordinate roles, such as having one player focus on gathering while another defends against threats. Communication is crucial, especially in the caves where tight spaces can lead to confusion.
In summary, gathering resources in the lava biome requires careful preparation, the right dinos, and a solid strategy. Focus on heat resistance, efficient resource gathering, and threat management to maximize your gains. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, the lava biome offers some of the best resources in Extinction, but only if youÔÇÖre ready to face its challenges.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of resource gathering in the lava biome. The biome is divided into two main areas: the surface and the underground lava caves. The surface has abundant metal nodes and obsidian deposits, while the caves contain sulfur, crystal, and additional metal nodes. However, the surface is extremely hot, requiring heat-resistant gear or dinos to survive. The caves are even more dangerous, with lava flows, aggressive creatures like Rock Elementals and Magmasaurs, and tight spaces that can trap you or your dinos.
To start, you need to prepare for the heat. Crafting a full set of Desert Cloth Armor or using a Tek Suit is essential for surviving the surface temperatures. If you donÔÇÖt have access to these, bring a high-level otter or a cooling consumable like Medical Brews or Cactus Broth. For the caves, youÔÇÖll need a strong mount like a Rock Drake or a Magmasaur, as they can handle the heat and combat threats effectively. Additionally, bring a Cryopod to store and deploy dinos as needed, especially in tight cave spaces.
For resource gathering, the best dinos to use are Ankylosaurus for metal and obsidian, and a Doedicurus for stone. These dinos have high weight reduction for their respective resources, allowing you to carry more before needing to return to base. If youÔÇÖre farming sulfur, a high-weight dino like a Paracer or a Tek Stryder is ideal, as sulfur is heavy and abundant in the caves. Always bring a flyer like an Argentavis or a Snow Owl to transport resources back to your base quickly.
When gathering on the surface, focus on the metal nodes scattered around the biome. These nodes are often found near the edges of the lava rivers or on rocky outcrops. Use your Ankylosaurus to harvest them efficiently. Be cautious of nearby threats like Carnotaurus or Tyrannosaurus, which can ambush you while youÔÇÖre focused on gathering. Always keep your mount on neutral or aggressive to defend itself.
In the caves, the strategy changes slightly. The underground lava caves are filled with sulfur nodes, which are essential for crafting explosives and other advanced items. Use a Magmasaur or a Rock Drake to navigate the caves safely. Magmasaurs are immune to lava damage and can harvest sulfur directly, making them ideal for this task. However, be mindful of Rock Elementals, which can deal massive damage and knock you off your mount. Use ranged weapons or a strong melee dino to deal with them.
One common mistake is underestimating the heat and environmental hazards. Always monitor your temperature and health, especially in the caves where lava flows can instantly kill you if youÔÇÖre not careful. Another mistake is overloading your dinos with resources, leaving you vulnerable to attacks. Always leave some weight capacity for emergencies, and consider setting up a small outpost near the biome to store resources temporarily.
Advanced techniques include using a Tek Stryder with a mining drill attachment for automated resource gathering. This dino can harvest large amounts of metal, obsidian, and sulfur quickly, but it requires a significant investment in Tekgrams and resources to build. Additionally, using a Quetzal with a platform saddle and a mounted Ankylosaurus can allow you to gather resources from hard-to-reach areas without dismounting.
For solo players, preparation is key. Bring extra supplies, including food, water, and medical items, as you wonÔÇÖt have backup in case of emergencies. For tribes, coordinate roles, such as having one player focus on gathering while another defends against threats. Communication is crucial, especially in the caves where tight spaces can lead to confusion.
In summary, gathering resources in the lava biome requires careful preparation, the right dinos, and a solid strategy. Focus on heat resistance, efficient resource gathering, and threat management to maximize your gains. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, the lava biome offers some of the best resources in Extinction, but only if youÔÇÖre ready to face its challenges.