Where are the best locations to find crystal deposits on Extinction in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Crystal is a crucial resource in ARK: Survival Evolved, especially on the Extinction map, as it is used for crafting advanced tools, weapons, and structures. Finding crystal deposits efficiently requires knowledge of the map, preparation, and the right tools or dinosaurs. Extinction is unique because it features a post-apocalyptic environment with distinct biomes, each offering different resources. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on locating and farming crystal on Extinction.

Crystal deposits on Extinction are primarily found in specific biomes, with the most abundant locations being the Snow Dome, the Desert Dome, and the Wasteland. The Snow Dome is one of the best places to farm crystal due to its high concentration of crystal nodes. These nodes are often found on the rocky cliffs and elevated areas within the dome. The Desert Dome also has crystal deposits, though they are less common compared to the Snow Dome. The Wasteland, while dangerous due to hostile creatures and environmental hazards, also contains crystal nodes, particularly near the edges of the map and around the Sanctuary city.

To farm crystal effectively, you will need the right tools and dinosaurs. A metal pickaxe or an Ankylosaurus is essential for harvesting crystal efficiently. The Ankylosaurus is particularly useful because it can gather large amounts of crystal in a short time and has a weight reduction for crystal, allowing you to carry more. If you are early in the game and do not have access to an Ankylosaurus, a metal pickaxe will suffice, though it will take longer to gather the same amount of crystal.

Preparation is key when venturing into the Snow Dome or Wasteland. The Snow Dome is extremely cold, so you will need fur armor or other cold-resistant gear to survive. Additionally, bring a strong mount like a Rex or a Thylacoleo to protect yourself from predators such as Direwolves and Yetis. In the Wasteland, environmental hazards like radiation and Corrupted Creatures pose a significant threat. Bring a Gas Mask or Hazard Suit to protect against radiation, and ensure your mount is strong enough to handle Corrupted Creatures.

When farming crystal, always bring a weight-reducing mount like a Paraceratherium or a Quetzal to carry the harvested resources. Crystal is heavy, and without a weight-reducing mount, you will quickly become over-encumbered. If you are playing solo, consider setting up a small outpost near the crystal-rich areas to store your resources temporarily. This will allow you to make multiple trips without having to return to your main base each time.

One common mistake players make is underestimating the dangers of the Snow Dome and Wasteland. These areas are filled with aggressive creatures and environmental hazards that can quickly overwhelm unprepared players. Always scout the area before committing to farming, and ensure you have a clear escape route in case of an attack. Another mistake is not bringing enough tools or repair materials. Crystal nodes can deplete quickly, and your tools will wear out fast, so bring extra pickaxes or repair materials for your Ankylosaurus saddle.

Advanced players can optimize their crystal farming by using a Quetzal with a platform saddle and an Ankylosaurus. This setup allows you to fly the Ankylosaurus to crystal nodes, harvest them quickly, and transport the resources efficiently. Additionally, using a Tek Suit or Tek Hover Skiff can make traversing the map and transporting resources much easier, though these require advanced technology and resources.

In terms of tribe considerations, coordinating with your tribe can make crystal farming much more efficient. Assign roles such as gathering, defense, and transportation to ensure smooth operations. For solo players, focus on building a strong mount and setting up temporary outposts to minimize travel time.

In summary, the best locations for crystal on Extinction are the Snow Dome, Desert Dome, and Wasteland. Use an Ankylosaurus or metal pickaxe to harvest crystal efficiently, and prepare for the environmental hazards and predators in these areas. Bring weight-reducing mounts and consider setting up temporary outposts to store resources. Avoid common mistakes like underestimating the dangers and not bringing enough tools. Advanced techniques like using a Quetzal with a platform saddle or Tek equipment can further optimize your farming. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, proper preparation and strategy will ensure you gather crystal effectively on Extinction.