Where is the best location to find metal nodes on The Island map in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Finding metal nodes on The Island map 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 metallic appearance, and they are most commonly found in mountainous or rocky areas. Below is a detailed guide on how to locate and farm metal efficiently, including tips for both solo players and tribes.
The best locations for metal nodes on The Island are concentrated in specific areas. The most notable spots include the mountains in the northwest, the volcano in the center of the map, and the smaller hills scattered across the island. The northwest mountain, located near the snow biome, is one of the richest areas for metal. The volcano is another prime location, offering a high density of metal nodes, but it is also a dangerous area due to the presence of predators like Carnotaurus and Raptors. Smaller hills, such as those near the Red Obelisk or the Hidden Lake, also contain metal nodes, though in smaller quantities.
To farm metal effectively, you will need the right tools and preparation. A metal pickaxe is the most efficient tool for harvesting metal, but a stone pickaxe can also work in the early game. Bring a strong dinosaur for protection and transportation, such as an Argentavis or Ankylosaurus. Argentavis is ideal for carrying heavy loads and flying over dangerous terrain, while Ankylosaurus is the best dinosaur for harvesting metal due to its high yield per node. If you are playing solo, prioritize taming an Argentavis first, as it will make transporting metal much easier. Tribes can assign roles, with some members focusing on taming and others on resource gathering.
When heading to metal-rich areas, always be prepared for combat. Equip yourself with weapons like a crossbow or rifle, and bring armor to protect against predators. Carry food, water, and medical supplies, especially if you are venturing into colder areas like the northwest mountain. If you are farming in the volcano, be cautious of the heat and lava, as falling into lava can be fatal. Building a small outpost near metal-rich areas can save time and reduce the risk of losing resources. Place storage boxes and a bed for respawning in case of death.
One common mistake is overloading your inventory or dinosaur with too much metal, which can slow you down and make you vulnerable to attacks. To avoid this, use an Argentavis or other weight-reducing dinosaurs to carry the metal. Another mistake is not scouting the area before farming. Always survey the surroundings for predators and plan an escape route if needed. Additionally, avoid farming at night unless you have a light source, as visibility is low and the risk of ambush increases.
Advanced techniques include setting up a metal refining base near resource-rich areas. Build a forge and storage boxes close to the metal nodes to process the metal on-site, reducing the need for multiple trips. Tribes can establish a network of outposts with forges and storage, allowing for efficient resource distribution. Another optimization is using an Ankylosaurus with a high melee damage stat, as this increases the amount of metal harvested per node. Pairing the Ankylosaurus with an Argentavis allows you to carry the Ankylosaurus to different locations, maximizing efficiency.
Resource requirements for metal farming include a pickaxe, a strong dinosaur, and storage solutions. If you are setting up a refining base, you will also need materials for a forge, such as stone, wood, and thatch. For tribes, coordinating roles and sharing resources can streamline the process. Solo players should focus on taming a reliable dinosaur and building a small outpost to minimize risks.
In summary, the best locations for metal nodes on The Island are the northwest mountain, the volcano, and smaller hills near key landmarks. Prepare with the right tools, dinosaurs, and supplies, and always be cautious of predators and environmental hazards. Avoid common mistakes like overloading and poor planning, and consider advanced techniques like refining on-site or using optimized dinosaurs. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, efficient metal farming is essential for progressing in ARK: Survival Evolved.
The best locations for metal nodes on The Island are concentrated in specific areas. The most notable spots include the mountains in the northwest, the volcano in the center of the map, and the smaller hills scattered across the island. The northwest mountain, located near the snow biome, is one of the richest areas for metal. The volcano is another prime location, offering a high density of metal nodes, but it is also a dangerous area due to the presence of predators like Carnotaurus and Raptors. Smaller hills, such as those near the Red Obelisk or the Hidden Lake, also contain metal nodes, though in smaller quantities.
To farm metal effectively, you will need the right tools and preparation. A metal pickaxe is the most efficient tool for harvesting metal, but a stone pickaxe can also work in the early game. Bring a strong dinosaur for protection and transportation, such as an Argentavis or Ankylosaurus. Argentavis is ideal for carrying heavy loads and flying over dangerous terrain, while Ankylosaurus is the best dinosaur for harvesting metal due to its high yield per node. If you are playing solo, prioritize taming an Argentavis first, as it will make transporting metal much easier. Tribes can assign roles, with some members focusing on taming and others on resource gathering.
When heading to metal-rich areas, always be prepared for combat. Equip yourself with weapons like a crossbow or rifle, and bring armor to protect against predators. Carry food, water, and medical supplies, especially if you are venturing into colder areas like the northwest mountain. If you are farming in the volcano, be cautious of the heat and lava, as falling into lava can be fatal. Building a small outpost near metal-rich areas can save time and reduce the risk of losing resources. Place storage boxes and a bed for respawning in case of death.
One common mistake is overloading your inventory or dinosaur with too much metal, which can slow you down and make you vulnerable to attacks. To avoid this, use an Argentavis or other weight-reducing dinosaurs to carry the metal. Another mistake is not scouting the area before farming. Always survey the surroundings for predators and plan an escape route if needed. Additionally, avoid farming at night unless you have a light source, as visibility is low and the risk of ambush increases.
Advanced techniques include setting up a metal refining base near resource-rich areas. Build a forge and storage boxes close to the metal nodes to process the metal on-site, reducing the need for multiple trips. Tribes can establish a network of outposts with forges and storage, allowing for efficient resource distribution. Another optimization is using an Ankylosaurus with a high melee damage stat, as this increases the amount of metal harvested per node. Pairing the Ankylosaurus with an Argentavis allows you to carry the Ankylosaurus to different locations, maximizing efficiency.
Resource requirements for metal farming include a pickaxe, a strong dinosaur, and storage solutions. If you are setting up a refining base, you will also need materials for a forge, such as stone, wood, and thatch. For tribes, coordinating roles and sharing resources can streamline the process. Solo players should focus on taming a reliable dinosaur and building a small outpost to minimize risks.
In summary, the best locations for metal nodes on The Island are the northwest mountain, the volcano, and smaller hills near key landmarks. Prepare with the right tools, dinosaurs, and supplies, and always be cautious of predators and environmental hazards. Avoid common mistakes like overloading and poor planning, and consider advanced techniques like refining on-site or using optimized dinosaurs. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, efficient metal farming is essential for progressing in ARK: Survival Evolved.