Where are the best locations to find metal nodes in the Extinction map of ARK: Survival Evolved?

In ARK: Survival Evolved, the Extinction map offers a unique post-apocalyptic environment with distinct biomes and resource distributions. Metal nodes are a critical resource for crafting advanced tools, weapons, and structures, and knowing where to find them is essential for progression. ExtinctionÔÇÖs metal nodes are concentrated in specific areas, and understanding the mechanics of gathering and optimizing your approach will save time and effort.

The best locations to find metal nodes in Extinction are primarily in the Desert Biome, the Snow Biome, and the Sunken Forest. Each of these areas has a high concentration of metal nodes, but they also come with unique challenges. The Desert Biome, located in the northwest part of the map, is one of the most metal-rich areas. Here, metal nodes are scattered across the rocky terrain, often near cliffs and plateaus. The Snow Biome, in the northeast, also has abundant metal nodes, but the freezing temperatures and hostile creatures make it a dangerous area. The Sunken Forest, in the southeast, has fewer metal nodes compared to the Desert and Snow Biomes, but it is easier to navigate and has fewer threats.

To efficiently gather metal, you will need the right tools and dinosaurs. A metal pickaxe is the basic tool for harvesting metal nodes, but using a high-level Ankylosaurus is far more efficient. The Ankylosaurus has a special ability that allows it to gather large amounts of metal with each swing of its tail. Additionally, a Quetzal or Argentavis can be used to carry the Ankylosaurus to metal-rich areas, making transportation easier. For solo players, taming an Argentavis is a great option because it can carry the Ankylosaurus and has decent weight capacity for transporting metal.

Preparation is key when venturing into these biomes. In the Desert Biome, bring plenty of water and wear desert-specific armor like the Desert Cloth set to avoid overheating. In the Snow Biome, wear Fur Armor and carry medical brews or cooked meat to counteract the cold and heal from potential attacks by predators like Direwolves or Yetis. In the Sunken Forest, bring weapons and armor to defend against Raptors and other smaller threats. Always carry a bed or sleeping bag to set a respawn point in case of death.

One common mistake is underestimating the dangers of these biomes. The Desert Biome has extreme heat and dangerous creatures like Rock Elementals, while the Snow Biome has freezing temperatures and aggressive predators. Failing to prepare for these conditions can lead to death and loss of resources. Another mistake is overloading your dinosaur with metal, which can slow you down and make you vulnerable to attacks. Always monitor your weight and make multiple trips if necessary.

Advanced techniques include setting up a small outpost near metal-rich areas. This outpost can include a bed, storage boxes, and a forge to smelt metal on-site, reducing the need for multiple trips. Using a Tek Transmitter or Cryopods can also streamline the process by allowing you to teleport resources or store dinosaurs for quick deployment. For tribes, coordinating with multiple players to gather and transport metal can significantly increase efficiency. One player can focus on gathering while another transports the metal back to base.

Resource requirements for metal gathering include a high-quality pickaxe or Ankylosaurus, a flying mount like an Argentavis or Quetzal, and appropriate armor for the biome. You will also need food, water, and medical supplies to survive the environmental hazards. For smelting, have a forge ready at your base or outpost, and stockpile wood or other fuel sources.

In summary, the best locations for metal nodes in Extinction are the Desert Biome, Snow Biome, and Sunken Forest. Use an Ankylosaurus for efficient gathering and a flying mount for transportation. Prepare for environmental hazards and hostile creatures, and consider setting up an outpost for smelting. Avoid overloading your dinosaurs and always monitor your weight. Advanced techniques like using Tek Transmitters or coordinating with tribe members can optimize your metal-gathering efforts. With proper preparation and strategy, you can efficiently gather the metal needed to progress in ARK: Survival Evolved.