What are the best ways to gather resources in the early stages of the Extinction map in ARK: Survival Evolved?

In the early stages of the Extinction map in ARK: Survival Evolved, gathering resources efficiently is crucial for survival and progression. The Extinction map is unique due to its post-apocalyptic setting, which includes dangerous corrupted creatures, harsh environments, and limited safe zones. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to gather resources effectively in the early game.

First, focus on gathering basic resources like wood, stone, fiber, and thatch. These are essential for crafting tools, building a small shelter, and creating basic items like campfires and storage boxes. Use your hands or a stone pickaxe to gather these materials. Wood and thatch can be collected from trees, stone from rocks, and fiber from bushes. Early on, prioritize crafting a stone pickaxe and hatchet, as they significantly increase your gathering efficiency.

Next, locate a safe area to set up a small base. The Sanctuary biome is the safest starting area on Extinction, as it is free from corrupted creatures and has abundant resources. Build a simple thatch or wood hut to store your items and protect yourself from the elements. Place a bed or sleeping bag inside your base to set a respawn point in case you die.

Once you have a basic setup, start exploring the surrounding area for more advanced resources. Metal is a critical resource for crafting better tools and weapons. On Extinction, metal nodes can be found in the Sanctuary biome, often near rocky outcrops or cliffs. Use your stone pickaxe to gather metal from these nodes. Be cautious of nearby predators, as even the Sanctuary has hostile creatures like raptors and dilophosaurs.

To optimize your resource gathering, tame a few early-game dinosaurs. A Parasaur is an excellent choice for beginners, as it can gather berries and thatch efficiently. Use bolas to immobilize the Parasaur, then knock it out with a slingshot or wooden club. Feed it berries to tame it. Once tamed, the Parasaur can help you gather resources faster and carry more items. Another useful early-game tame is the Trike, which is great for gathering wood and thatch. Taming a Trike requires more effort, but its resource-gathering capabilities are worth it.

As you progress, consider taming a Doedicurus for stone gathering and an Ankylosaurus for metal and flint. These creatures are more challenging to tame but will significantly boost your resource collection. Use a bola to immobilize the Doedicurus and knock it out with tranq arrows or a slingshot. For the Ankylosaurus, use a bola and tranq arrows, as it has high health and torpor. Once tamed, these dinosaurs can gather large amounts of resources quickly, allowing you to focus on other tasks.

When gathering resources, always be aware of your surroundings. Corrupted creatures are a constant threat on Extinction, and they can quickly overwhelm you if youÔÇÖre not prepared. Avoid venturing too far from your base without proper weapons or armor. Carry a spear or bow with arrows for self-defense, and always have a plan for retreating to safety.

A common mistake in the early game is overextending yourself. ItÔÇÖs easy to get caught up in exploring and gathering, but without a secure base and proper tools, you risk losing everything. Focus on building a solid foundation before venturing into more dangerous areas. Another mistake is neglecting to tame dinosaurs early on. While it may seem time-consuming, taming even a few basic creatures will save you time and effort in the long run.

For advanced players, consider setting up multiple small bases near resource-rich areas. This allows you to gather resources more efficiently and reduces the risk of losing everything if one base is destroyed. Use storage boxes to stockpile resources and create a network of safe zones across the map. Additionally, consider joining a tribe if youÔÇÖre playing on a multiplayer server. Tribes can share resources, tames, and responsibilities, making survival and progression much easier.

In summary, the key to successful resource gathering in the early stages of Extinction is preparation, efficiency, and caution. Start with basic tools and a small base, then gradually expand your operations by taming resource-gathering dinosaurs and exploring nearby areas. Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid taking unnecessary risks. With these strategies, youÔÇÖll be well-equipped to survive and thrive on the Extinction map.