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 environment, which includes dangerous corrupted creatures, harsh weather, 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, and fiber. These are essential for crafting tools, weapons, and a basic shelter. Use your hands or a stone pickaxe to gather stone and flint from rocks, and a stone hatchet to collect wood from trees. Fiber can be gathered by hand from bushes. Prioritize crafting a pickaxe and hatchet as soon as possible, as they significantly increase your resource gathering efficiency.

Next, locate a safe area to build your initial base. The Sanctuary biome is the safest starting zone on Extinction, as it is free from corrupted creatures and has abundant resources. Build a small thatch or wood hut to store your items and protect yourself from the elements. As you progress, upgrade to stone structures for better durability.

Metal is a critical resource for crafting advanced tools and weapons. On Extinction, metal nodes can be found in the Sanctuary biome, particularly near the edges of the city. Use your pickaxe to gather metal from these nodes. Be cautious of nearby threats, as corrupted creatures can spawn in certain areas. Once you have enough metal, craft a metal pickaxe and hatchet for even better resource gathering.

To gather hide and meat, hunt small creatures like dodos, lystros, and phiomias. Use a spear or bow to take them down. Hide is essential for crafting armor and saddles, while meat will keep you fed. Cooking meat on a campfire will prevent it from spoiling quickly. If you encounter larger predators, avoid them until you have better weapons and armor.

Water is another important resource. On Extinction, water can be found in rivers and lakes within the Sanctuary biome. Craft a waterskin or water jar to store water for drinking and irrigation. Be mindful of your water levels, as dehydration can quickly become a problem.

As you gather resources, manage your inventory carefully. Prioritize essential items like tools, weapons, and food. Drop or store less important items to free up space. Building storage boxes or preserving bins can help you organize your resources and prevent spoilage.

When venturing outside the Sanctuary biome, be prepared for more dangerous environments. The Wasteland biome is filled with corrupted creatures and harsh weather conditions. Equip yourself with better armor and weapons before exploring this area. Bring plenty of food, water, and medical supplies to sustain yourself during long expeditions.

Taming dinosaurs can greatly enhance your resource gathering capabilities. Early-game tames like the Parasaur and Trike are excellent for gathering berries and thatch. Use bolas to immobilize smaller creatures and tranq arrows to knock out larger ones. Once tamed, these dinosaurs can carry more resources and help you gather them faster.

In terms of advanced techniques, consider setting up resource outposts in different biomes. These outposts can serve as staging areas for gathering specific resources. For example, set up a small base near metal-rich areas in the Wasteland to gather large quantities of metal. Use tamed dinosaurs to transport resources back to your main base.

Common mistakes to avoid include venturing into dangerous areas unprepared, overextending your inventory, and neglecting base defenses. Always scout new areas before committing to resource gathering, and be ready to retreat if necessary. Keep your base secure by building walls and placing defensive structures like spike walls.

For solo players, focus on taming dinosaurs that can gather and carry resources efficiently. Use their inventory to store items and reduce the need for multiple trips. For tribes, coordinate resource gathering efforts by assigning roles to each member. Some can focus on gathering, while others handle base building and defense.

In summary, early-stage resource gathering on Extinction requires careful planning and efficient use of tools and dinosaurs. Prioritize basic resources, build a secure base, and gradually expand your operations to more dangerous areas. By following these strategies, you can establish a strong foundation for survival and progression on the Extinction map.