What are the most efficient ways to gather stone in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Gathering stone efficiently in ARK: Survival Evolved is crucial for building structures, crafting items, and progressing through the game. Stone is one of the most commonly used resources, and knowing how to gather it quickly can save you a lot of time and effort. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to gather stone efficiently, covering mechanics, strategies, tips, and more.

First, letÔÇÖs talk about the mechanics of gathering stone. Stone can be collected by hitting rocks with tools like a pickaxe or by using certain dinosaurs. When you hit a rock with a pickaxe, youÔÇÖll get stone, flint, and sometimes metal. Using a hatchet on a rock will yield more flint and less stone, so itÔÇÖs important to use the right tool for the job. Dinosaurs like the Doedicurus, Ankylosaurus, and Magmasaur are excellent for gathering stone. The Doedicurus, in particular, is highly efficient because it has a special ability that allows it to gather large amounts of stone quickly and reduces the weight of stone in its inventory.

To start gathering stone, youÔÇÖll need a pickaxe. Crafting a pickaxe requires wood, thatch, and stone, which you can gather by punching trees and rocks. Once you have a pickaxe, look for rocks in your surroundings. Rocks are abundant in most biomes, but some areas have larger clusters of rocks, making them more efficient for gathering. Mountains, riverbeds, and rocky outcrops are good places to start.

If youÔÇÖre playing solo, youÔÇÖll need to gather stone manually until you can tame a dinosaur that can help you. Taming a Doedicurus is a great goal because it will significantly speed up your stone gathering. To tame a Doedicurus, youÔÇÖll need to knock it out using tranquilizer arrows or darts and then feed it vegetables or kibble. Once tamed, the Doedicurus can gather stone by attacking rocks, and it will automatically harvest stone when set to wander near rocks.

For tribes, coordinating stone gathering can be more efficient. One player can focus on taming and using a Doedicurus, while others gather other resources or defend the base. Tribes can also set up mining outposts near large rock formations to streamline resource gathering. Having a dedicated storage area for stone near your mining site can save time and reduce the need for frequent trips back to your main base.

There are some important tips and considerations to keep in mind when gathering stone. First, always carry a backup pickaxe or tools in case your current one breaks. Stone gathering can wear down tools quickly, so having spares is essential. Second, be aware of your surroundings. Rocks are often found in dangerous areas, so make sure youÔÇÖre prepared to defend yourself against predators. Third, consider using a weight-reducing dinosaur like the Argentavis or Quetzal to transport large amounts of stone. These dinosaurs can carry heavy loads and make it easier to move stone from your mining site to your base.

Common mistakes to avoid include using the wrong tool for gathering stone. As mentioned earlier, using a hatchet on rocks will yield more flint and less stone, so always use a pickaxe. Another mistake is not taming a Doedicurus early enough. While itÔÇÖs possible to gather stone manually, taming a Doedicurus will save you a lot of time and effort in the long run. Additionally, avoid overloading yourself with stone. Stone is heavy, and carrying too much can slow you down or prevent you from moving at all. Use dinosaurs or storage containers to manage your stone efficiently.

Advanced techniques for gathering stone include using a Magmasaur, which can gather stone and metal at the same time. Magmasaurs are found in the volcanic regions of certain maps and require special taming methods. Another advanced technique is setting up a mining base near a large rock formation. This base can include storage containers, crafting stations, and defensive structures to protect your resources. You can also use a Quetzal with a platform saddle to create a mobile mining base, allowing you to gather stone from different locations without needing to return to your main base.

Resource requirements and preparation are important for efficient stone gathering. YouÔÇÖll need a pickaxe, backup tools, and possibly a taming setup for a Doedicurus or other stone-gathering dinosaurs. If youÔÇÖre setting up a mining base, youÔÇÖll need building materials like wood, thatch, and stone to construct storage containers and defensive structures. ItÔÇÖs also a good idea to bring food, water, and weapons to protect yourself while gathering stone.

In conclusion, gathering stone efficiently in ARK: Survival Evolved involves using the right tools, taming the right dinosaurs, and setting up efficient mining operations. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, focusing on these strategies will help you gather stone quickly and effectively. By avoiding common mistakes and using advanced techniques, you can optimize your stone gathering and make progress in the game more smoothly.