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 golden or silver appearance, and they are primarily found in mountainous or rocky areas. Below is a detailed guide on locating and farming metal efficiently.
The best locations for metal nodes on The Island are the mountains and high-altitude regions. The most popular spots include the volcano in the center of the map, the mountain in the northwest (known as the Frozen Tooth), the mountain in the northeast (known as the FarÔÇÖs Peak), and the smaller hills scattered across the map. The volcano is particularly rich in metal, with dozens of nodes clustered together, making it the most efficient location for farming. However, these areas are also dangerous, as they are often populated by aggressive creatures like Carnotaurus, Raptors, and even the occasional Rex.
To farm metal effectively, you will need the right tools and preparation. Start by crafting a metal pick, as it yields more metal per node compared to a stone pick. If you are early in the game and do not yet have access to metal tools, use a stone pick to gather small amounts of metal from river rocks or lower-risk areas. Once you have enough metal, prioritize upgrading to a metal pick and an Ankylosaurus, a dinosaur that specializes in harvesting metal. The Ankylosaurus can gather large amounts of metal quickly and is highly recommended for efficient farming.
When venturing into mountainous areas, always bring a strong mount for protection. A high-level Carnotaurus, Rex, or even a pack of Raptors can help fend off predators. If you are solo, consider taming a flying mount like an Argentavis, which can carry the Ankylosaurus to metal-rich locations and transport the harvested metal back to your base. Argentavis also has a weight reduction for metal, making it an excellent choice for resource transportation.
Base location is another important consideration. If you plan to farm metal regularly, consider building a small outpost near a mountain or the volcano. This outpost should include storage boxes, a bed for respawning, and a forge to smelt the metal into ingots. Smelting metal requires charcoal, which can be obtained by burning wood in a campfire or forge, and sparkpowder, made from flint and stone. Always carry enough resources to repair your tools and weapons, as they will degrade quickly during extended farming sessions.
One common mistake is overloading yourself or your mount with metal, which can slow you down and make you vulnerable to attacks. To avoid this, use weight-reducing dinos like the Argentavis or a Paraceratherium with a platform saddle and storage boxes. Another mistake is venturing into dangerous areas unprepared. Always scout the area first, clear out any threats, and ensure you have a safe escape route.
For advanced players, consider setting up an industrial forge and a metal farming base near the volcano. This allows for faster smelting and reduces the need for frequent trips. Additionally, using a Quetzal with a platform saddle to carry an Ankylosaurus can significantly increase your farming efficiency, as you can hover over metal nodes and harvest them without dismounting.
In a tribe setting, coordination is key. Assign roles such as gathering, transportation, and defense to maximize efficiency. For example, one player can focus on harvesting metal with an Ankylosaurus, while another uses an Argentavis to transport the metal back to base. A third player can act as a guard, protecting the group from predators or rival players in PvP servers.
In summary, the best locations for metal nodes on The Island are the volcano and the major mountains. Use a metal pick or an Ankylosaurus for efficient harvesting, and always bring a strong mount for protection. Build a small outpost near metal-rich areas to reduce travel time, and consider using weight-reducing dinos like the Argentavis for transportation. Avoid overloading and always be prepared for threats. With proper preparation and strategy, you can gather large amounts of metal to fuel your progression in ARK: Survival Evolved.
The best locations for metal nodes on The Island are the mountains and high-altitude regions. The most popular spots include the volcano in the center of the map, the mountain in the northwest (known as the Frozen Tooth), the mountain in the northeast (known as the FarÔÇÖs Peak), and the smaller hills scattered across the map. The volcano is particularly rich in metal, with dozens of nodes clustered together, making it the most efficient location for farming. However, these areas are also dangerous, as they are often populated by aggressive creatures like Carnotaurus, Raptors, and even the occasional Rex.
To farm metal effectively, you will need the right tools and preparation. Start by crafting a metal pick, as it yields more metal per node compared to a stone pick. If you are early in the game and do not yet have access to metal tools, use a stone pick to gather small amounts of metal from river rocks or lower-risk areas. Once you have enough metal, prioritize upgrading to a metal pick and an Ankylosaurus, a dinosaur that specializes in harvesting metal. The Ankylosaurus can gather large amounts of metal quickly and is highly recommended for efficient farming.
When venturing into mountainous areas, always bring a strong mount for protection. A high-level Carnotaurus, Rex, or even a pack of Raptors can help fend off predators. If you are solo, consider taming a flying mount like an Argentavis, which can carry the Ankylosaurus to metal-rich locations and transport the harvested metal back to your base. Argentavis also has a weight reduction for metal, making it an excellent choice for resource transportation.
Base location is another important consideration. If you plan to farm metal regularly, consider building a small outpost near a mountain or the volcano. This outpost should include storage boxes, a bed for respawning, and a forge to smelt the metal into ingots. Smelting metal requires charcoal, which can be obtained by burning wood in a campfire or forge, and sparkpowder, made from flint and stone. Always carry enough resources to repair your tools and weapons, as they will degrade quickly during extended farming sessions.
One common mistake is overloading yourself or your mount with metal, which can slow you down and make you vulnerable to attacks. To avoid this, use weight-reducing dinos like the Argentavis or a Paraceratherium with a platform saddle and storage boxes. Another mistake is venturing into dangerous areas unprepared. Always scout the area first, clear out any threats, and ensure you have a safe escape route.
For advanced players, consider setting up an industrial forge and a metal farming base near the volcano. This allows for faster smelting and reduces the need for frequent trips. Additionally, using a Quetzal with a platform saddle to carry an Ankylosaurus can significantly increase your farming efficiency, as you can hover over metal nodes and harvest them without dismounting.
In a tribe setting, coordination is key. Assign roles such as gathering, transportation, and defense to maximize efficiency. For example, one player can focus on harvesting metal with an Ankylosaurus, while another uses an Argentavis to transport the metal back to base. A third player can act as a guard, protecting the group from predators or rival players in PvP servers.
In summary, the best locations for metal nodes on The Island are the volcano and the major mountains. Use a metal pick or an Ankylosaurus for efficient harvesting, and always bring a strong mount for protection. Build a small outpost near metal-rich areas to reduce travel time, and consider using weight-reducing dinos like the Argentavis for transportation. Avoid overloading and always be prepared for threats. With proper preparation and strategy, you can gather large amounts of metal to fuel your progression in ARK: Survival Evolved.