How do I locate and farm element shards in the Extinction map in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Element shards are a crucial resource in ARK: Survival Evolved, especially on the Extinction map. They are used to craft element, which is essential for advanced technology and boss fights. Locating and farming element shards requires a good understanding of the map, preparation, and strategy. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you efficiently farm element shards in Extinction.

Element shards are primarily found in the Wasteland biome, which is the central area of the Extinction map. This biome is dangerous, filled with hostile creatures like corrupted dinosaurs, so preparation is key. The shards are dropped by corrupted creatures, and they can also be harvested from corrupted nodes, which are glowing purple rocks scattered throughout the Wasteland. Additionally, element shards can be obtained by defeating the Orbital Supply Drops, which are marked by beams of light in the sky.

To start farming element shards, you need to prepare adequately. First, ensure you have a strong mount, such as a high-level Rex, Spino, or Giga. These creatures are essential for dealing with the corrupted dinosaurs that roam the Wasteland. Equip your mount with a good saddle to increase its durability and damage resistance. You should also bring along a flyer, like an Argentavis or a Wyvern, for quick escapes or to scout the area. Additionally, pack plenty of food, water, and medical supplies for yourself, as the Wasteland is a harsh environment.

Once youÔÇÖre prepared, head to the Wasteland biome. The best strategy is to focus on the corrupted nodes, as they provide a steady source of element shards. These nodes are scattered throughout the biome, but they are more concentrated near the edges of the city and around the edges of the Wasteland. Use your flyer to scout the area and locate clusters of nodes. When you find a node, dismount and use a pickaxe or a metal hatchet to harvest it. Each node will yield a few element shards, so youÔÇÖll need to harvest multiple nodes to gather a significant amount.

While harvesting nodes, be prepared to defend yourself against corrupted creatures. These creatures are aggressive and will attack on sight. Use your mount to fight them off, and try to avoid engaging large groups at once. If youÔÇÖre overwhelmed, retreat to a safe distance and regroup. ItÔÇÖs also a good idea to bring a tribe member or two to help with combat and harvesting, as farming element shards can be time-consuming and dangerous.

Another way to farm element shards is by defeating corrupted creatures. These creatures drop element shards when killed, and the amount varies depending on the creatureÔÇÖs size and level. Larger creatures, like corrupted Rexes or Spinos, drop more shards, but they are also more challenging to defeat. Focus on smaller creatures, like corrupted raptors or trikes, if youÔÇÖre farming solo or with a small group. Use your mount to deal damage while avoiding the creatureÔÇÖs attacks. After defeating the creature, collect the shards it drops.

Orbital Supply Drops are another excellent source of element shards. These drops are marked by beams of light in the sky and contain valuable loot, including element shards. However, they are heavily guarded by corrupted creatures, so youÔÇÖll need a strong team to defend the drop while you collect the loot. The higher the level of the drop, the more shards it will contain, but the enemies will also be tougher. Coordinate with your tribe to secure the drop and distribute the shards among your members.

When farming element shards, there are a few common mistakes to avoid. First, donÔÇÖt venture into the Wasteland unprepared. The corrupted creatures are dangerous, and without a strong mount and proper gear, youÔÇÖll quickly be overwhelmed. Second, donÔÇÖt ignore the corrupted nodes. While defeating creatures can yield shards, the nodes provide a more reliable and consistent source. Finally, donÔÇÖt farm alone if possible. Having a tribe or even just one other player can make the process much safer and more efficient.

For advanced players, there are a few optimizations you can make to improve your farming efficiency. First, consider using a Tek suit or Tek armor to increase your mobility and survivability in the Wasteland. The Tek suitÔÇÖs jetpack allows you to quickly move between nodes and escape dangerous situations. Second, use a high-level Ankylosaurus to harvest the corrupted nodes. The Ankylo has a high harvesting multiplier for rocks and can gather more shards per node than a pickaxe or hatchet. Finally, consider setting up a small outpost near the Wasteland to store your shards and resupply without having to travel back to your main base.

In terms of resource requirements, youÔÇÖll need a strong mount, a good saddle, and plenty of food and water. If youÔÇÖre farming with a tribe, coordinate your efforts to maximize efficiency. Assign roles, such as one player harvesting nodes while others defend against corrupted creatures. Communication is key to successful farming in the Wasteland.

In conclusion, farming element shards in Extinction requires preparation, strategy, and teamwork. Focus on corrupted nodes and smaller corrupted creatures for a steady supply of shards, and donÔÇÖt forget to take advantage of Orbital Supply Drops for larger hauls. Avoid common mistakes like venturing unprepared or ignoring nodes, and consider advanced techniques like using a Tek suit or Ankylo to optimize your farming. With the right approach, youÔÇÖll be able to gather plenty of element shards to fuel your advanced technology and boss fights in ARK: Survival Evolved.