How do I find and harvest sap from redwood trees in ARK: Survival Evolved?

To harvest sap from redwood trees in ARK: Survival Evolved, you need to use a specific tool called a Tree Sap Tap. Sap is a valuable resource used in crafting various items, such as recipes, dyes, and certain advanced structures. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to find and harvest sap effectively.

First, you need to craft a Tree Sap Tap. To do this, you must unlock the engram at level 20, which requires 12 engram points. The crafting recipe for a Tree Sap Tap includes 15 wood, 20 thatch, 10 fiber, and 4 stone. Once you have the materials, craft the tap at a Smithy or your inventory. You will need one Tree Sap Tap for each redwood tree you want to harvest sap from.

Next, locate redwood trees. These trees are found in the Redwood Forest biome, which is present on several maps, including The Island, Ragnarok, and Valguero. Redwood trees are massive and easy to spot due to their towering height and unique appearance. Once you find a redwood tree, you need to place the Tree Sap Tap on it. To do this, approach the tree and look for a flat surface on the trunk. The game will prompt you to place the tap when you are in the correct position. Once placed, the tap will start collecting sap over time.

Sap collection is passive, meaning you do not need to actively harvest it. Each Tree Sap Tap will produce sap at a rate of approximately one unit every 20 minutes. The tap can hold up to five units of sap before it needs to be emptied. To collect the sap, simply interact with the tap and transfer the sap to your inventory. ItÔÇÖs a good idea to place multiple taps on different trees to maximize sap production.

When placing Tree Sap Taps, consider the location carefully. Redwood trees are often home to dangerous creatures like Thylacoleos, which can ambush you from the branches. To avoid these threats, itÔÇÖs wise to bring a tamed creature for protection. Flyers like Argentavis or Pteranodons are excellent choices for quick escapes, while ground mounts like Carnotaurus or Sabertooths can help fend off predators. Additionally, building a small platform or treehouse near your taps can provide a safe spot to monitor sap collection and store resources.

One common mistake is placing taps too close to the ground, where they can be easily destroyed by wild creatures or other players in PvP. To avoid this, place taps higher up on the tree trunk, out of reach of most ground-based threats. Another mistake is forgetting to check taps regularly, which can lead to wasted sap if the tap reaches its maximum capacity. Set a timer or make it part of your routine to check taps every hour or so.

For advanced players, consider using a tamed Beaver or Mammoth to gather wood and thatch more efficiently when crafting multiple Tree Sap Taps. These creatures have weight reduction for wood and thatch, making resource gathering faster and easier. Additionally, if you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your tribe members to place and monitor taps across a wide area. This ensures a steady supply of sap without overburdening any single player.

In solo play, focus on placing taps in a secure area where you can easily monitor them. Building a small outpost with storage boxes and a bed can help you manage sap collection more effectively. If you are playing on a PvP server, consider placing hidden taps in less frequented areas of the Redwood Forest to avoid detection by enemy tribes.

In summary, harvesting sap from redwood trees involves crafting Tree Sap Taps, placing them on redwood trees, and collecting the sap over time. Use tamed creatures for protection, place taps high on the tree trunk, and check them regularly to maximize efficiency. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, careful planning and resource management will ensure a steady supply of sap for your crafting needs.