What are the best strategies for farming metal in the Highlands on the Ragnarok map in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Farming metal in the Highlands on the Ragnarok map in ARK: Survival Evolved is one of the most efficient ways to gather large amounts of metal early and mid-game. The Highlands biome is rich in metal nodes, which are scattered across the rocky hills and cliffs. To maximize your metal farming efficiency, you need to understand the mechanics, prepare properly, and use the right strategies.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics. Metal nodes in the Highlands appear as large, shiny rocks with a golden or silver tint. These nodes yield a significant amount of metal when harvested with the right tools or creatures. The most efficient way to farm metal is by using a creature with high melee damage and weight capacity, such as an Ankylosaurus. The Ankylosaurus has a natural bonus to harvesting metal, making it the ideal choice for this task. Alternatively, you can use a Mantis with a high-quality pickaxe, but this is less efficient and more resource-intensive.
To begin farming metal, you need to prepare. First, tame an Ankylosaurus. This can be done by knocking it out with tranquilizer arrows or darts and feeding it vegetables or kibble. Once tamed, level up its melee damage and weight capacity to improve its harvesting efficiency and carrying capacity. You should also bring a flying mount, such as an Argentavis, to transport the Ankylosaurus and carry the metal back to your base. The Argentavis has a weight reduction for metal, making it an excellent choice for this role.
Next, scout the Highlands for metal nodes. The best areas are the rocky hills near the Viking Bay and the cliffs surrounding the Highlands. These areas are densely populated with metal nodes. Once you locate a cluster of nodes, dismount your Argentavis and use the Ankylosaurus to harvest the metal. The AnkylosaurusÔÇÖs tail swipe attack will break the nodes quickly, yielding a large amount of metal. Be sure to keep an eye on the AnkylosaurusÔÇÖs weight, as it can become encumbered quickly. When it reaches its weight limit, transfer the metal to the Argentavis, which can carry more due to its weight reduction.
One important tip is to bring a refining forge or a smelting setup nearby. Metal ore is heavy, and refining it into metal ingots reduces its weight significantly. If you have the resources, consider building a small outpost with a forge in the Highlands. This allows you to smelt the metal on-site and transport the lighter ingots back to your base. Additionally, always be aware of your surroundings. The Highlands are home to dangerous creatures like Allosaurus and Direwolves, which can pose a threat while farming. Keep your mounts on neutral or aggressive to defend against attacks.
A common mistake is overloading your Ankylosaurus or Argentavis. If either creature becomes encumbered, it will move slowly, making it vulnerable to predators. Always monitor their weight and transfer resources as needed. Another mistake is not bringing enough tools or backup mounts. If your Ankylosaurus or Argentavis dies, youÔÇÖll need a replacement to continue farming. Always have a backup plan.
For advanced players, consider using a Quetzal with a platform saddle. You can build a mobile base on the Quetzal, complete with forges and storage, allowing you to farm and smelt metal on the go. This method is highly efficient but requires significant resources and preparation. Additionally, using a Tek Stryder with a mining drill attachment is an end-game option for farming metal, but this requires access to Tek-tier technology.
In terms of tribe versus solo considerations, farming metal in the Highlands is manageable solo but becomes much more efficient with a tribe. A tribe can assign roles, such as one player harvesting with the Ankylosaurus while another transports with the Argentavis. This division of labor speeds up the process and allows for larger hauls. Solo players should focus on optimizing their setup and being cautious of threats.
In summary, farming metal in the Highlands on Ragnarok involves taming an Ankylosaurus, using an Argentavis for transport, and locating metal-rich areas. Prepare by leveling your creatures, bringing a forge, and staying alert for predators. Avoid overloading your mounts and consider advanced techniques like using a Quetzal or Tek Stryder for maximum efficiency. With the right strategy, you can gather vast amounts of metal to fuel your progression in ARK: Survival Evolved.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics. Metal nodes in the Highlands appear as large, shiny rocks with a golden or silver tint. These nodes yield a significant amount of metal when harvested with the right tools or creatures. The most efficient way to farm metal is by using a creature with high melee damage and weight capacity, such as an Ankylosaurus. The Ankylosaurus has a natural bonus to harvesting metal, making it the ideal choice for this task. Alternatively, you can use a Mantis with a high-quality pickaxe, but this is less efficient and more resource-intensive.
To begin farming metal, you need to prepare. First, tame an Ankylosaurus. This can be done by knocking it out with tranquilizer arrows or darts and feeding it vegetables or kibble. Once tamed, level up its melee damage and weight capacity to improve its harvesting efficiency and carrying capacity. You should also bring a flying mount, such as an Argentavis, to transport the Ankylosaurus and carry the metal back to your base. The Argentavis has a weight reduction for metal, making it an excellent choice for this role.
Next, scout the Highlands for metal nodes. The best areas are the rocky hills near the Viking Bay and the cliffs surrounding the Highlands. These areas are densely populated with metal nodes. Once you locate a cluster of nodes, dismount your Argentavis and use the Ankylosaurus to harvest the metal. The AnkylosaurusÔÇÖs tail swipe attack will break the nodes quickly, yielding a large amount of metal. Be sure to keep an eye on the AnkylosaurusÔÇÖs weight, as it can become encumbered quickly. When it reaches its weight limit, transfer the metal to the Argentavis, which can carry more due to its weight reduction.
One important tip is to bring a refining forge or a smelting setup nearby. Metal ore is heavy, and refining it into metal ingots reduces its weight significantly. If you have the resources, consider building a small outpost with a forge in the Highlands. This allows you to smelt the metal on-site and transport the lighter ingots back to your base. Additionally, always be aware of your surroundings. The Highlands are home to dangerous creatures like Allosaurus and Direwolves, which can pose a threat while farming. Keep your mounts on neutral or aggressive to defend against attacks.
A common mistake is overloading your Ankylosaurus or Argentavis. If either creature becomes encumbered, it will move slowly, making it vulnerable to predators. Always monitor their weight and transfer resources as needed. Another mistake is not bringing enough tools or backup mounts. If your Ankylosaurus or Argentavis dies, youÔÇÖll need a replacement to continue farming. Always have a backup plan.
For advanced players, consider using a Quetzal with a platform saddle. You can build a mobile base on the Quetzal, complete with forges and storage, allowing you to farm and smelt metal on the go. This method is highly efficient but requires significant resources and preparation. Additionally, using a Tek Stryder with a mining drill attachment is an end-game option for farming metal, but this requires access to Tek-tier technology.
In terms of tribe versus solo considerations, farming metal in the Highlands is manageable solo but becomes much more efficient with a tribe. A tribe can assign roles, such as one player harvesting with the Ankylosaurus while another transports with the Argentavis. This division of labor speeds up the process and allows for larger hauls. Solo players should focus on optimizing their setup and being cautious of threats.
In summary, farming metal in the Highlands on Ragnarok involves taming an Ankylosaurus, using an Argentavis for transport, and locating metal-rich areas. Prepare by leveling your creatures, bringing a forge, and staying alert for predators. Avoid overloading your mounts and consider advanced techniques like using a Quetzal or Tek Stryder for maximum efficiency. With the right strategy, you can gather vast amounts of metal to fuel your progression in ARK: Survival Evolved.