What are the best spots to farm metal on Ragnarok in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Farming metal on Ragnarok in ARK: Survival Evolved is one of the most important tasks for mid to late-game progression. Metal is essential for crafting advanced tools, weapons, armor, and structures, making it a highly sought-after resource. Ragnarok, being one of the largest and most resource-rich maps in ARK, offers several excellent locations for metal farming. Below is a detailed guide on how to efficiently farm metal on Ragnarok, covering mechanics, strategies, and tips.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of metal farming. Metal nodes are large, shiny rocks that are typically found in mountainous or rocky areas. These nodes yield metal ore when harvested with tools like a pickaxe or a metal-harvesting dinosaur such as an Ankylosaurus. The Ankylosaurus is the most efficient creature for farming metal due to its high metal yield and weight reduction for metal ore. Additionally, using a metal pickaxe or a high-level Ankylosaurus with melee damage leveled up will significantly increase the amount of metal you can gather.

One of the best spots to farm metal on Ragnarok is the Highlands area, specifically around the mountains near the Viking Bay region. This area is rich in metal nodes and is relatively safe compared to other metal-rich locations. Another excellent spot is the Volcano, which is densely packed with metal nodes. However, the Volcano is more dangerous due to the presence of aggressive creatures like Carnotaurus and Raptors, so be prepared for combat. The Desert area also has a good amount of metal nodes, but the extreme heat and dangerous creatures like Wyverns make it a challenging location for solo players or small tribes.

To farm metal efficiently, youÔÇÖll need to prepare properly. Start by taming an Ankylosaurus, as it is the best dinosaur for metal farming. Level up its melee damage to increase the amount of metal it can harvest per swing. YouÔÇÖll also want to bring a flying mount like an Argentavis or a Wyvern to carry the Ankylosaurus and transport the metal back to your base. Argentavis is particularly useful because it has a weight reduction for metal, making it easier to transport large quantities. Additionally, bring a few preserving bins or a refrigerator to store the metal ore, as it spoils over time.

When farming metal, always scout the area first to ensure itÔÇÖs safe. Clear out any hostile creatures before you start harvesting. Once the area is secure, use your Ankylosaurus to harvest the metal nodes. After gathering the metal, load it onto your flying mount and return to your base. If youÔÇÖre farming in a dangerous area like the Volcano, consider building a small outpost nearby with storage and a bed for respawning in case of emergencies.

One common mistake players make is overloading their Ankylosaurus or flying mount with too much metal, causing them to become encumbered and unable to move. To avoid this, always keep an eye on the weight limit of your dinosaurs and distribute the metal between multiple creatures if necessary. Another mistake is not bringing enough supplies, such as food, water, and weapons, especially when farming in dangerous areas. Always prepare for the worst-case scenario.

For advanced players, consider using a Quetzal with a platform saddle to transport your Ankylosaurus. This allows you to farm metal in hard-to-reach areas and carry more metal in a single trip. You can also use a Tek Transmitter to quickly teleport large amounts of metal back to your base, but this requires access to Tek Tier technology.

In terms of tribe considerations, farming metal is much easier with a group. One player can focus on harvesting while others provide protection or transport the metal. Solo players should prioritize safety and efficiency, using tamed creatures to maximize their metal yield and minimize risk.

In conclusion, farming metal on Ragnarok requires careful planning and preparation. Focus on taming an Ankylosaurus and a flying mount, scout the area for safety, and avoid overloading your dinosaurs. By following these strategies, you can efficiently gather the metal needed to progress in ARK: Survival Evolved.