What are the best locations to farm stone in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Farming stone in ARK: Survival Evolved is a crucial part of the game, as stone is one of the most commonly used resources for crafting and building. Stone is used to create structures, tools, and weapons, making it essential for both early-game survival and late-game progression. To farm stone efficiently, you need to understand the mechanics, know the best locations, and use the right tools and dinosaurs. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you maximize your stone-gathering efforts.

First, letÔÇÖs talk about the mechanics of farming stone. Stone is primarily gathered by hitting rocks with tools like a pickaxe or by using certain dinosaurs. The pickaxe is the most basic tool for gathering stone, but it is not the most efficient. Using a metal pickaxe will yield more stone than a stone pickaxe, so upgrading your tools is important. However, the most efficient way to farm stone is by using dinosaurs like the Doedicurus, which is specifically designed for gathering stone. The Doedicurus has a special ability that allows it to roll into a ball and smash rocks, collecting large amounts of stone quickly. Other dinosaurs like the Ankylosaurus can also gather stone, but they are less efficient compared to the Doedicurus.

Now, letÔÇÖs discuss the best locations for farming stone. On The Island map, one of the most popular spots is the mountain regions, particularly around the volcano and the mountains in the northwest and northeast. These areas are rich in large rocks that yield a lot of stone. Another good location is the riverbanks, where you can find smaller rocks that are easier to gather early in the game. On other maps like Scorched Earth, the best locations are the rocky areas and canyons, while on Aberration, youÔÇÖll find stone in the fertile biome and around the edges of the map. Each map has its own unique stone-rich areas, so itÔÇÖs important to explore and find the best spots for your needs.

When farming stone, preparation is key. Make sure you have the right tools and dinosaurs. If youÔÇÖre using a pickaxe, bring multiple tools in case one breaks. If youÔÇÖre using a Doedicurus, make sure it has enough weight capacity to carry the stone, as stone is heavy and can quickly fill up your inventory. ItÔÇÖs also a good idea to bring a weight-reducing dinosaur like a Argentavis or a Quetzal to help transport the stone back to your base. Additionally, consider setting up a temporary base or storage near the farming location to reduce the time spent traveling back and forth.

One common mistake players make is not using the right tools or dinosaurs for the job. Using a pickaxe instead of a Doedicurus will significantly slow down your stone-gathering process. Another mistake is not managing inventory weight properly. Stone is heavy, and if you donÔÇÖt have a plan for transporting it, youÔÇÖll end up making multiple trips, which is time-consuming. To avoid this, always bring a weight-reducing dinosaur or set up a temporary storage solution near the farming area.

For advanced techniques, consider using a Quetzal with a platform saddle to carry your Doedicurus to the farming location. This allows you to quickly move between different stone-rich areas without having to walk your dinosaur across the map. You can also use a whip to gather stone from rocks more efficiently, as the whip can collect resources from multiple rocks at once. Additionally, using a mining drill in late-game can yield large amounts of stone quickly, but this requires advanced technology and resources.

In terms of tribe and solo considerations, farming stone is generally easier in a tribe because you can divide tasks among members. For example, one player can focus on gathering stone while another transports it back to the base. In solo play, youÔÇÖll need to manage everything yourself, so efficiency is key. Make sure you have a well-trained Doedicurus and a good transport dinosaur to minimize the time spent on farming.

Finally, letÔÇÖs look at a specific example. On The Island map, the volcano is one of the best locations for farming stone. To farm here, first tame a Doedicurus and level up its weight and melee damage. Then, fly to the volcano using an Argentavis or Quetzal and start gathering stone. Use the Doedicurus to smash the large rocks, and use the Argentavis or Quetzal to carry the stone back to your base. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, consider setting up a small storage box near the volcano to store the stone temporarily, reducing the number of trips you need to make.

In conclusion, farming stone in ARK: Survival Evolved requires the right tools, dinosaurs, and locations. By using a Doedicurus, preparing properly, and choosing the best farming spots, you can gather stone efficiently and keep your base well-supplied. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, these strategies will help you maximize your stone-gathering efforts and progress smoothly in the game.