What are the best resources to gather in the Volcano Biome on The Island in ARK: Survival Evolved?

The Volcano Biome on The Island in ARK: Survival Evolved is one of the most resource-rich areas in the game, but it is also one of the most dangerous. This biome is home to high concentrations of metal, crystal, obsidian, and sulfur, making it a prime location for advanced resource gathering. However, the area is filled with hostile creatures like Carnotaurus, Raptors, and even the occasional Rex, as well as environmental hazards such as extreme heat and lava. To gather resources efficiently in the Volcano Biome, you need to prepare thoroughly and follow a strategic approach.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the resources you can find in the Volcano Biome. Metal nodes are abundant here, often appearing in large clusters on the slopes of the volcano. These nodes yield a significant amount of metal, which is essential for crafting advanced tools, weapons, and structures. Crystal nodes are also plentiful, providing the crystal needed for electronics, spyglasses, and other high-tier items. Obsidian nodes, which are crucial for crafting polymer and other advanced materials, are scattered throughout the biome, often near the lava flows. Sulfur, another valuable resource used in crafting explosives and other items, can be found in smaller quantities but is still worth collecting.

To gather these resources effectively, you will need the right tools and dinosaurs. A metal pickaxe is essential for mining metal, crystal, and obsidian, while a metal hatchet is better for gathering sulfur. However, using dinosaurs like the Ankylosaurus for metal and crystal, and the Doedicurus for obsidian, will significantly increase your efficiency. The Ankylosaurus has a weight reduction for metal and crystal, making it ideal for transporting large quantities of these resources. The Doedicurus, on the other hand, is specialized for gathering stone and obsidian, and it also has a weight reduction for these materials. For sulfur, a Mantis with a high-quality pickaxe can be a good option, as it can gather sulfur quickly and efficiently.

Preparation is key before venturing into the Volcano Biome. Make sure you have a strong mount, such as a Rex, Spino, or Therizinosaurus, to protect you from the hostile creatures in the area. Additionally, bring plenty of food, water, and medical supplies, as the heat can drain your stamina and health quickly. Wearing desert armor or ghillie armor can help mitigate the heat, but be aware that ghillie armor offers less protection against attacks. ItÔÇÖs also a good idea to bring a few campfires or standing torches to cook food and provide warmth during the night, as temperatures can drop significantly.

When gathering resources, always be aware of your surroundings. The Volcano Biome is filled with dangerous creatures, and itÔÇÖs easy to get ambushed if youÔÇÖre not careful. Keep your mount close and be ready to fight or flee at a momentÔÇÖs notice. ItÔÇÖs also important to avoid the lava flows, as falling into lava will result in instant death and the loss of all your items. Stick to the higher ground and use your mountÔÇÖs abilities to navigate the terrain safely.

One common mistake players make is overloading their dinosaurs with resources. While itÔÇÖs tempting to gather as much as possible in one trip, overloading your mount will slow it down and make it more vulnerable to attacks. Instead, make multiple trips or use a Quetzal or Argentavis to transport resources back to your base. These flying dinosaurs can carry large amounts of weight and are less likely to be attacked by ground-based predators.

For advanced players, setting up a small outpost near the Volcano Biome can be a game-changer. This outpost can serve as a storage and crafting station, allowing you to process resources on-site and reduce the number of trips you need to make. Be sure to fortify your outpost with walls, turrets, and other defenses to protect it from hostile creatures and other players in PvP servers.

In terms of tribe considerations, working with a tribe can make resource gathering in the Volcano Biome much easier. Tribe members can help defend against predators, gather resources more quickly, and transport materials back to the base. Communication and coordination are key, so make sure everyone knows their role and is prepared for the dangers of the biome.

In conclusion, the Volcano Biome is a high-risk, high-reward area in ARK: Survival Evolved. By preparing thoroughly, using the right tools and dinosaurs, and staying vigilant, you can gather the valuable resources found here and use them to advance your survival and crafting capabilities. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or with a tribe, the Volcano Biome offers a challenging but rewarding experience for resource gathering.