What are the best spots to farm element dust in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Farming element dust in ARK: Survival Evolved is a crucial activity for players looking to craft advanced items and structures, especially in the late game. Element dust is a refined resource obtained by breaking down element shards or element itself, and it is used in various high-tier recipes. The best spots to farm element dust depend on the map you are playing on, as each map has unique locations and methods for obtaining it. Below is a detailed guide on how to farm element dust efficiently, covering mechanics, strategies, and tips.

Element dust is primarily obtained by grinding element shards or element in a grinder. Element shards are found in specific maps like Extinction, while element itself is typically obtained from boss fights or tek creatures. On Extinction, element shards are abundant in the wasteland biome, particularly around the edges of the map and near the city. These shards can be harvested using a pickaxe, chainsaw, or a high-level creature with good harvesting capabilities, such as a Mantis with a pickaxe attachment or a Doedicurus. Once you have element shards, you can place them in a grinder to convert them into element dust. Each shard yields 100 element dust, making this a highly efficient method.

For players on other maps, such as The Island or Ragnarok, element dust is harder to come by. In these cases, the best way to obtain it is by defeating tek creatures, which drop element upon death. Tek creatures include creatures like the Tek Parasaur, Tek Raptor, and Tek Rex. These creatures can be found in specific spawn locations, often in high-level areas or near obelisks. Once you defeat a tek creature, you can harvest the element it drops and grind it into dust. This method is more time-consuming and requires preparation, as tek creatures are often strong and require good gear or tamed creatures to defeat.

Preparation is key when farming element dust. On Extinction, you will need a strong harvesting tool or creature to efficiently gather element shards. A high-level Doedicurus or Mantis with a pickaxe attachment is ideal for this task. You should also bring a grinder with you or have one set up at your base to process the shards into dust. For tek creatures, you will need strong weapons, armor, and tamed creatures to handle the fight. A high-level Rex or Spino is recommended for taking down tek creatures, and you should bring plenty of ammunition or healing items to ensure success.

One common mistake players make is not bringing enough resources or preparation when farming element dust. On Extinction, the wasteland biome is dangerous, with hostile creatures and environmental hazards like radiation. It is important to bring hazard gear or a gas mask to protect yourself from radiation, as well as strong tamed creatures to defend against hostile wildlife. For tek creatures, underestimating their strength can lead to failure, so always approach these fights with caution and proper preparation.

Advanced techniques for farming element dust include using a dedicated farming base near resource-rich areas. On Extinction, setting up a small outpost near the wasteland biome can save time and resources, allowing you to quickly gather shards and process them into dust. You can also use a tek transmitter to quickly transport large amounts of shards or dust to your main base. For tek creatures, using a trap to immobilize them can make the fight much easier. Building a trap with stone or metal structures and luring the creature into it can give you a significant advantage.

Tribe considerations are also important when farming element dust. In a tribe, you can divide tasks among members, with some focusing on gathering shards or fighting tek creatures while others handle processing and storage. This can greatly increase efficiency and allow you to farm larger quantities of dust in less time. Solo players will need to be more self-sufficient, so it is important to plan your farming trips carefully and ensure you have all the necessary tools and resources before heading out.

In conclusion, farming element dust in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning and preparation. On Extinction, the wasteland biome is the best spot to gather element shards, while on other maps, defeating tek creatures is the primary method. Using strong tamed creatures, proper gear, and advanced techniques like traps or farming bases can greatly improve your efficiency. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, understanding the mechanics and strategies involved will help you gather the element dust you need for advanced crafting and progression.