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, such as Tek-tier equipment and structures. Element dust is a refined resource obtained by breaking down element shards or element itself, and it is primarily found in specific maps like Extinction, Genesis, and Genesis Part 2. Below is a detailed guide on how to efficiently farm element dust, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

Element dust is obtained by grinding element shards or element in a grinder. On Extinction, element shards can be harvested from corrupted nodes found in the wasteland biome or by defeating corrupted creatures. On Genesis and Genesis Part 2, element dust can be directly harvested from specific nodes or obtained as a reward from missions. The grinder is a key tool for this process, as it allows you to convert element shards or element into dust at a 1:1 ratio. For example, one element shard yields one element dust, and one full element yields 100 element dust.

To begin farming element dust, you will need to prepare adequately. First, ensure you have a grinder, which requires level 65 to unlock and craft. The grinder requires resources such as metal ingots, cementing paste, and electronics. Once you have a grinder, you will need a reliable method to gather element shards or element. On Extinction, this involves exploring the wasteland biome, which is filled with corrupted nodes and dangerous creatures. Bring a strong mount, such as a Rex or Giga, to defend yourself while harvesting. On Genesis and Genesis Part 2, you can focus on completing missions or harvesting specific nodes in the lunar biome or other resource-rich areas.

When farming element shards on Extinction, prioritize corrupted nodes, which are glowing purple rocks scattered across the wasteland. Use a high-damage pickaxe or a mining drill to maximize your yield. Be cautious of corrupted creatures, as they are aggressive and can overwhelm you if you are unprepared. Bringing a tribe member or a pack of tamed creatures can help you defend against these threats. On Genesis and Genesis Part 2, element dust nodes are often found in hazardous areas, so ensure you have appropriate gear, such as a Tek suit or hazard suit, to survive the environment.

One common mistake players make is underestimating the dangers of the wasteland or lunar biome. These areas are filled with high-level threats, and venturing in without proper preparation can lead to losing your gear or tames. Always bring backup supplies, such as medical brews and extra armor, to ensure you can survive unexpected encounters. Another mistake is not optimizing your harvesting tools. Using a primitive pickaxe will yield far less element dust compared to an ascendant pickaxe or mining drill, so invest in high-quality tools to maximize efficiency.

Advanced techniques for farming element dust include using specific tames to improve your yield. For example, a high-level Ankylosaurus with high melee damage can be used to harvest corrupted nodes more efficiently. Additionally, using a Tek suit on Genesis or Genesis Part 2 allows you to fly and quickly navigate between nodes or mission locations. If you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to cover more ground and defend each other while farming. Solo players should focus on staying mobile and avoiding large groups of enemies.

Resource requirements for farming element dust include a grinder, high-quality harvesting tools, and a strong mount or tames for defense. You will also need a base or outpost near the farming area to store your resources and repair your gear. On Extinction, setting up a small base near the wasteland can save time and reduce the risk of losing your loot. On Genesis and Genesis Part 2, consider using a Tek pod or teleporter to quickly return to your base after farming.

In summary, farming element dust requires careful preparation, efficient tools, and a solid strategy for navigating dangerous areas. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, prioritize safety and resource optimization to maximize your yield. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can gather the element dust needed to unlock the full potential of Tek-tier technology in ARK: Survival Evolved.