What are the best resources to gather in the Highlands Biome on Ragnarok in ARK: Survival Evolved?

The Highlands Biome on the Ragnarok map in ARK: Survival Evolved is one of the most resource-rich areas in the game, offering a variety of materials essential for survival and progression. This biome is characterized by its rolling green hills, large rock formations, and the presence of wild horses, sheep, and other creatures. It is also home to some of the best resource nodes in the game, making it a prime location for gathering. Below is a detailed guide on how to efficiently gather resources in the Highlands Biome, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

The Highlands Biome is particularly known for its abundance of metal, crystal, and obsidian. Metal nodes are scattered throughout the biome, often found on the sides of hills and near large rock formations. Crystal nodes are typically located in the same areas, often near cliffs or rocky outcrops. Obsidian is rarer but can be found in specific locations, usually near the tops of hills or mountains. Additionally, the Highlands Biome is a great place to gather organic polymer from the wild sheep (Ovis) that roam the area. These sheep can be killed for their mutton and organic polymer, which is a valuable resource for crafting advanced items.

To begin gathering resources in the Highlands Biome, you will need the right tools. A metal pickaxe and hatchet are essential for efficiently harvesting metal, crystal, and obsidian. If you are early in the game and do not yet have access to metal tools, stone tools will work, but they are much less efficient. It is also a good idea to bring a tamed dinosaur with high weight capacity, such as an Ankylosaurus for metal and crystal, or a Doedicurus for stone. These dinosaurs can carry large amounts of resources, allowing you to gather more in a single trip.

When gathering metal, look for the shiny, silver-colored nodes on the hillsides. These nodes are often clustered together, so you can gather a significant amount of metal in a short amount of time. Crystal nodes are similar in appearance but have a more translucent, glass-like look. They are often found near cliffs or rocky areas. Obsidian nodes are darker and have a more jagged appearance. They are less common than metal and crystal nodes, so you may need to search a bit more to find them. Once you locate a resource node, simply use your pickaxe or hatchet to harvest it. If you are using a tamed dinosaur, you can command it to attack the node, and it will automatically gather the resources for you.

One of the most important tips for gathering resources in the Highlands Biome is to be aware of your surroundings. The biome is home to a variety of dangerous creatures, including Allosaurus, Carnotaurus, and even the occasional Giganotosaurus. These predators can easily kill an unprepared player or tamed dinosaur, so it is important to stay vigilant. Always keep an eye out for threats and be ready to defend yourself or flee if necessary. It is also a good idea to bring a tamed dinosaur with high combat stats, such as a Rex or Spino, to protect you while you gather resources.

Another important consideration is weight management. Resources like metal and crystal are heavy, and it is easy to become over-encumbered if you are not careful. To avoid this, make sure to bring a dinosaur with high weight capacity, as mentioned earlier. You can also use a weight-reducing saddle, such as the one for the Argentavis, to carry more resources without becoming over-encumbered. If you are playing solo, you may need to make multiple trips to gather all the resources you need. However, if you are in a tribe, you can coordinate with other players to gather resources more efficiently. For example, one player can focus on gathering metal while another gathers crystal, and a third player can act as a guard to protect the group from predators.

One common mistake to avoid is gathering resources without a plan. The Highlands Biome is large, and it is easy to get lost or waste time searching for resource nodes. Before you start gathering, take some time to scout the area and identify the locations of the resource nodes you want to harvest. You can also use a map or GPS to mark the locations of resource nodes, making it easier to return to them later. Additionally, make sure to bring enough food, water, and tools to last for the duration of your gathering trip. Running out of supplies in the middle of a resource run can be frustrating and time-consuming.

For advanced players, there are several optimizations you can make to improve your resource gathering efficiency. One technique is to use a Quetzal with a platform saddle to transport large amounts of resources. You can load the Quetzal with an Ankylosaurus or Doedicurus and fly it to resource nodes, allowing you to gather and transport resources quickly and safely. Another optimization is to use a mining drill, which can be crafted with Tek Tier technology. The mining drill is extremely efficient at gathering resources, but it requires a significant amount of preparation and resources to craft.

In conclusion, the Highlands Biome on Ragnarok is an excellent location for gathering resources in ARK: Survival Evolved. By using the right tools, tamed dinosaurs, and strategies, you can efficiently gather metal, crystal, obsidian, and organic polymer. Always be aware of your surroundings and manage your weight carefully to avoid becoming over-encumbered. With proper planning and preparation, you can make the most of the resources available in the Highlands Biome and advance your survival and progression in the game.