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

The Jungle Biome on The Center 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. Gathering resources efficiently in this biome requires a good understanding of the environment, the creatures that inhabit it, and the tools or dinosaurs that can help you maximize your resource collection. Below is a detailed guide on how to gather the best resources in the Jungle Biome, including strategies, tips, and considerations.

The Jungle Biome is densely populated with trees, rocks, and plants, making it an excellent location for gathering wood, thatch, fiber, and stone. However, it is also home to dangerous predators like Carnotaurus, Raptors, and Titanoboas, so preparation is key. To start, you will need basic tools such as a pickaxe, hatchet, and sickle. These tools will allow you to gather resources from rocks, trees, and bushes. For more efficient gathering, consider taming dinosaurs like the Beaver (Castoroides) for wood, the Doedicurus for stone, and the Therizinosaurus for fiber, thatch, and wood. These creatures can significantly speed up your resource collection and reduce the risk of being attacked by predators.

When gathering wood, focus on the large trees scattered throughout the jungle. Using a hatchet or a tamed Beaver will yield the most wood, while a pickaxe or Therizinosaurus will provide more thatch. For stone, look for the large boulders in the area. A pickaxe or Doedicurus will give you the best results. Fiber can be collected from the bushes using a sickle or Therizinosaurus. The Jungle Biome also has a good amount of metal nodes, which are essential for crafting advanced tools and structures. Metal nodes are typically found on hills or rocky outcrops. Use a pickaxe or Ankylosaurus to gather metal efficiently.

One of the most important resources in the Jungle Biome is crystal, which is used for crafting advanced items like spyglasses, scuba gear, and electronics. Crystal nodes are often found in caves or on cliffs. Be cautious when gathering crystal, as these areas are usually guarded by dangerous creatures. A tamed Ankylosaurus is highly recommended for gathering crystal, as it can carry a large amount and has a high damage output to defend itself.

Another valuable resource in the Jungle Biome is rare flowers and mushrooms. These can be found in the swampy areas of the jungle and are used for crafting certain recipes and taming specific creatures. Rare flowers can be gathered from the cattail plants in the swamp, while rare mushrooms are found in the red mushrooms growing on the ground. A sickle or Therizinosaurus is the best tool for harvesting these resources.

When gathering resources in the Jungle Biome, always be aware of your surroundings. The dense foliage can make it difficult to spot predators, so it is important to have a tamed dinosaur for protection. Carnivores like the Sabertooth or Raptor are good choices for guarding you while you gather resources. Additionally, consider building a small outpost or storage area near your resource-gathering spots to reduce the need for frequent trips back to your main base.

A common mistake players make is venturing into the Jungle Biome unprepared. Always bring enough food, water, and medical supplies, as well as weapons and armor to defend yourself. It is also a good idea to have a bed or sleeping bag nearby in case you die and need to respawn quickly. Another mistake is overloading your inventory or dinosaur with resources, which can slow you down and make you an easy target for predators. Use weight-reducing dinosaurs like the Argentavis or Quetzal to transport large amounts of resources safely.

For advanced players, consider setting up a resource-gathering outpost in the Jungle Biome. This can include storage boxes, preserving bins, and crafting stations to process resources on-site. You can also use a tamed Quetzal with a platform saddle to create a mobile base, allowing you to gather and store resources without needing to return to your main base. Additionally, using a tamed Megatherium in the Jungle Biome can be highly effective, as it gains a buff when killing insects, making it a powerful gatherer and combatant in the area.

In conclusion, the Jungle Biome on The Center map is a treasure trove of resources, but it requires careful planning and preparation to gather them efficiently. By using the right tools and dinosaurs, staying aware of your surroundings, and avoiding common mistakes, you can maximize your resource collection and thrive in this dangerous but rewarding environment. Whether you are playing solo or as part of a tribe, the Jungle Biome offers endless opportunities for survival and progression in ARK: Survival Evolved.