What are the best locations to farm metal on The Island in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Farming metal on The Island in ARK: Survival Evolved is one of the most important tasks for mid to late-game progression. Metal is used to craft advanced tools, weapons, armor, and structures, making it a critical resource. The Island has several prime locations for metal farming, each with its own advantages and challenges. Below is a detailed guide on how to efficiently farm metal, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of metal farming. Metal nodes are large, shiny rocks that are typically found in mountainous or rocky areas. These nodes yield metal ore when harvested with tools like a pickaxe or a metal hatchet. However, the most efficient way to farm metal is by using a dinosaur with high melee damage, such as an Ankylosaurus. The Ankylosaurus has a special ability that allows it to gather metal ore at a much higher rate than tools, and it also reduces the weight of metal in its inventory, making it easier to transport large quantities.
One of the best locations for metal farming on The Island is the volcano in the northwest part of the map. The volcano is rich in metal nodes, and they respawn relatively quickly. To farm here, youÔÇÖll need to prepare by taming an Ankylosaurus and possibly a flying mount like an Argentavis or a Quetzal to transport the metal. The Argentavis is particularly useful because it can carry the Ankylosaurus, allowing you to quickly move between nodes and back to your base. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, this setup is essential for efficient farming. In a tribe, you can have one player fly the Argentavis while another operates the Ankylosaurus, speeding up the process.
Another excellent location is the mountain near the Red Obelisk. This area has a high concentration of metal nodes and is relatively easy to access. However, itÔÇÖs also a dangerous area due to the presence of predators like Carnotaurus and Raptors. Make sure to bring a strong mount for protection, such as a Rex or a Spino, and keep an eye out for threats. If youÔÇÖre farming solo, consider building a small outpost nearby with a smithy and a forge to process the metal on-site, reducing the need for multiple trips.
When farming metal, itÔÇÖs important to consider resource management. Metal ore is heavy, so youÔÇÖll need to plan your inventory carefully. If youÔÇÖre using an Ankylosaurus, its weight reduction for metal will help, but youÔÇÖll still need to make multiple trips if youÔÇÖre farming large quantities. To optimize this, you can use a Quetzal with a platform saddle to carry the Ankylosaurus and a forge, allowing you to smelt the metal while you farm. This advanced technique requires significant preparation, including taming a Quetzal and crafting the platform saddle, but it can greatly increase your efficiency.
Common mistakes to avoid include not bringing enough protection or not planning your inventory. Farming metal in dangerous areas without a strong mount or weapons can lead to losing your resources or even your dinosaurs. Additionally, failing to manage your inventory can result in wasted trips and lost time. Always bring enough food, water, and tools for repairs, and consider bringing a backup mount in case your primary one is killed.
For solo players, the key is to focus on efficiency and safety. Tame an Ankylosaurus and an Argentavis as soon as possible, and consider building a small outpost near your farming location. For tribes, coordination is crucial. Assign roles to each player, such as one person flying the transport mount and another operating the Ankylosaurus. This teamwork can significantly speed up the farming process.
In summary, farming metal on The Island requires careful planning and preparation. Focus on taming the right dinosaurs, choose the best locations, and manage your resources efficiently. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, these strategies will help you gather the metal you need to progress in ARK: Survival Evolved.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of metal farming. Metal nodes are large, shiny rocks that are typically found in mountainous or rocky areas. These nodes yield metal ore when harvested with tools like a pickaxe or a metal hatchet. However, the most efficient way to farm metal is by using a dinosaur with high melee damage, such as an Ankylosaurus. The Ankylosaurus has a special ability that allows it to gather metal ore at a much higher rate than tools, and it also reduces the weight of metal in its inventory, making it easier to transport large quantities.
One of the best locations for metal farming on The Island is the volcano in the northwest part of the map. The volcano is rich in metal nodes, and they respawn relatively quickly. To farm here, youÔÇÖll need to prepare by taming an Ankylosaurus and possibly a flying mount like an Argentavis or a Quetzal to transport the metal. The Argentavis is particularly useful because it can carry the Ankylosaurus, allowing you to quickly move between nodes and back to your base. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, this setup is essential for efficient farming. In a tribe, you can have one player fly the Argentavis while another operates the Ankylosaurus, speeding up the process.
Another excellent location is the mountain near the Red Obelisk. This area has a high concentration of metal nodes and is relatively easy to access. However, itÔÇÖs also a dangerous area due to the presence of predators like Carnotaurus and Raptors. Make sure to bring a strong mount for protection, such as a Rex or a Spino, and keep an eye out for threats. If youÔÇÖre farming solo, consider building a small outpost nearby with a smithy and a forge to process the metal on-site, reducing the need for multiple trips.
When farming metal, itÔÇÖs important to consider resource management. Metal ore is heavy, so youÔÇÖll need to plan your inventory carefully. If youÔÇÖre using an Ankylosaurus, its weight reduction for metal will help, but youÔÇÖll still need to make multiple trips if youÔÇÖre farming large quantities. To optimize this, you can use a Quetzal with a platform saddle to carry the Ankylosaurus and a forge, allowing you to smelt the metal while you farm. This advanced technique requires significant preparation, including taming a Quetzal and crafting the platform saddle, but it can greatly increase your efficiency.
Common mistakes to avoid include not bringing enough protection or not planning your inventory. Farming metal in dangerous areas without a strong mount or weapons can lead to losing your resources or even your dinosaurs. Additionally, failing to manage your inventory can result in wasted trips and lost time. Always bring enough food, water, and tools for repairs, and consider bringing a backup mount in case your primary one is killed.
For solo players, the key is to focus on efficiency and safety. Tame an Ankylosaurus and an Argentavis as soon as possible, and consider building a small outpost near your farming location. For tribes, coordination is crucial. Assign roles to each player, such as one person flying the transport mount and another operating the Ankylosaurus. This teamwork can significantly speed up the farming process.
In summary, farming metal on The Island requires careful planning and preparation. Focus on taming the right dinosaurs, choose the best locations, and manage your resources efficiently. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, these strategies will help you gather the metal you need to progress in ARK: Survival Evolved.