How do I find and harvest element shards in the Extinction map of ARK: Survival Evolved?

Element shards are a crucial resource in the Extinction map of ARK: Survival Evolved, as they are used to craft element, which is essential for advanced technology and boss fights. Finding and harvesting element shards requires careful planning, preparation, and execution. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this effectively.

Element shards are primarily found in the Wasteland biome of the Extinction map. This biome is dangerous, filled with hostile creatures like corrupted dinosaurs, which are stronger and more aggressive than their regular counterparts. The shards themselves are obtained by harvesting corrupted nodes, which are large, glowing purple crystals scattered throughout the Wasteland. These nodes can be harvested using tools like a pickaxe or a mining drill, but the most efficient method is to use a strong dinosaur with high melee damage, such as a Rex, Giga, or Ankylosaurus.

To begin, youÔÇÖll need to prepare for the dangers of the Wasteland. Equip yourself with strong armor, weapons, and plenty of healing items. Bring a high-level dinosaur with good health and damage output, as corrupted creatures will attack you on sight. A Rex or Giga is ideal for combat, while an Ankylosaurus is excellent for harvesting the nodes due to its high melee damage and weight reduction for metal and stone. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, consider taming a pack of strong creatures like Allosaurus or Carnotaurus to help with combat.

Once youÔÇÖre prepared, head to the Wasteland biome. The corrupted nodes are easy to spot due to their glowing purple appearance. They are often found near corrupted zones or in open areas of the biome. When you locate a node, clear the area of any corrupted creatures before starting to harvest. Use your dinosaur to attack the node, and it will drop element shards along with other resources like metal and crystal. Be cautious, as harvesting the node will attract nearby corrupted creatures, so be ready to defend yourself.

One important tip is to bring a high-weight dinosaur or a pack animal like a Paracer or Argentavis to carry the shards. Element shards are heavy, and youÔÇÖll quickly become over-encumbered if you try to carry them yourself. Additionally, consider setting up a small outpost near the Wasteland with storage and crafting stations to process the shards into element. This will save you time and reduce the risk of losing resources during transport.

A common mistake is underestimating the dangers of the Wasteland. Corrupted creatures deal significant damage and can overwhelm you if youÔÇÖre not prepared. Always scout the area before harvesting and avoid engaging large groups of enemies. Another mistake is not bringing enough supplies. The Wasteland is far from safe zones, so make sure you have plenty of food, water, and ammunition before venturing out.

For advanced players, consider using a Tek suit or Tek weapons to increase your efficiency and survivability in the Wasteland. Tek armor provides excellent protection and mobility, while Tek rifles can quickly dispatch corrupted creatures. Additionally, using a Quetzal or a platform saddle on a large dinosaur can allow you to transport more resources and set up mobile harvesting stations.

Resource requirements for this task include strong armor, weapons, and tools, as well as a high-level dinosaur for combat and harvesting. YouÔÇÖll also need a way to transport the shards, such as a pack animal or a flying mount. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to cover more ground and defend each other during harvesting. Solo players should focus on taming strong dinosaurs and setting up safe zones to minimize risks.

In summary, harvesting element shards in the Extinction map requires careful preparation, strong dinosaurs, and a good understanding of the Wasteland biome. By following these strategies and avoiding common mistakes, you can efficiently gather element shards and progress in the game. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, the key is to stay vigilant and adapt to the challenges of the environment.