How do I locate and harvest sulfur in the Extinction map of ARK: Survival Evolved?

Locating and harvesting sulfur in the Extinction map of ARK: Survival Evolved requires a good understanding of the map's unique biomes and the mechanics involved in resource gathering. Sulfur is a valuable resource used in crafting explosives, which are essential for raiding or defending bases in PvP scenarios. In Extinction, sulfur is primarily found in the Desert Biome, which is one of the most dangerous areas on the map due to its harsh environment and hostile creatures. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to locate and harvest sulfur effectively.

First, you need to prepare for the journey to the Desert Biome. This biome is located in the southwestern part of the Extinction map. Before heading there, ensure you have the necessary equipment and resources. You will need a strong mount, such as a Rock Elemental or a high-level Carnotaurus, to navigate the dangerous terrain and fend off predators. Additionally, bring plenty of water, food, and medical supplies to survive the extreme heat and potential combat situations. A good set of armor, such as Desert Cloth or Ghillie, is also recommended to mitigate the heat and reduce your visibility to hostile creatures.

Once you arrive in the Desert Biome, you will notice large yellow sulfur nodes scattered across the landscape. These nodes are easily identifiable by their bright yellow color and crystalline appearance. To harvest sulfur, you will need a pickaxe or a creature with high melee damage, such as a Doedicurus or Ankylosaurus. Using a pickaxe is the most straightforward method, but it is slower and less efficient compared to using a tamed creature. If you are using a creature, make sure it has high melee damage and weight capacity to carry the sulfur back to your base.

When harvesting sulfur, be cautious of the surrounding environment. The Desert Biome is home to dangerous creatures like Rock Elementals, Deathworms, and Wyverns, which can easily overwhelm an unprepared player. Always keep an eye on your surroundings and be ready to defend yourself or retreat if necessary. ItÔÇÖs also a good idea to bring a flying mount, such as an Argentavis or a Snow Owl, to scout the area and escape quickly if needed.

One common mistake players make is underestimating the dangers of the Desert Biome. Many players venture into the area without proper preparation and end up losing their tames or resources. To avoid this, always scout the area beforehand and plan your route carefully. Additionally, avoid harvesting sulfur during sandstorms, as visibility is severely reduced, and the risk of encountering hostile creatures increases.

For advanced players, optimizing sulfur harvesting can involve using a Quetzal with a platform saddle and a Doedicurus or Ankylosaurus. This setup allows you to transport your harvesting creature to the sulfur nodes quickly and efficiently. You can also use a Tek Suit to fly around the Desert Biome and harvest sulfur nodes without the need for a mount, but this requires access to advanced technology and resources.

Resource management is crucial when harvesting sulfur. Since sulfur is heavy, you will need to manage your inventory and your mountÔÇÖs weight carefully. Consider bringing a Paracer or a Brontosaurus with a platform saddle to act as a mobile storage unit. This will allow you to gather large quantities of sulfur without having to make multiple trips back to your base.

If you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to maximize efficiency. Assign roles such as scouting, harvesting, and defense to ensure a smooth operation. Solo players should focus on being self-sufficient and prepared for any situation, as they wonÔÇÖt have the backup of a tribe.

In summary, locating and harvesting sulfur in the Extinction map requires careful preparation, a strong mount, and awareness of the dangers in the Desert Biome. By following these strategies and avoiding common mistakes, you can efficiently gather sulfur and use it to craft powerful explosives for your survival and progression in ARK: Survival Evolved.