Where can I find gas veins on the Extinction map in ARK: Survival Evolved?

In ARK: Survival Evolved, gas veins are a crucial resource on the Extinction map, as they provide gas, which is essential for crafting advanced items like gas bags, tek structures, and other high-tier equipment. Gas veins are unique to the Extinction map and are found in specific locations, primarily in the Wasteland biome. Understanding how to locate, harvest, and utilize gas veins is vital for progressing in the game, especially for players aiming to craft tek-tier items or survive in the harsh environments of Extinction.

Gas veins are large, glowing green nodes that emit a toxic gas cloud. These veins are stationary and can be harvested using a tek suit, a gas collector, or a tek stryder. The gas collector is the most common method for harvesting gas, as it is relatively easy to craft and does not require advanced tek-tier equipment. To craft a gas collector, you will need 50 metal ingots, 20 cementing paste, 10 electronics, and 10 polymer. Once crafted, the gas collector can be placed near a gas vein to passively collect gas over time. The tek stryder, a late-game creature, can also harvest gas veins directly, but it requires significant preparation and resources to tame and use effectively.

To locate gas veins, head to the Wasteland biome, which is the central area of the Extinction map. Gas veins are scattered throughout this biome, often near the edges of the desert or close to the domed city. The Wasteland is a dangerous area, filled with hostile creatures like corrupted dinosaurs, so it is essential to prepare before venturing out. Bring a strong mount, such as a rex or a giga, to protect yourself from threats. Additionally, wearing a gas mask or a full set of hazard gear is necessary to avoid taking damage from the toxic gas emitted by the veins.

Once you have located a gas vein, place your gas collector nearby. The collector will automatically begin harvesting gas, but it has a limited capacity, so you will need to return periodically to empty it. Each gas collector can hold up to 100 units of gas, and it takes approximately 10 minutes to fill completely. To optimize gas collection, consider placing multiple collectors around a single vein or setting up a small outpost nearby to store resources and protect your equipment. Be cautious of other players in PvP servers, as gas veins are valuable and may attract raiders.

A common mistake players make is underestimating the dangers of the Wasteland biome. The corrupted creatures in this area are highly aggressive and can quickly overwhelm unprepared survivors. Always bring a strong mount and plenty of supplies, including food, water, and medical brews. Another mistake is placing gas collectors too close to each other, which can cause them to interfere with each other's collection rates. Space them out evenly around the vein to maximize efficiency.

For advanced players, using a tek stryder can significantly improve gas collection. The tek stryder is a versatile creature that can harvest gas veins directly and store large amounts of gas. However, taming a tek stryder requires a tek bow and element shards, which are late-game resources. Once tamed, the tek stryder can be equipped with a resource harvester attachment to automate gas collection. This method is ideal for tribes with access to tek-tier technology, as it allows for large-scale gas farming with minimal effort.

In solo play, gas collection can be more challenging due to the need to defend yourself and your equipment. Consider building a small, fortified outpost near a gas vein to store resources and protect your collectors. Use turrets or plant species X to deter hostile creatures and other players. In tribe play, coordinating with your tribe members to set up multiple collectors and defend the area can greatly increase your gas output.

In summary, gas veins are a vital resource on the Extinction map, and harvesting them requires careful preparation and strategy. Locate gas veins in the Wasteland biome, use gas collectors or a tek stryder to harvest gas, and protect yourself from the dangers of the area. Avoid common mistakes like underestimating the Wasteland's threats or placing collectors too close together. Advanced players can optimize gas collection with tek-tier equipment, while solo players should focus on building secure outposts. With the right approach, gas veins can provide a steady supply of gas to fuel your progression in ARK: Survival Evolved.