How do I locate and harvest sap in the Crystal Isles map of ARK: Survival Evolved?

In ARK: Survival Evolved, sap is a valuable resource used in crafting various items, including tree platforms, kibble, and certain recipes. On the Crystal Isles map, sap can be harvested from specific trees using a few different methods. Below is a detailed guide on how to locate and harvest sap efficiently, including mechanics, strategies, and tips to optimize your efforts.

To begin, sap is primarily harvested from redwood trees, which are found in the Redwood Forest biome on Crystal Isles. These trees are tall and distinct, making them easy to identify. The most common method for harvesting sap is by using a Tree Sap Tap, which can be crafted at level 20. The Tree Sap Tap requires 15 wood, 25 thatch, 10 fiber, and 5 cementing paste to craft. Cementing paste can be obtained by combining chitin or keratin with stone in a mortar and pestle or by harvesting it from beaver dams or certain creatures like the Achatina.

Once you have crafted a Tree Sap Tap, you will need to place it on a redwood tree. To do this, approach a redwood tree and look for a flat surface on the trunk. The Tree Sap Tap can only be placed on these specific spots. After placing the tap, it will begin collecting sap over time. Each tap can hold up to 5 sap, and it takes approximately 30 minutes to fill. You can place multiple taps on different trees to increase your sap yield.

Another method for harvesting sap is by using a creature with the ability to gather resources from trees. The best creature for this task is the Beaver (Castoroides), which can harvest sap directly from redwood trees by attacking them. The Beaver also has a weight reduction for wood and other resources, making it an excellent choice for gathering sap and transporting it back to your base. If you do not have a Beaver, other creatures like the Therizinosaurus or the Mammoth can also harvest sap, though they are less efficient.

When harvesting sap, it is important to consider your surroundings. The Redwood Forest biome is home to dangerous creatures like Thylacoleos, which can ambush you from trees, and Carnotaurus, which roam the forest floor. Always be prepared with weapons, armor, and a tamed creature for protection. Additionally, the Redwood Forest is a popular area for other players, so be cautious of potential PvP encounters if you are on a PvP server.

One common mistake players make is not placing enough Tree Sap Taps. Since each tap only holds 5 sap and takes time to fill, placing multiple taps on different trees will significantly increase your sap yield. Another mistake is not protecting your taps. On PvP servers, other players can destroy your taps, so consider building a small enclosure or placing turrets nearby to defend them.

For advanced players, optimizing sap collection can involve using a combination of Tree Sap Taps and tamed creatures. For example, you can place taps on several trees and use a Beaver to harvest additional sap from other trees while the taps fill. This dual approach maximizes efficiency and ensures a steady supply of sap. Additionally, consider building a small outpost near the Redwood Forest to store resources and reduce travel time.

Resource management is crucial when harvesting sap. Ensure you have enough inventory space and weight capacity to carry the sap back to your base. If you are playing solo, consider using a tamed creature with high weight capacity, such as a Argentavis or a Quetzal, to transport large quantities of sap. If you are in a tribe, coordinate with your tribe members to divide tasks, such as placing taps, defending the area, and transporting resources.

In summary, harvesting sap on the Crystal Isles map involves crafting Tree Sap Taps, placing them on redwood trees, and using tamed creatures like Beavers to gather additional sap. Be mindful of the dangers in the Redwood Forest and protect your taps from other players if necessary. By following these strategies and tips, you can efficiently gather sap and use it for crafting and progression in ARK: Survival Evolved.