Where is the best location to find metal nodes on The Island in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Finding metal nodes on The Island in ARK: Survival Evolved is crucial for progression, as metal is one of the most important resources for crafting advanced tools, weapons, and structures. Metal nodes are large, shiny rocks with a distinct golden or silver appearance, and they are primarily found in mountainous or rocky areas. Below is a detailed guide on locating and farming metal efficiently.
The best locations for metal nodes on The Island are concentrated in specific regions. The most notable areas include the mountains in the northwest, the volcano in the center of the map, and the smaller hills scattered across the island. The northwest mountain, located near the snow biome, is one of the richest areas for metal. The volcano is another excellent spot, as it has a high density of metal nodes, but it is also dangerous due to the presence of predators like Carnotaurus and Raptors. Smaller hills, such as those near the Red Obelisk or the Hidden Lake, also contain metal nodes, though in smaller quantities.
To farm metal effectively, you will need the right tools and preparation. A metal pickaxe is the best tool for harvesting metal, as it yields more metal per node compared to a stone pickaxe. However, if you are early in the game and do not yet have access to metal tools, a stone pickaxe will suffice. Bring a strong dinosaur to carry the metal, as it is heavy and can quickly fill your inventory. Ankylosaurus is the best dinosaur for farming metal, as it has a weight reduction for metal and can harvest large amounts efficiently. If you do not have an Ankylosaurus, a pack animal like a Parasaur or Trike can help carry the metal, though they are less efficient.
When heading to metal-rich areas, always be prepared for danger. Predators are common in these regions, so bring weapons like a crossbow or a pike for defense. If you are traveling with a dinosaur, ensure it is strong enough to handle threats. A tamed Carnotaurus or Raptor can help protect you while farming. Additionally, consider building a small outpost near the metal nodes to store your resources and respawn if you die. This outpost should have basic defenses like walls and a bed.
One common mistake is not bringing enough carrying capacity. Metal is heavy, and without a dinosaur to help carry it, you will quickly become over-encumbered. Another mistake is underestimating the dangers of metal-rich areas. Always scout the area before farming to ensure it is safe. Advanced players can optimize their farming by using an Argentavis or Quetzal to transport an Ankylosaurus to the metal nodes. This allows you to harvest and carry large amounts of metal quickly. Additionally, using a mining drill in late-game can significantly increase your metal yield, though it requires gasoline to operate.
For solo players, farming metal can be challenging due to the weight and dangers involved. Focus on taming an Ankylosaurus as soon as possible to make the process easier. For tribes, coordination is key. Assign roles, such as one player scouting for threats while another farms the metal. Tribes can also build metal farming outposts with forges to smelt the metal on-site, reducing the need to transport raw metal back to the main base.
In summary, the best locations for metal nodes on The Island are the northwest mountain, the volcano, and smaller hills. Use a metal pickaxe or an Ankylosaurus to harvest metal efficiently, and always be prepared for predators. Avoid common mistakes like not bringing enough carrying capacity or underestimating the dangers of the area. Advanced techniques include using flying dinosaurs to transport Ankylosaurus or using a mining drill for late-game farming. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, proper preparation and strategy will ensure you gather metal effectively and safely.
The best locations for metal nodes on The Island are concentrated in specific regions. The most notable areas include the mountains in the northwest, the volcano in the center of the map, and the smaller hills scattered across the island. The northwest mountain, located near the snow biome, is one of the richest areas for metal. The volcano is another excellent spot, as it has a high density of metal nodes, but it is also dangerous due to the presence of predators like Carnotaurus and Raptors. Smaller hills, such as those near the Red Obelisk or the Hidden Lake, also contain metal nodes, though in smaller quantities.
To farm metal effectively, you will need the right tools and preparation. A metal pickaxe is the best tool for harvesting metal, as it yields more metal per node compared to a stone pickaxe. However, if you are early in the game and do not yet have access to metal tools, a stone pickaxe will suffice. Bring a strong dinosaur to carry the metal, as it is heavy and can quickly fill your inventory. Ankylosaurus is the best dinosaur for farming metal, as it has a weight reduction for metal and can harvest large amounts efficiently. If you do not have an Ankylosaurus, a pack animal like a Parasaur or Trike can help carry the metal, though they are less efficient.
When heading to metal-rich areas, always be prepared for danger. Predators are common in these regions, so bring weapons like a crossbow or a pike for defense. If you are traveling with a dinosaur, ensure it is strong enough to handle threats. A tamed Carnotaurus or Raptor can help protect you while farming. Additionally, consider building a small outpost near the metal nodes to store your resources and respawn if you die. This outpost should have basic defenses like walls and a bed.
One common mistake is not bringing enough carrying capacity. Metal is heavy, and without a dinosaur to help carry it, you will quickly become over-encumbered. Another mistake is underestimating the dangers of metal-rich areas. Always scout the area before farming to ensure it is safe. Advanced players can optimize their farming by using an Argentavis or Quetzal to transport an Ankylosaurus to the metal nodes. This allows you to harvest and carry large amounts of metal quickly. Additionally, using a mining drill in late-game can significantly increase your metal yield, though it requires gasoline to operate.
For solo players, farming metal can be challenging due to the weight and dangers involved. Focus on taming an Ankylosaurus as soon as possible to make the process easier. For tribes, coordination is key. Assign roles, such as one player scouting for threats while another farms the metal. Tribes can also build metal farming outposts with forges to smelt the metal on-site, reducing the need to transport raw metal back to the main base.
In summary, the best locations for metal nodes on The Island are the northwest mountain, the volcano, and smaller hills. Use a metal pickaxe or an Ankylosaurus to harvest metal efficiently, and always be prepared for predators. Avoid common mistakes like not bringing enough carrying capacity or underestimating the dangers of the area. Advanced techniques include using flying dinosaurs to transport Ankylosaurus or using a mining drill for late-game farming. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, proper preparation and strategy will ensure you gather metal effectively and safely.