How do I find and harvest element shards in Extinction in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Element shards are a crucial resource in ARK: Survival Evolved, especially on the Extinction map. They are used to craft element, which is essential for advanced technology and engrams. Finding and harvesting element shards requires preparation, strategy, and knowledge of the map. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you succeed.
Element shards are primarily found in the Wasteland biome of Extinction. This area is dangerous, with hostile creatures like corrupted dinosaurs and environmental hazards such as radiation. To harvest element shards, you need to locate and break open corrupted nodes, which are glowing purple crystals scattered across the Wasteland. These nodes can be harvested using tools like picks or dinos with harvesting abilities, such as the Ankylosaurus or the Mining Drill.
Before venturing into the Wasteland, you must prepare adequately. First, ensure you have a strong mount, such as a high-level Rex, Spino, or Giga, to protect you from corrupted creatures. A flyer like an Argentavis or Snow Owl can also be useful for scouting and escaping dangerous situations. Equip yourself with a good set of armor, preferably hazard gear to protect against radiation, and bring plenty of medical brews or food to sustain yourself. A high-quality pick or Mining Drill is essential for efficient harvesting.
When you enter the Wasteland, start by scouting the area for corrupted nodes. These nodes are often found near corrupted zones or around the edges of the biome. Be cautious of corrupted dinosaurs, as they are aggressive and can overwhelm you if youÔÇÖre not careful. Use your mount to clear the area of threats before dismounting to harvest the nodes. If youÔÇÖre using a dino like the Ankylosaurus, position it near the node and use its tail swipe attack to break the crystal and collect the shards.
One common mistake is underestimating the dangers of the Wasteland. Players often venture in without proper gear or mounts, leading to quick deaths and lost resources. Always bring backup supplies and consider traveling with a tribe member for added security. Another mistake is not bringing enough tools or dinos for harvesting. Running out of durability on your pick or having your Ankylosaurus die mid-harvest can set you back significantly.
For advanced players, optimizing your harvesting setup can yield better results. Using a Mining Drill with high melee damage can significantly increase the number of shards you collect. Additionally, taming and leveling a high-melee Ankylosaurus can make harvesting faster and more efficient. Some players also use Tek suits to navigate the Wasteland quickly and avoid ground threats, though this requires access to Tek engrams and resources.
Resource management is key when farming element shards. Ensure you have enough inventory space to carry the shards back to your base. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, consider setting up a small outpost near the Wasteland with storage and crafting stations to reduce travel time. For tribes, coordinating group efforts can make the process faster and safer. Assign roles, such as one player clearing threats while another focuses on harvesting.
In specific scenarios, you might encounter large groups of corrupted dinosaurs guarding clusters of nodes. In these cases, itÔÇÖs best to lure the creatures away or use hit-and-run tactics to thin their numbers before attempting to harvest. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, consider using traps or environmental hazards to your advantage. For example, leading corrupted creatures into a narrow canyon can make them easier to handle.
Finally, always be prepared for the unexpected. The Wasteland is unpredictable, and you may encounter other players or unforeseen threats. Keep an eye on your surroundings and have an escape plan ready. With the right preparation and strategy, you can efficiently farm element shards and progress further in ARK: Survival Evolved.
Element shards are primarily found in the Wasteland biome of Extinction. This area is dangerous, with hostile creatures like corrupted dinosaurs and environmental hazards such as radiation. To harvest element shards, you need to locate and break open corrupted nodes, which are glowing purple crystals scattered across the Wasteland. These nodes can be harvested using tools like picks or dinos with harvesting abilities, such as the Ankylosaurus or the Mining Drill.
Before venturing into the Wasteland, you must prepare adequately. First, ensure you have a strong mount, such as a high-level Rex, Spino, or Giga, to protect you from corrupted creatures. A flyer like an Argentavis or Snow Owl can also be useful for scouting and escaping dangerous situations. Equip yourself with a good set of armor, preferably hazard gear to protect against radiation, and bring plenty of medical brews or food to sustain yourself. A high-quality pick or Mining Drill is essential for efficient harvesting.
When you enter the Wasteland, start by scouting the area for corrupted nodes. These nodes are often found near corrupted zones or around the edges of the biome. Be cautious of corrupted dinosaurs, as they are aggressive and can overwhelm you if youÔÇÖre not careful. Use your mount to clear the area of threats before dismounting to harvest the nodes. If youÔÇÖre using a dino like the Ankylosaurus, position it near the node and use its tail swipe attack to break the crystal and collect the shards.
One common mistake is underestimating the dangers of the Wasteland. Players often venture in without proper gear or mounts, leading to quick deaths and lost resources. Always bring backup supplies and consider traveling with a tribe member for added security. Another mistake is not bringing enough tools or dinos for harvesting. Running out of durability on your pick or having your Ankylosaurus die mid-harvest can set you back significantly.
For advanced players, optimizing your harvesting setup can yield better results. Using a Mining Drill with high melee damage can significantly increase the number of shards you collect. Additionally, taming and leveling a high-melee Ankylosaurus can make harvesting faster and more efficient. Some players also use Tek suits to navigate the Wasteland quickly and avoid ground threats, though this requires access to Tek engrams and resources.
Resource management is key when farming element shards. Ensure you have enough inventory space to carry the shards back to your base. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, consider setting up a small outpost near the Wasteland with storage and crafting stations to reduce travel time. For tribes, coordinating group efforts can make the process faster and safer. Assign roles, such as one player clearing threats while another focuses on harvesting.
In specific scenarios, you might encounter large groups of corrupted dinosaurs guarding clusters of nodes. In these cases, itÔÇÖs best to lure the creatures away or use hit-and-run tactics to thin their numbers before attempting to harvest. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, consider using traps or environmental hazards to your advantage. For example, leading corrupted creatures into a narrow canyon can make them easier to handle.
Finally, always be prepared for the unexpected. The Wasteland is unpredictable, and you may encounter other players or unforeseen threats. Keep an eye on your surroundings and have an escape plan ready. With the right preparation and strategy, you can efficiently farm element shards and progress further in ARK: Survival Evolved.