What are the safest ways to gather resources in the Snow Biome on The Island in ARK: Survival Evolved?

The Snow Biome in ARK: Survival Evolved, located in the northwest region of The Island, is one of the most dangerous areas in the game due to its freezing temperatures, hostile creatures, and limited visibility during snowstorms. However, it is also rich in valuable resources like metal, crystal, obsidian, and organic polymer, making it a crucial area for mid-to-late-game progression. To gather resources safely in this biome, you need to prepare thoroughly and follow specific strategies.

First, you must address the cold. The Snow Biome has extreme temperatures that can quickly drain your health if you are not properly equipped. Crafting fur armor is essential, as it provides insulation against the cold. You can obtain fur by hunting creatures like mammoths, dire wolves, or yutyrannus. Alternatively, you can use a combination of other armor types with fortitude and consumables like fria curry or medical brews to mitigate the cold. Always carry a campfire or standing torch to warm up if needed.

Next, you need a reliable mount for resource gathering and protection. The best dinosaurs for the Snow Biome are those that can handle the cold and fend off predators. A high-level dire wolf or saber-tooth is excellent for gathering organic polymer from penguins and kairuku, as well as for defending against smaller threats. For larger threats like yetis or packs of wolves, a strong carnivore like a rex or spino is recommended. If you are gathering metal or obsidian, an ankylosaurus is ideal due to its high weight capacity and resource-gathering efficiency. Always bring a flyer like an argentavis or snow owl to transport heavy resources back to your base.

When gathering resources, plan your route carefully. The Snow Biome is filled with dangerous creatures like dire wolves, yetis, and purlovia, so avoid areas with high predator density. Stick to the edges of the biome or use elevated areas to minimize encounters. For example, the mountains in the Snow Biome are rich in metal and crystal, but they are also home to dangerous creatures. Use your flyer to scout the area and identify safe landing spots before bringing in your resource-gathering dinos.

Resource management is critical in the Snow Biome. Since the area is far from most starting locations, you need to maximize your efficiency. Bring a high-weight dino like a mammoth or argentavis to carry large amounts of resources. If you are solo, consider setting up a small outpost with a bed, storage, and preserving bin to store resources temporarily. For tribes, coordinate with your team to have one player gather while another protects and transports resources.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the cold, venturing too deep into the biome unprepared, and not bringing enough supplies. Always carry extra food, water, and medical supplies, as the cold can drain your stats quickly. Avoid traveling during snowstorms, as they reduce visibility and make navigation difficult. Additionally, do not leave your dinos unattended, as they can be overwhelmed by predators.

Advanced techniques include using a snow owl for its healing ability and thermal vision, which can help you spot predators in the snow. You can also use a cryopod to transport dinos quickly and safely. For tribes, consider building a small base with turrets to defend against hostile players or creatures.

In summary, gathering resources in the Snow Biome requires careful preparation, the right equipment, and a solid strategy. Focus on staying warm, using the right dinos, and planning your route to minimize risks. With proper preparation, the Snow Biome can become a valuable source of resources for your survival and progression in ARK: Survival Evolved.