Where can I find metal nodes in the early game on The Island in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Finding metal nodes in the early game on The Island in ARK: Survival Evolved is crucial for progressing beyond the basic stone tools and structures. Metal is a key resource used to craft advanced tools, weapons, and structures, making it essential for survival and progression. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to locate and gather metal efficiently in the early game.
First, itÔÇÖs important to understand where metal nodes are commonly found. On The Island, metal nodes are most abundant in mountainous and hilly regions. These areas are typically located in the northern and central parts of the map, such as the mountains near the Volcano, the Western Plains, and the area around the Red Obelisk. However, these regions are also home to dangerous predators like Carnotaurus, Raptors, and even the occasional Rex, so caution is necessary.
To begin your search for metal, youÔÇÖll need to prepare adequately. Start by crafting a pickaxe, which is essential for harvesting metal from nodes. A stone pickaxe will work, but a metal pickaxe is more efficient and yields more metal per node. YouÔÇÖll also want to bring a hatchet, as it can be used to gather additional resources like wood and thatch while youÔÇÖre out exploring. Additionally, pack some food, water, and basic tools like a bed or sleeping bag in case you need to respawn nearby.
When venturing into metal-rich areas, itÔÇÖs wise to bring a tamed dinosaur for protection and resource transportation. Early-game dinosaurs like the Trike or Parasaur can help carry resources, but a Raptor or Carnotaurus is better for defense. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, taming a pack of Dilophosaurs can provide additional protection. For tribes, coordinating with teammates to bring multiple dinosaurs can make the trip safer and more efficient.
Once youÔÇÖve reached a metal-rich area, look for large, shiny rocks with a metallic sheen. These are the metal nodes. Approach them and use your pickaxe to harvest them. Each node will yield metal, stone, and occasionally flint. Be sure to gather as much as you can, but keep an eye on your inventory weight. If youÔÇÖre using a dinosaur to carry resources, transfer the metal to its inventory to avoid becoming overencumbered.
One common mistake early players make is not bringing enough tools or backup supplies. Metal nodes can deplete quickly, and you may need to travel far to find more. Always bring extra tools and materials to repair them, as well as food and water to sustain yourself. Another mistake is underestimating the dangers of metal-rich areas. Always scout the area for predators before settling in to harvest, and be ready to flee or fight if necessary.
For advanced players, optimizing metal gathering can involve taming specific dinosaurs. An Ankylosaurus is the best dinosaur for harvesting metal, as it can gather large amounts quickly and efficiently. If youÔÇÖre in a tribe, assigning one member to tame and use an Ankylo can significantly speed up resource gathering. Additionally, setting up a small outpost near metal-rich areas with storage boxes and a bed can save time and reduce the risk of losing resources during travel.
Resource management is also key. Metal is heavy, so transporting it back to your base can be challenging. Using a dinosaur with high weight capacity, like a Trike or Mammoth, can help. Alternatively, you can smelt the metal into ingots on-site using a forge, which reduces its weight and makes it easier to transport. Building a forge near metal nodes can be a good strategy, especially if you plan to return to the area frequently.
In summary, finding and gathering metal in the early game on The Island requires preparation, caution, and efficient resource management. By equipping yourself with the right tools, bringing a tamed dinosaur for protection and transportation, and scouting dangerous areas carefully, you can successfully gather the metal needed to advance in the game. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, these strategies will help you secure this vital resource and progress toward more advanced technology and structures.
First, itÔÇÖs important to understand where metal nodes are commonly found. On The Island, metal nodes are most abundant in mountainous and hilly regions. These areas are typically located in the northern and central parts of the map, such as the mountains near the Volcano, the Western Plains, and the area around the Red Obelisk. However, these regions are also home to dangerous predators like Carnotaurus, Raptors, and even the occasional Rex, so caution is necessary.
To begin your search for metal, youÔÇÖll need to prepare adequately. Start by crafting a pickaxe, which is essential for harvesting metal from nodes. A stone pickaxe will work, but a metal pickaxe is more efficient and yields more metal per node. YouÔÇÖll also want to bring a hatchet, as it can be used to gather additional resources like wood and thatch while youÔÇÖre out exploring. Additionally, pack some food, water, and basic tools like a bed or sleeping bag in case you need to respawn nearby.
When venturing into metal-rich areas, itÔÇÖs wise to bring a tamed dinosaur for protection and resource transportation. Early-game dinosaurs like the Trike or Parasaur can help carry resources, but a Raptor or Carnotaurus is better for defense. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, taming a pack of Dilophosaurs can provide additional protection. For tribes, coordinating with teammates to bring multiple dinosaurs can make the trip safer and more efficient.
Once youÔÇÖve reached a metal-rich area, look for large, shiny rocks with a metallic sheen. These are the metal nodes. Approach them and use your pickaxe to harvest them. Each node will yield metal, stone, and occasionally flint. Be sure to gather as much as you can, but keep an eye on your inventory weight. If youÔÇÖre using a dinosaur to carry resources, transfer the metal to its inventory to avoid becoming overencumbered.
One common mistake early players make is not bringing enough tools or backup supplies. Metal nodes can deplete quickly, and you may need to travel far to find more. Always bring extra tools and materials to repair them, as well as food and water to sustain yourself. Another mistake is underestimating the dangers of metal-rich areas. Always scout the area for predators before settling in to harvest, and be ready to flee or fight if necessary.
For advanced players, optimizing metal gathering can involve taming specific dinosaurs. An Ankylosaurus is the best dinosaur for harvesting metal, as it can gather large amounts quickly and efficiently. If youÔÇÖre in a tribe, assigning one member to tame and use an Ankylo can significantly speed up resource gathering. Additionally, setting up a small outpost near metal-rich areas with storage boxes and a bed can save time and reduce the risk of losing resources during travel.
Resource management is also key. Metal is heavy, so transporting it back to your base can be challenging. Using a dinosaur with high weight capacity, like a Trike or Mammoth, can help. Alternatively, you can smelt the metal into ingots on-site using a forge, which reduces its weight and makes it easier to transport. Building a forge near metal nodes can be a good strategy, especially if you plan to return to the area frequently.
In summary, finding and gathering metal in the early game on The Island requires preparation, caution, and efficient resource management. By equipping yourself with the right tools, bringing a tamed dinosaur for protection and transportation, and scouting dangerous areas carefully, you can successfully gather the metal needed to advance in the game. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, these strategies will help you secure this vital resource and progress toward more advanced technology and structures.