Where are the best locations to farm metal on Extinction in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Farming metal on Extinction in ARK: Survival Evolved is a crucial activity for progression, as metal is used in crafting advanced tools, weapons, structures, and technology. ExtinctionÔÇÖs unique map design offers several high-yield metal farming locations, but it also presents challenges like dangerous creatures and environmental hazards. Below is a detailed guide to help you efficiently farm metal on Extinction.

The best locations for metal farming on Extinction are the Desert Biome, the Snow Biome, and the Sunken Forest. Each of these areas has rich metal nodes, but they come with their own risks and requirements. In the Desert Biome, metal nodes are scattered across the rocky terrain, often near the edges of the map. The Snow Biome has dense clusters of metal nodes, especially around the mountains and icy cliffs. The Sunken Forest, while less metal-rich than the other two, still offers a decent amount of metal nodes, particularly near the giant trees and elevated areas.

To farm metal effectively, you will need the right tools and dinosaurs. A high-quality metal pickaxe is essential for maximizing the amount of metal you gather per node. However, using dinosaurs like the Ankylosaurus or the Magmasaur is far more efficient. The Ankylosaurus has a natural bonus to harvesting metal, making it the best choice for solo players or small tribes. The Magmasaur, while harder to tame, can also harvest metal efficiently and has the added benefit of being able to smelt metal in its inventory, saving you time and resources.

Preparation is key before heading out to farm metal. Ensure you have a strong mount, preferably one with high health and stamina, as you may encounter hostile creatures like corrupted dinosaurs or wild predators. Bring along a weight-reducing dinosaur like a Paracer or a Brontosaurus to carry the metal back to your base. If you are farming in the Snow Biome, make sure to wear fur armor or use a otter to protect against the cold. In the Desert Biome, bring plenty of water and consider using a desert-climate-resistant mount like a Thorny Dragon.

When farming metal, focus on the larger, shiny metal nodes, as they yield the most resources. Use your Ankylosaurus or Magmasaur to break the nodes, and transfer the metal to your weight-reducing dinosaur. Be mindful of your surroundings, as corrupted creatures can spawn unexpectedly. If you are farming in the Snow Biome, watch out for Yetis and other aggressive creatures. In the Desert Biome, be cautious of Deathworms and other threats.

One common mistake is overloading your dinosaurs with metal, which can slow you down and make you vulnerable to attacks. Always keep an eye on your weight limit and make multiple trips if necessary. Another mistake is not bringing enough supplies, such as food, water, or repair materials for your tools. Running out of resources in a dangerous area can leave you stranded.

For advanced players, consider setting up a small outpost near your farming location. This can include a bed for respawning, storage boxes for temporary metal storage, and a forge to start smelting metal on-site. This reduces the need for multiple trips and increases efficiency. Additionally, using a Quetzal or a Tek Strider to transport large amounts of metal can save time and effort.

Tribe considerations are important when farming metal. In a tribe, you can assign roles to different members, such as one person gathering metal while another protects the group from threats. Using a platform saddle on a Brontosaurus or Paracer can allow multiple tribe members to gather and transport metal simultaneously. Solo players should focus on using a single, efficient dinosaur like the Ankylosaurus and avoid overextending themselves in dangerous areas.

In summary, farming metal on Extinction requires careful planning, the right tools and dinosaurs, and awareness of the dangers in each biome. By focusing on high-yield locations, using efficient harvesting methods, and preparing for potential threats, you can gather large amounts of metal to fuel your progression in ARK: Survival Evolved. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, these strategies will help you maximize your metal farming efficiency and ensure your survival in the harsh world of Extinction.