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

Farming crystal on Extinction in ARK: Survival Evolved is a crucial task for players looking to craft advanced items like electronics, scopes, and other high-tier equipment. Extinction, being a post-apocalyptic map, offers unique challenges and opportunities for resource gathering. Crystal is primarily found in specific biomes and locations, and understanding where and how to farm it efficiently is key to progressing in the game.

The best locations to farm crystal on Extinction are in the Snow Dome, the Desert Dome, and the Wasteland. Each of these areas has its own advantages and challenges. The Snow Dome is one of the most reliable spots for crystal farming. It is located in the northern part of the map and is filled with large crystal nodes that can be harvested using tools like a metal pick or a high-level Ankylosaurus. The Snow Dome is also home to dangerous creatures like Yutyrannus and Direwolves, so players need to be prepared for combat. Bringing a strong mount like a Rex or a Spino can help fend off these threats while you gather resources.

The Desert Dome, located in the southern part of the map, is another excellent location for crystal farming. This biome is filled with crystal nodes scattered across the rocky terrain. However, the Desert Dome is extremely hot, so players need to prepare with appropriate gear like Desert Cloth Armor or consume items like Cactus Broth to mitigate the heat. Additionally, the Desert Dome is home to aggressive creatures like Rock Elementals and Carnotaurus, so having a strong mount or a pack of tamed creatures is essential for survival.

The Wasteland, the central area of Extinction, also contains crystal nodes, though they are less abundant compared to the domes. The Wasteland is a dangerous area filled with corrupted creatures, so farming here requires extra caution. Players should bring a strong mount and be ready to defend themselves against waves of corrupted dinosaurs. The Wasteland is also prone to environmental hazards like meteor showers, so keeping an eye on the sky is crucial.

When farming crystal, using the right tools and dinosaurs can significantly increase efficiency. A metal pick is the basic tool for harvesting crystal, but using an Ankylosaurus is far more effective. Ankylosaurus has a high harvesting multiplier for crystal, making it the best choice for large-scale farming. Additionally, leveling up the Ankylosaurus's melee damage will further increase the amount of crystal harvested per node. For players who do not have an Ankylosaurus, a Mantis equipped with a metal pick can also be a good alternative, though it requires more preparation and resources.

Preparation is key when farming crystal on Extinction. Players should ensure they have enough food, water, and medical supplies to sustain themselves during long farming sessions. Bringing a high-level mount with good health and damage stats is essential for both resource gathering and defense. Additionally, having a flyer like an Argentavis or a Snow Owl can help transport large amounts of crystal back to your base quickly. For tribes, coordinating with multiple players can make the process faster and safer, as one player can focus on gathering while others defend against threats.

One common mistake players make is underestimating the dangers of the biomes where crystal is found. The Snow Dome and Desert Dome are filled with aggressive creatures, and the Wasteland is even more hazardous. Failing to bring a strong mount or adequate supplies can lead to death and loss of resources. Another mistake is not using the right tools or dinosaurs for harvesting. Using a stone pick or a low-level Ankylosaurus will result in significantly less crystal gathered, wasting time and effort.

Advanced techniques for crystal farming include using a Quetzal with a platform saddle to transport an Ankylosaurus. This allows players to fly to crystal nodes, harvest them quickly, and move on to the next location without worrying about ground-based threats. Another advanced strategy is to build a small outpost near crystal-rich areas. This outpost can serve as a safe haven for storing resources and respawning if you die. However, building in the Snow Dome or Desert Dome requires careful planning, as the environmental conditions can make it difficult to maintain a base.

In conclusion, farming crystal on Extinction requires careful preparation, the right tools and dinosaurs, and an understanding of the map's dangers. The Snow Dome and Desert Dome are the best locations for crystal farming, but players must be ready to face aggressive creatures and harsh environmental conditions. Using an Ankylosaurus or a Mantis with a metal pick will maximize efficiency, and bringing a strong mount or coordinating with a tribe can make the process safer and faster. By avoiding common mistakes and employing advanced techniques, players can gather large amounts of crystal to fuel their progression in ARK: Survival Evolved.