Where are the best locations to farm crystal on Scorched Earth in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Farming crystal on Scorched Earth in ARK: Survival Evolved requires a good understanding of the map's layout, resource distribution, and the tools or creatures needed to gather crystal efficiently. Crystal is a crucial resource used in crafting advanced items like electronics, spyglasses, and various structures, so knowing where to find it and how to farm it effectively is essential for progression. Below is a detailed guide to help you locate and farm crystal on Scorched Earth.
Crystal on Scorched Earth is primarily found in mountainous and rocky regions, often in areas with high elevation. Unlike other maps, Scorched Earth has a more limited distribution of crystal nodes, so knowing the best locations is key. The most reliable spots for crystal farming are the mountains in the northwest and northeast parts of the map. The northwest mountain, near the Obelisk, is one of the best locations, as it has multiple crystal nodes scattered across its slopes. The northeast mountain, near the desert biome, also has a decent amount of crystal, though it is slightly more dangerous due to the presence of predators like Carnotaurus and Rock Elementals.
To farm crystal effectively, you will need the right tools and creatures. A metal pickaxe is the most basic tool for gathering crystal, but it is not the most efficient. Using a creature like an Ankylosaurus or a Mantis with a high-quality pick is far more effective. Ankylosaurus is particularly useful because it has a weight reduction for crystal, allowing you to carry more before becoming encumbered. If you do not have access to an Ankylosaurus, a Doedicurus can also be used, though it is less efficient for crystal farming. For advanced players, a Mantis equipped with a high-quality pick can yield even more crystal per node, but this requires taming and equipping the Mantis, which can be challenging.
Preparation is crucial before heading out to farm crystal. Make sure you have a strong mount, preferably one with high weight and stamina, to carry the resources and navigate the terrain. Bring plenty of water and food, as Scorched Earth's heat can quickly drain your character's stats. Additionally, consider bringing a flyer like an Argentavis or a Wyvern to transport the crystal back to your base, as carrying large amounts on foot can be risky. If you are farming in a dangerous area, bring weapons and armor to defend yourself against predators.
When farming crystal, always prioritize safety. Scorched Earth is home to many dangerous creatures, including Rock Elementals, which can spawn near crystal nodes. Rock Elementals are particularly dangerous because they are resistant to most attacks and can deal massive damage. If you encounter one, it is best to avoid it or lure it away from the crystal nodes before engaging. Additionally, be mindful of your surroundings, as falling from high elevations can be fatal. Always keep an eye on your mount's stamina, especially if you are using a flyer, as running out of stamina mid-flight can lead to disaster.
One common mistake players make is overloading their mount or themselves with crystal, leading to encumbrance and slow movement. To avoid this, always monitor your weight and consider making multiple trips if necessary. Another mistake is not bringing enough supplies, such as water or healing items, which can leave you vulnerable to the harsh environment. Finally, avoid farming crystal during sandstorms, as visibility is reduced, and your stamina will drain faster, making it harder to escape danger.
For advanced players, optimizing crystal farming can involve setting up a small outpost near the farming location. This outpost can include storage boxes, a bed for respawning, and a taming pen for creatures like Ankylosaurus or Mantis. This setup allows you to store crystal on-site and reduce the number of trips back to your main base. Additionally, using a Quetzal with a platform saddle can be a game-changer, as it allows you to transport large amounts of crystal and even carry an Ankylosaurus to the farming location.
Tribe considerations are also important when farming crystal. If you are part of a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to maximize efficiency. One player can focus on gathering crystal while another provides protection or transports resources. Solo players, on the other hand, need to be more cautious and plan their trips carefully to avoid getting overwhelmed by the environment or predators.
In summary, farming crystal on Scorched Earth requires careful planning, the right tools and creatures, and a good understanding of the map's dangers. Focus on the northwest and northeast mountains, use an Ankylosaurus or Mantis for efficient gathering, and always prioritize safety. Avoid common mistakes like overloading or underestimating the environment, and consider advanced techniques like setting up an outpost or using a Quetzal for transportation. With these strategies, you can gather crystal efficiently and progress in your Scorched Earth adventure.
Crystal on Scorched Earth is primarily found in mountainous and rocky regions, often in areas with high elevation. Unlike other maps, Scorched Earth has a more limited distribution of crystal nodes, so knowing the best locations is key. The most reliable spots for crystal farming are the mountains in the northwest and northeast parts of the map. The northwest mountain, near the Obelisk, is one of the best locations, as it has multiple crystal nodes scattered across its slopes. The northeast mountain, near the desert biome, also has a decent amount of crystal, though it is slightly more dangerous due to the presence of predators like Carnotaurus and Rock Elementals.
To farm crystal effectively, you will need the right tools and creatures. A metal pickaxe is the most basic tool for gathering crystal, but it is not the most efficient. Using a creature like an Ankylosaurus or a Mantis with a high-quality pick is far more effective. Ankylosaurus is particularly useful because it has a weight reduction for crystal, allowing you to carry more before becoming encumbered. If you do not have access to an Ankylosaurus, a Doedicurus can also be used, though it is less efficient for crystal farming. For advanced players, a Mantis equipped with a high-quality pick can yield even more crystal per node, but this requires taming and equipping the Mantis, which can be challenging.
Preparation is crucial before heading out to farm crystal. Make sure you have a strong mount, preferably one with high weight and stamina, to carry the resources and navigate the terrain. Bring plenty of water and food, as Scorched Earth's heat can quickly drain your character's stats. Additionally, consider bringing a flyer like an Argentavis or a Wyvern to transport the crystal back to your base, as carrying large amounts on foot can be risky. If you are farming in a dangerous area, bring weapons and armor to defend yourself against predators.
When farming crystal, always prioritize safety. Scorched Earth is home to many dangerous creatures, including Rock Elementals, which can spawn near crystal nodes. Rock Elementals are particularly dangerous because they are resistant to most attacks and can deal massive damage. If you encounter one, it is best to avoid it or lure it away from the crystal nodes before engaging. Additionally, be mindful of your surroundings, as falling from high elevations can be fatal. Always keep an eye on your mount's stamina, especially if you are using a flyer, as running out of stamina mid-flight can lead to disaster.
One common mistake players make is overloading their mount or themselves with crystal, leading to encumbrance and slow movement. To avoid this, always monitor your weight and consider making multiple trips if necessary. Another mistake is not bringing enough supplies, such as water or healing items, which can leave you vulnerable to the harsh environment. Finally, avoid farming crystal during sandstorms, as visibility is reduced, and your stamina will drain faster, making it harder to escape danger.
For advanced players, optimizing crystal farming can involve setting up a small outpost near the farming location. This outpost can include storage boxes, a bed for respawning, and a taming pen for creatures like Ankylosaurus or Mantis. This setup allows you to store crystal on-site and reduce the number of trips back to your main base. Additionally, using a Quetzal with a platform saddle can be a game-changer, as it allows you to transport large amounts of crystal and even carry an Ankylosaurus to the farming location.
Tribe considerations are also important when farming crystal. If you are part of a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to maximize efficiency. One player can focus on gathering crystal while another provides protection or transports resources. Solo players, on the other hand, need to be more cautious and plan their trips carefully to avoid getting overwhelmed by the environment or predators.
In summary, farming crystal on Scorched Earth requires careful planning, the right tools and creatures, and a good understanding of the map's dangers. Focus on the northwest and northeast mountains, use an Ankylosaurus or Mantis for efficient gathering, and always prioritize safety. Avoid common mistakes like overloading or underestimating the environment, and consider advanced techniques like setting up an outpost or using a Quetzal for transportation. With these strategies, you can gather crystal efficiently and progress in your Scorched Earth adventure.