What are the best strategies for farming metal on The Island in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Farming metal on The Island in ARK: Survival Evolved is one of the most important tasks for progressing in the game. Metal is essential for crafting advanced tools, weapons, and structures, and it is found in specific locations across the map. To efficiently farm metal, you need to understand the mechanics, prepare properly, and use the right strategies.

First, metal nodes are the primary source of metal. These nodes are large, shiny rocks that are usually found in mountainous regions or near rivers. The best locations for metal farming on The Island include the volcano in the center of the map, the mountains in the northwest, and the smaller hills scattered across the map. Metal nodes yield more metal when harvested with a metal pick or an Ankylosaurus, which is the best dinosaur for farming metal due to its high harvesting efficiency.

To start farming metal, you need to prepare the right tools and dinosaurs. A metal pick is the most basic tool for harvesting metal, but it is not very efficient. If you are solo, you should aim to tame an Ankylosaurus as soon as possible. An Ankylosaurus can gather large amounts of metal quickly and carry a significant amount due to its high weight capacity. If you are in a tribe, you can assign one player to ride the Ankylosaurus while others use Argies (Argentavis) to transport the metal back to your base. Argies are excellent for this task because they have a weight reduction for metal, allowing them to carry more.

When farming metal, always bring a few key items. First, bring a high-quality pick or an Ankylosaurus. Second, bring a flyer like an Argentavis or a Quetzal to transport the metal. Third, bring a few preserving bins or a refrigerator to store the metal if you plan to farm for an extended period. Metal spoils over time, so preserving it is important. Finally, bring weapons and armor to defend yourself against predators like Raptors, Carnos, or even Rexes that may spawn in metal-rich areas.

A common mistake is not preparing enough weight capacity. Metal is heavy, and you can quickly become over-encumbered if you are not careful. Always check the weight of your dinosaur or inventory before heading out. Another mistake is not scouting the area for threats. Metal-rich areas are often dangerous, so always be ready to fight or flee if necessary. Additionally, avoid farming metal at night unless you have a light source, as visibility is low, and predators are harder to spot.

For advanced players, there are several optimizations you can make. One strategy is to build a small outpost near a metal-rich area. This outpost can include a forge, storage, and a bed for respawning. This allows you to smelt the metal on-site and reduce the number of trips back to your main base. Another optimization is to use a Quetzal with a platform saddle to carry the Ankylosaurus. This allows you to fly the Ankylosaurus directly to the metal nodes, harvest the metal, and then fly back without needing to dismount.

Resource requirements for metal farming include a good pick or Ankylosaurus, a flyer, and storage solutions. If you are in a tribe, coordination is key. Assign roles to each member, such as one person harvesting with the Ankylosaurus, another transporting with an Argentavis, and another defending the group. Solo players should focus on taming an Ankylosaurus and an Argentavis as early as possible to make the process more efficient.

In specific scenarios, such as farming metal at the volcano, you need to be extra cautious. The volcano is one of the best spots for metal, but it is also home to dangerous creatures like Rexes and Carnos. Always scout the area before starting to farm, and be ready to retreat if necessary. If you are farming in the northwest mountains, watch out for high-level predators and harsh weather conditions.

In conclusion, farming metal on The Island requires preparation, the right tools, and a good strategy. Whether you are solo or in a tribe, using an Ankylosaurus and a flyer like an Argentavis will make the process much more efficient. Always be prepared for threats, manage your weight carefully, and consider building outposts or using advanced techniques like Quetzal platform saddles to optimize your farming. With these strategies, you can gather large amounts of metal and progress quickly in ARK: Survival Evolved.