Demolishing Metal in Ark: A Survivor’s Guide to Breaching Fortifications
So, you’re looking to crack open a metal base in Ark: Survival Evolved? You’ve come to the right place. Metal structures offer superior protection compared to wood or stone, making them a favorite for established players. However, nothing is truly invulnerable in Ark. The key weapons that can break metal are:
- Explosives: This includes C4, grenades, and rockets fired from a Rocket Launcher.
- Tek Rifle: A high-tech weapon that deals explosive damage.
- Titanosaur: The largest creature in the game; its sheer size and power can damage metal structures.
- DodoRex: A formidable creature unleashed during special events, possessing enough power to demolish metal.
- Magmasaur (Searing Spit): The Magmasaur’s searing spit can instantly destroy metal structures within a few foundation range of the impact.
Let’s dive into more detail and address some common questions about breaching metal defenses.
Understanding Metal’s Defenses
Metal structures in Ark are designed to withstand significant punishment. They have high health points and are resistant to many types of damage, especially conventional weapons. This is why you can’t just use a sword or a dinosaur’s bite to break them down (anymore – dinosaurs used to be able to damage metal, but that’s no longer the case). Therefore, understanding the mechanics of explosive damage and creature-based destruction is crucial.
Explosives: Your Primary Tool
C4 Charge
C4 Charges are perhaps the most widely used tool for demolishing metal. They provide a good balance of damage, cost, and ease of use. They can be placed strategically on walls, ceilings, or foundations for maximum impact.
Grenades
While technically capable of destroying metal, grenades are less efficient than C4 or rockets. They require a large quantity to break through even a single wall, making them more suitable for harassing defenders rather than outright destruction.
Rocket Launcher
The Rocket Launcher is a powerful option, dealing significant area-of-effect damage. Rockets are effective against clustered structures and can quickly dismantle defenses if used strategically.
Tek Tier Destruction
Tek Rifle
The Tek Rifle fires energy projectiles that deal explosive damage. While it requires Element to operate, it can be a highly effective weapon for dismantling metal structures, especially from a distance.
Creature-Based Demolition
Titanosaur
The Titanosaur, being the largest tameable creature, possesses the raw power to damage metal structures through its attacks. However, taming and deploying a Titanosaur is a significant undertaking, making it a situational tool.
DodoRex
The DodoRex is a temporary creature spawned during special events and is exceedingly rare and powerful. It can easily tear through metal structures. If you have a chance to use a DodoRex for raiding, make sure you’re using it to it’s fullest potential.
Magmasaur
The Magmasaur’s searing spit is a very effective attack against metal structures. While it can not gather metal, it can destroy metal in a few hits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many C4 does it take to destroy a metal wall?
The exact number can vary slightly based on server settings, but generally, it takes around 14-16 C4 charges to destroy a single metal wall.
2. Can a Rex damage metal structures?
No, dinosaurs like the Rex can no longer directly damage metal structures. This change was implemented to balance gameplay and prevent easy base destruction.
3. What is the best way to farm metal?
The most efficient method is using an Ankylosaurus to harvest metal nodes, preferably the ones with gold streaks. The Ankylosaurus also offers a significant weight reduction for metal.
4. Can you use grenades to break metal walls?
Yes, you can, but it is extremely inefficient. Expect to use a very large number of grenades to destroy even a small section of metal walls.
5. Is metal stronger than stone?
While both have the same hit points, metal has significantly greater resistance to explosives and cannot be damaged by standard tools.
6. Can a Giganotosaurus break metal?
While a Giga does minimal damage to metal, using metal structures can be a good defensive strategy against them.
7. What tool should I use to mine metal?
A metal pickaxe is most effective for mining metal, especially if it’s of mastercraft or ascendant quality.
8. Can a Doedicurus collect metal?
While a Doedicurus can’t gather metal from metal nodes, it is able to collect metal when attacking obsidian nodes.
9. How do I smelt metal faster?
The Industrial Forge is the fastest way to smelt metal, processing large quantities much quicker than a standard refining forge.
10. What are the best armor types in Ark?
Tek Armor is the best overall, providing high armor rating and environmental protection.
11. What is the strongest tameable creature in Ark?
The Giganotosaurus is often considered one of the strongest, but a well-bred Rex can also be incredibly powerful. Titanosaur can also be considered the strongest, however they cannot be bred.
12. Can anything fit through a Behemoth Gate?
All Dinosaurs except the Titanosaur can fit through the Behemoth Dinosaur Gates.
13. What is the most efficient weapon in Ark for general use?
The Longneck Rifle is considered excellent for its range, damage, and ease of acquisition.
14. What are the best ways to defend my metal base?
Use a combination of turrets, strategically placed walls, and strong tames to defend your base.
15. How does corrosion affect metal structures in Ark?
In real life, corrosion significantly impacts the strength and integrity of metal. While Ark doesn’t simulate corrosion directly, understanding real-world material science highlights the importance of strong defenses. Games, like Ark: Survival Evolved, can be a helpful resource to explore problem solving and experimentation for younger generations. The Games Learning Society supports research and exploration for those interested in a greater understanding of how people learn through games. You can learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Conclusion
Breaking into metal structures in Ark: Survival Evolved requires a strategic approach and the right tools. Explosives, the Tek Rifle, and certain creatures like the Titanosaur are your best bets. Remember to always consider the cost, efficiency, and potential risks when planning your assault. Good luck, survivor, and may your raids be fruitful!