Anky vs. Mining Drill: Which Reigns Supreme in Ark Resource Gathering?
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In the brutal world of Ark: Survival Evolved, efficiently gathering resources is paramount for survival and progression. Two prominent tools vying for the top spot are the Ankylosaurus (Anky) and the Mining Drill. So, which one is truly better?
The answer isn’t a simple “one-size-fits-all.” It depends heavily on what you’re gathering, where you’re gathering it, and what stage of the game you’re in. However, as a general guide, the Anky excels at raw resource throughput, especially for metal, while the Mining Drill offers versatility, weight reduction, and underwater gathering capabilities. Therefore, for mass metal farming, Anky is the king. But, for specialized resource acquisition and strategic weight management, the Mining Drill has its place.
Anky: The Metal Farming Juggernaut
The Ankylosaurus is arguably the undisputed champion of metal farming. Its ability to efficiently harvest nodes, combined with an 85% weight reduction for metal in its inventory, makes it an invaluable asset for any tribe. Anky can also harvest crystal and obsidian, making it a versatile resource gathering beast in the proper hands.
Strengths of the Anky:
- Unmatched Metal Harvesting: No other creature rivals the Anky’s sheer metal gathering efficiency.
- Significant Weight Reduction: The 85% weight reduction for metal allows you to haul massive quantities.
- Relatively Early Access: The Anky saddle unlocks at level 40, making it accessible in the mid-game.
- Berry Gathering and Defense: The Anky is a decent berry gatherer and can defend itself against smaller threats.
- Obsidian and Crystal Gathering: Anky is also a fantastic source of obsidian and crystal, as they can quickly harvest large quantities of these resources.
Weaknesses of the Anky:
- Limited Mobility: The Anky is slow and cumbersome, making travel time a significant factor.
- Vulnerable to Predators: Despite being relatively tough, the Anky is vulnerable to larger predators.
- No Underwater Harvesting: Anky can swim, but it cannot effectively harvest underwater resources.
Mining Drill: The Versatile Resource Extractor
The Mining Drill is a high-tech tool that offers a more specialized approach to resource gathering. It excels at weight reduction for various resources and allows for underwater harvesting, but requires a higher level of investment.
Strengths of the Mining Drill:
- Weight Reduction: The Mining Drill reduces the weight of various resources in the player’s inventory.
- Underwater Harvesting: The Mining Drill can be used underwater to gather resources like oil and crystal.
- Versatility: While not as efficient as the Anky for metal, the Mining Drill can gather a wide range of resources.
- Rock Drake and Griffin Compatibility: The Mining Drill can be used while riding a Ravager, Rock Drake, or Griffin, allowing for mobile resource gathering.
Weaknesses of the Mining Drill:
- High Level Requirement: The Mining Drill engram unlocks at level 80, making it a late-game tool.
- Fuel Consumption: The Mining Drill requires fuel (Biodiesel) to operate, adding to the cost of resource gathering.
- Limited Resource Gathering Rate: The Mining Drill is generally slower than the Anky for most resources.
- Dependency on Player Melee Damage: The Mining Drill is unaffected by player Melee Damage, meaning that your melee damage levels are irrelevant when using the drill.
The Verdict: When to Use Which?
- Metal Farming: Anky is the clear winner. Its harvesting efficiency and weight reduction are unmatched.
- Underwater Resource Gathering: Mining Drill is the only option. It allows you to gather oil, crystal, and other resources from the ocean floor.
- Mobile Resource Gathering: Use a Rock Drake, Ravager, or Griffin with a Mining Drill for fast, on-the-go resource collection.
- Weight Management: Carry a Mining Drill to reduce the weight of resources in your inventory.
- Early to Mid-Game: Focus on taming an Anky as soon as possible for efficient metal gathering.
- Late-Game: Craft a Mining Drill to expand your resource gathering capabilities and explore underwater areas.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and circumstances. A well-equipped tribe will likely have both an Anky and a Mining Drill to maximize resource gathering efficiency. Remember to also consider factors like resource node proximity, predator density, and your tribe’s overall strategy when making your decision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Dino is the absolute best for getting metal?
While a high-quality metal pick may be good, the Ankylosaurus, hands down, remains the best dino for efficiently harvesting metal due to its specialized gathering and substantial weight reduction.
Can an Ankylo collect metal?
Yes! Absolutely. The Ankylo is known for this. While it did suffer a brief removal for balancing purposes, it is back and better than ever.
Can Wyverns carry Ankylos?
Generally, no. Wyverns can carry medium-sized creatures like Iguanodons and Thorny Dragons, but Ankylos are too large. A Quetzal is your best bet for transporting an Ankylo across long distances.
What is a mining drill called in real life?
In real-world mining, a mining drill can be referred to as a rotary drill rig or a drifter drill.
Does the mining drill reduce weight?
Yes, the Mining Drill provides weight reduction for various resources while it is equipped in your inventory.
Can you use a mining drill underwater?
Yes, you can use the Mining Drill to gather resources underwater.
Why do miners use water in real life?
Water is used in mining for various purposes, including dust suppression, cooling equipment, and extracting minerals like oil.
Which is better, Ankylo or Doedicurus?
For stone gathering, the Doedicurus is superior. However, for metal, the Ankylo is the clear winner. They each excel at specific resource types.
Can an Ankylo get Obsidian?
Yes! An Ankylo can harvest Obsidian very well. It is one of the best ways to get large quantities of this material.
What Dinos can pick up an Ankylo?
A Quetzal is the most reliable option. You may also consider the Argentavis.
How big is a mining drill in real life?
The size of a mining drill varies greatly depending on its purpose. Drill bits can be as small as 1mm, while larger segments can range from 8 to 11 inches.
How heavy is a rock drill in real life?
A typical rock drill can weigh around 61 lbs.
How do you power a mining drill in Ark?
In the Immersive Engineering mod, the Mining Drill is powered by Biodiesel. In the base game, it requires Gasoline.
What level do you unlock the mining drill?
The Mining Drill engram unlocks at level 80.
How does a diamond drill work?
A diamond drill uses a rotary drill with a diamond drill bit to create precise holes in various materials. The hardness of diamond makes it ideal for cutting through tough substances.
The world of Ark: Survival Evolved is ever-evolving, as are the strategies for mastering it. To further your understanding of games and learning, be sure to check out GamesLearningSociety.org for research, insights, and community engagement.