Unleashing the Power of the Anky: A Comprehensive Guide to Harvesting with the Ankylosaurus in Ark
The Ankylosaurus, affectionately known as the Anky, is a staple mount for any serious Ark: Survival Evolved player. Renowned for its harvesting prowess, this armored dinosaur isn’t just a tank; it’s a resource-gathering machine. But what exactly makes the Anky so valuable? The short answer is this: The Ankylosaurus is exceptionally good at harvesting metal, obsidian, crystal, oil, and to a lesser extent, berries. Its efficiency, paired with its ability to reduce the weight of metal in its inventory, makes it an indispensable tool for resource acquisition in the game. This guide will delve into the specifics of the Anky’s harvesting capabilities, and answer all your burning questions about its role in your Ark adventures.
Anky: The Resource Gathering Powerhouse
Metal Harvesting
The Anky’s primary claim to fame is its unparalleled ability to gather metal. Using its powerful tail, the Anky can smash through metal nodes with incredible efficiency, yielding far more resources than a player can achieve with a pickaxe. The most effective way to farm metal is by targeting metal nodes with an Anky. The creature also provides an 85% weight reduction for metal carried in its inventory. This weight reduction is a crucial feature, as metal is very heavy, and without the Anky, transporting large amounts can be incredibly cumbersome.
Obsidian Harvesting
Beyond metal, the Anky is also a top-tier choice for harvesting obsidian. This dark, volcanic glass is essential for crafting several high-level items. The Anky can quickly and efficiently break down obsidian rocks found in caves and on mountain tops, allowing you to stockpile this valuable resource much faster than other methods. However, unlike metal, the Anky does not reduce the carry weight of obsidian.
Crystal Harvesting
The Anky continues to shine as a reliable harvester of crystal. Whether you need standard crystals or the more elusive white crystals, the Anky can deliver. While other creatures like the Dunkleosteus and Tek Stryder may rival it in terms of pure harvesting quantity, the Anky’s accessibility, especially for mid-game players, makes it a go-to for crystal farming.
Oil Harvesting
For harvesting oil, the Anky also proves its versatility. You can effectively extract oil from the various oil nodes scattered around the map, giving you a reliable source of this crucial crafting material. While some might debate other more efficient methods, the anky’s ability to collect multiple resources makes it a great all-around choice.
Berry Harvesting (Limited)
While the Anky is not a dedicated berry collector, it can gather berries when needed. Its ability to instantly harvest plants makes it a viable option, especially if you encounter a patch of berries while searching for other resources. However, creatures like the Brontosaurus, Tek Stryder, or Therizinosaurus are far more efficient for large-scale berry farming.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ankylosaurus Harvesting in Ark
Here are 15 common questions about the Ankylosaurus’s harvesting capabilities in Ark: Survival Evolved:
1. What is the best way to maximize metal gathering with an Anky?
To maximize metal gathering with an Anky, focus on increasing its melee damage. A higher melee damage stat will allow it to break metal nodes more efficiently, yielding a greater quantity of metal per hit. Leveling up weight is also important, but pairing the Anky with a transport mount can help you focus on melee.
2. Is the Anky better than a Doedicurus for crystal harvesting?
While the Doedicurus is excellent for stone, Anky’s are generally better for crystal harvesting. The Anky specifically targets crystal nodes and will yield more crystal than the Doedicurus, which primarily gathers stone from those nodes.
3. Can the Anky auto-harvest resources?
The Anky cannot auto-harvest resources. Unlike creatures such as the Doedicurus, Moschops, and Gigantopithecus, which can gather specific resources automatically, the Anky requires the player to actively command it.
4. Does the Anky reduce the weight of obsidian like it does for metal?
No, the Anky does not reduce the weight of obsidian in its inventory. While it is excellent at harvesting obsidian, you’ll still need to manage its weight capacity when gathering large amounts.
5. Can the Anky harvest element dust?
While it can break open the crates that contain element dust, it cannot directly harvest element dust from the dust piles themselves.
6. Is the Anky good for taming other dinos?
Yes, the Anky is considered a good taming mount because it can defend itself against smaller threats like Raptors, collect berries (while not optimal, still useful), and transport you safely.
7. At what level can you craft the Anky saddle?
You can craft the Anky saddle at level 40. It’s a goal for early to mid-game players to quickly tame an Anky once they reach this level.
8. What creatures are better at berry collecting than an Anky?
Creatures like the Brontosaurus, Tek Stryder, Therizinosaurus, Megatherium, and many others are significantly better at berry collecting than the Anky due to their specialized gathering abilities and large harvesting ranges.
9. How does the Metal Pick compare to the Anky for metal harvesting?
A Metal Pick at Mastercraft or Ascendant tier can harvest as much metal per node as the Anky. However, the Anky benefits from weight reduction and much faster harvesting speed, making it the preferred choice for bulk farming.
10. Can the Anky be used to gather cementing paste?
No, the Anky cannot directly gather cementing paste. The Beelzebufo is the primary creature for gathering cementing paste from insects.
11. What are the best alternatives for metal farming if I don’t have an Anky?
If you don’t have an Anky, a high-tier Metal Pick is the next best option. You can also utilize creatures like the Magmasaur.
12. Is the Anky good for harvesting thatch?
No, the Anky is not efficient at gathering thatch. Creatures like the Therizinosaurus are far more suitable for this purpose.
13. Can the Anky break down stone structures?
No, Dinos cannot damage metal structures, and the Anky is no exception. Only explosives can damage metal.
14. Can the Anky harvest raw meat from corpses?
The Anky can attack creatures and collect raw meat, but it is not optimized for meat collection. Other carnivores are better suited for that purpose.
15. What is the best dino to pair with the Anky for resource transport?
A weight-focused creature like the Argentavis or a Quetzal, which also has a platform saddle, is ideal for carrying both the player and the heavy resources collected by the Anky.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Ankylosaurus is a resource-gathering powerhouse in Ark: Survival Evolved. Its unmatched ability to harvest metal, paired with its capabilities in gathering obsidian, crystal, oil, and a smaller capacity for berries make it an invaluable asset to any survivor. While other dinos may excel in niche areas, the Anky’s versatility and effectiveness solidify its position as one of the most useful creatures to tame in Ark. So, if you haven’t already, make taming an Anky a priority; it will undoubtedly transform your resource gathering experience.