The Ultimate Guide to Metal Harvesting in Ark: Survival Evolved
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The quest for metal is a constant endeavor for any survivor in the harsh world of Ark: Survival Evolved. This crucial resource forms the backbone of advanced weaponry, durable structures, and essential tools. Efficiently gathering metal can make the difference between thriving and struggling. So, what creature reigns supreme when it comes to metal collection? The answer, unequivocally, is the Ankylosaurus.
While several methods and creatures offer ways to harvest metal, the Ankylosaurus stands out due to its unique combination of gathering efficiency and weight reduction. Let’s dive deeper into why the Ankylosaurus is the undisputed champion of metal farming, and explore other related aspects of metal gathering and usage in Ark.
Why the Ankylosaurus is King of Metal
The Ankylosaurus isn’t just good at harvesting metal; it’s exceptional. Here’s why it earns the top spot:
- Exceptional Gathering Rate: An Ankylosaurus, especially when leveled into melee damage, harvests an enormous amount of metal from metal nodes. Its specialized attack, a powerful swing of its club-like tail, efficiently extracts large quantities of metal from each node. This significantly surpasses what a player can gather with a metal pick, even at higher tiers.
- Weight Reduction: Perhaps the most compelling reason to choose an Ankylosaurus is its inherent 85% weight reduction for metal when carried in its inventory. This allows players to haul significantly more metal per trip, drastically cutting down on time spent traveling back and forth to base. This feature is unparalleled by any other creature or method in the game.
- Durability: Ankylosaurus are naturally tanky and can withstand many attacks, making them relatively safe for metal runs in various environments, particularly when leveled into health and melee damage.
- Ease of Use: Riding and controlling an Ankylosaurus is relatively simple, making it accessible for players of all skill levels.
- Consistency: Unlike other creatures that may be good at specific tasks or in limited scenarios, the Ankylosaurus is consistently the best option for efficient metal harvesting across all map locations.
While the Metal Pick, particularly at Mastercraft or Ascendant tier, can match the per node harvesting efficiency of an Ankylosaurus, it lacks the vital weight reduction capability. This renders it significantly less efficient in practice for gathering large quantities of metal.
Other Metal Harvesting Options
While the Ankylosaurus is the best, several alternative methods exist:
- Dunkleosteus: This underwater creature is capable of harvesting metal nodes but doesn’t have the weight reduction or the efficiency of the Ankylosaurus. It’s mainly used for underwater metal nodes but should still be paired with an Anklyo.
- Magmasaur: While the Magmasaur has the ability to smelt metal, it is not a primary metal harvester. Instead, it can mine metal, but not as effectively as an Ankylosaurus.
- Player with a Pick: While not the most efficient, a player wielding a Metal Pick is a viable option early in the game or when an Ankylosaurus isn’t readily available. A high-tier metal pick can indeed gather a good amount of metal per node, but the lack of weight reduction severely limits its practicality.
Understanding Metal Nodes
Not all rocks are created equal in Ark. Metal nodes are distinct from regular rocks and usually have a gray appearance with gold streaks or a solid gold coloring. The solid gold rocks typically yield the most metal when harvested. These nodes are found in specific locations across each map, often in mountainous regions or near volcanic areas.
Metal for Building and Crafting
Metal is the backbone of advanced gameplay in Ark, being crucial for:
- Metal Structures: Provides increased durability over wood or stone and more protection from enemies.
- Weapons and Armor: Essential for crafting the best weapons and armor, increasing survivability in dangerous encounters.
- Advanced Tools: Tools such as metal picks, hatchets, and shears offer better durability and efficiency.
- Industrial Equipment: Required for crafting and maintaining various industrial machines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can Dinos damage metal structures?
No, most dinos cannot directly damage metal structures. The exception to this rule, as stated in the provided text, are a few very specific dinos such as the DodoRex.
2. What can destroy metal structures?
Metal structures can be destroyed by a limited number of sources: DodoRex, Explosives (such as grenades, C4, and rockets), and the Tek Rifle. Note that the Magmasaur does have a ranged attack that can damage metal structures.
3. Can a Giganotosaurus break metal?
No, a Giganotosaurus cannot directly break metal structures. However, they can destroy structures made of wood and stone, potentially compromising a metal structure if it is built on a weaker foundation.
4. Can a Magmasaur damage metal structures?
Yes, a Magmasaur can damage metal structures with its searing spit attack, which has an area-of-effect damage that can also destroy stone and wood structures.
5. What is the fastest way to smelt metal into ingots?
The Industrial Forge is the fastest way to smelt metal into metal ingots, capable of processing 40 metal into 20 ingots in 20 seconds. While the Magmasaur can also smelt metal, the industrial forge is far more efficient.
6. Can a Carnotaurus break stone?
Yes, a Carnotaurus can destroy stone structures such as walls.
7. Does the Doedicurus collect metal?
While the Doedicurus cannot collect metal from standard metal nodes, it can collect metal from attacking obsidian nodes. It is far more efficient at harvesting obsidian than an Ankylosaurus.
8. Do rocks regenerate in Ark?
Yes, resource nodes, including rocks and metal nodes, will regenerate over time.
9. What is the best dino for stone?
The Doedicurus is the best dinosaur for gathering stone, and offers a 75% weight reduction.
10. What weapons destroy metal structures?
Explosives like grenades, C4, and rockets are the primary methods for destroying metal structures.
11. Is a Carcharodontosaurus bigger than a Giganotosaurus?
Based on recent fossil estimates, the Carcharodontosaurus is believed to be slightly larger and heavier than the Giganotosaurus.
12. Is a Carcharodontosaurus stronger than a Giganotosaurus?
The Carcharodontosaurus is often considered to have a slight edge in some aspects due to its better stamina and turning radius, making it a deadly mount in PvP settings.
13. Can a Magmasaur cook metal?
Yes, a Magmasaur can cook metal into metal ingots, but this process can be slow and requires a decent amount of food for the Magmasaur. Be sure to turn the “Smelt” function on in the radial menu to start this process.
14. Is a Magmasaur better than an Industrial Forge?
While a Magmasaur can both mine and smelt metal, the Industrial Forge is a much more efficient method for smelting. They are not really comparable in this regard as the forge is a specialized building specifically for the purpose of smelting.
15. Can a Magmasaur destroy Tek structures?
Yes, a Magmasaur can damage and destroy Tek structures using its area-of-effect magma ball attack.
Conclusion
While Ark: Survival Evolved offers many tools and creatures, for metal harvesting the Ankylosaurus remains the unrivaled king. Its combination of high gathering efficiency, crucial weight reduction, durability, and ease of use solidifies its position as the must-have companion for any serious metal farmer. Understanding the capabilities of other dinos and tools allows players to optimize their resources and conquer the challenges of the Ark. Remember to always explore and experiment with different strategies to find what works best for your style of gameplay. Happy harvesting!