What Gives the Most Stone in Ark? The Ultimate Guide to Stone Gathering
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The quest for stone is a cornerstone of survival in ARK: Survival Evolved. Whether you’re crafting basic tools, building your first shelter, or preparing for more advanced endeavors, stone is an essential resource. But what truly yields the most stone? The answer is the Doedicurus, an armadillo-like creature famed for its exceptional stone-gathering capabilities. When considering efficiency, speed, and weight reduction, no other creature in the game rivals its stone-collecting prowess.
The Reign of the Doedicurus: Why It’s the Best
The Doedicurus isn’t just good at gathering stone; it’s built for it. Here’s a breakdown of why it holds the crown:
- Autonomous Gathering: Unlike most other methods that require manual harvesting, the Doedicurus can automatically gather stone by simply rolling into rocks. This hands-free approach makes it incredibly efficient for large-scale stone collection.
- Weight Reduction: The Doedicurus boasts a remarkable 75% weight reduction for stone when carrying it in its inventory. This allows it to haul significantly more stone than other creatures before becoming overburdened.
- High Gathering Speed: The Doedicurus efficiently breaks rocks, rapidly accumulating a substantial amount of stone. This fast gathering pace means less time spent harvesting and more time on other crucial tasks.
- Versatility in Terrain: The Doedicurus can navigate various terrains efficiently, ensuring it’s ready to work wherever stone deposits are located.
While other methods and creatures can collect stone, none combine the efficiency, carrying capacity, and autonomous gathering ability as effectively as the Doedicurus. Therefore, if your primary goal is to gather the most stone in the least amount of time and with the fewest trips, a well-leveled Doedicurus is your best option. Leveling melee damage and weight on your Doedicurus will significantly boost its harvesting efficiency.
Other Stone Gathering Methods in Ark
While the Doedicurus is the champion, it’s worth knowing about other options for gathering stone in ARK:
Basic Tools: Pickaxe and Hatchet
At the beginning of the game, players rely on basic tools to gather stone:
- Stone Hatchet: While requiring Engram Points to craft, the Stone Hatchet is the go-to for early stone acquisition by hitting rocks directly.
- Stone Pickaxe: Though the pickaxe gathers less stone than the hatchet, it’s primarily used for harvesting flint, making it a necessary tool for early progression.
Other Creatures: Alternatives and Their Benefits
While not as efficient as the Doedicurus for stone, other creatures can harvest it to varying degrees:
- Magmasaur: This volcanic beast is capable of breaking rocks and gathering stone effectively. It’s a solid option, especially if you have a strong Magmasaur.
- Tek Stryder: This technologically advanced creature is a capable resource gatherer, though it requires a significant investment to obtain.
- Rock Elemental: While primarily known for gathering crystal and obsidian, it can also collect stone effectively when directly targeting rocks.
- Mantis: This insectoid creature can be equipped with stone harvesting tools and is a decent option if you already have one tamed.
- Phoenix: Although not a dedicated stone gatherer, the Phoenix can collect stone while traversing the map, particularly when utilizing its fire damage on rocks.
Advanced Stone Farming Techniques
- Utilizing an Argentavis: A common strategy involves picking up a Doedicurus with an Argentavis (or other creatures capable of carrying) and dropping it near stone deposits, enabling rapid and autonomous harvesting.
Specific Locations for Stone
- Surface Boulders: The primary source of stone is through standard rocks and boulders located throughout the maps.
- Mines: These locations often have a high density of stone deposits but require exploring underground.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Stone Gathering in Ark
Here are some frequently asked questions to provide more insights into stone gathering:
1. What is the best creature for autonomous stone gathering?
The Doedicurus is unmatched for autonomous stone gathering. It can collect stone simply by rolling into rocks, making it extremely efficient and user-friendly.
2. How do I maximize my Doedicurus’ stone gathering efficiency?
Leveling melee damage and weight on your Doedicurus is crucial for maximizing stone-gathering efficiency. More melee damage will break rocks quicker and obtain more stone, while more weight will allow you to carry more stone.
3. Is there a weight reduction for stone?
Yes, the Doedicurus has a 75% weight reduction for stone when it carries it in its inventory, allowing it to haul far more than other creatures.
4. What’s the difference between a pickaxe and a hatchet for stone?
A hatchet yields more stone per hit, while a pickaxe yields more flint. Therefore, use the hatchet if stone is your primary goal.
5. Do rocks respawn in Ark?
Yes, all resources, including rocks, respawn in Ark. The respawn time varies and is affected by building or creature presence.
6. How long does it take for stone to respawn?
The default respawn time for stone is 30 minutes, but this can be altered through server settings.
7. What other creatures can gather stone effectively?
Creatures like the Magmasaur, Rock Elemental, Tek Stryder, and Mantis can also gather stone, though they are generally less efficient than the Doedicurus.
8. Can the Doedicurus gather metal?
While it can collect metal from obsidian nodes, it’s not as effective as an Ankylosaurus. The Doedicurus specializes in stone.
9. Is stone stronger than wood in building?
While both have the same base HP, stone takes significantly less damage from metal tools compared to wood, making it a preferred early building material.
10. What is the best way to farm large amounts of stone quickly?
The most efficient method is using a well-leveled Doedicurus with an Argentavis for transport, allowing rapid, autonomous stone collection.
11. Are mines a good source of stone?
Yes, mines typically contain a high density of stone deposits, making them a reliable place to gather stone.
12. What are Obsidian Nodes in Ark?
Obsidian Nodes are dark black rock deposits found across different maps. Obsidian Nodes can produce stone, obsidian, and even metal when harvested.
13. Is stone a high-tier material?
In ARK, stone is considered a mid-tier material. Metal is the top tier for building materials due to its greater resistance to explosives and metal tools.
14. How do you farm stone without bombs in mines?
Focus on breaking the larger boulders instead of the individual rocks in the mines. This strategy maximizes the stone obtained per boulder.
15. What is the best weapon in Ark?
The Longneck Rifle is a very effective weapon in ARK, praised for its range, high damage, and easy obtainability.
Conclusion
In ARK: Survival Evolved, gathering stone efficiently is crucial for progression. While various methods exist, the Doedicurus stands out as the best option for quickly collecting massive amounts of stone. Its autonomous gathering, substantial weight reduction, and high efficiency make it an indispensable asset for any survivor. Understanding the best methods, creatures, and techniques will help you gather the resources needed to thrive in the harsh world of ARK.