Ankylosaurus: The Indispensable Metal Master of Ark
The Ankylosaurus, affectionately known as the Anky, is a cornerstone dinosaur in Ark: Survival Evolved for any serious player. Its primary role is as an unparalleled resource gatherer, specifically excelling at harvesting metal. However, its utility extends far beyond just metal farming. The Anky is also proficient at collecting flint, crystal, obsidian, and even oil. Its surprising combat capabilities and relatively early saddle unlock level make it a must-have for any tribe looking to establish a firm foothold in the Ark. Beyond its stats, the Anky offers the user peace of mind with its unique skillset and relatively high armor stat making it difficult to kill!
Why the Anky is Essential in Ark
The Anky’s value stems from its unique ability to efficiently extract resources. While other dinos can gather metal, the Anky does so with unmatched proficiency, yielding significantly more resources per node than other creatures or manual harvesting with tools. This efficiency is directly tied to the Anky’s melee damage stat. The higher the melee damage, the more metal (and other resources) it gathers per swing.
Beyond Metal: Versatility in Resource Gathering
While renowned for metal, the Anky also excels at:
- Flint: Essential for crafting tools and weapons, flint is abundant in mountainous regions, where the Anky is already at home.
- Crystal: A crucial component for advanced technology and crafting, crystal can be efficiently harvested by the Anky.
- Obsidian: Found in volcanic regions, obsidian is necessary for creating powerful tools and weapons. The Anky’s resilience allows it to survive the harsh conditions.
- Oil: With the ability to harvest oil from oil nodes, the Anky saves players time and resources in the early to mid-game.
Survival and Defense
Don’t underestimate the Anky’s defensive capabilities. Its heavily armored body provides excellent protection against predators, allowing you to safely gather resources even in dangerous areas. While not a primary combatant, the Anky can hold its own against smaller predators like Raptors and defend itself effectively while farming. Its tail swipe packs a punch, deterring attackers and buying you time to escape.
Taming and Saddle Availability
The Anky is a relatively straightforward tame, typically requiring tranquilizer darts or arrows and a safe location to keep it sedated. Its saddle unlocks at level 40, making it accessible early in your Ark journey. This early availability, combined with its immense utility, makes the Anky a top priority for taming.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Ankylosaurus
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the Ankylosaurus in Ark: Survival Evolved, designed to enhance your understanding and mastery of this vital dinosaur:
1. What stats should I focus on when leveling an Anky?
Prioritize melee damage. This directly impacts the amount of resources the Anky gathers per hit. After melee damage, consider weight to allow it to carry more resources before needing to offload. Some players also invest in health to improve its survivability.
2. What is the best way to transport an Anky?
The Argentavis is a popular choice for carrying an Anky. Other options include the Quetzal (often used in conjunction with platform saddles for mobile mining operations) and the Skiff.
3. Can an Anky defend itself against predators?
Yes, while not a dedicated combatant, the Anky can effectively defend itself against smaller predators. Its armored body and tail swipe provide decent protection. However, it’s best to avoid direct confrontations with larger carnivores like Rexes.
4. What’s the best way to tame an Anky?
Use tranquilizer darts or arrows to knock it unconscious. Keep its torpor up with narcotics or narcoberries. Its diet consists of plant-based food, berries, vegetables.
5. Is the Doedicurus better than the Anky for gathering resources?
No, the Doedicurus excels at gathering stone, while the Anky is superior for metal, flint, crystal, obsidian, and oil. They serve different niches in resource gathering.
6. Can an Anky harvest berries?
Yes, although not as efficiently as dedicated berry gatherers like the Brontosaurus or Stegosaurus. It can collect berries as a secondary function. Right click in the bushes to gather berries and thatch.
7. What is the Anky’s weakness?
Its main weakness is its slow movement speed. Predators can easily outmaneuver it. Also, its underbelly is less armored, making it vulnerable if flipped over.
8. Can an Anky kill a T-Rex?
While theoretically possible with precise attacks to the T-Rex’s legs, it is unlikely. A direct confrontation is highly risky. The anky is more of a defense creature to protect yourself as you farm!
9. Can an Anky harvest underwater resources like oil?
No, the Anky is not an aquatic creature. Use a Dunkleosteus for underwater oil harvesting.
10. What’s the best way to protect my Anky while farming?
Clear the area of predators before starting to farm. Consider using a bodyguard dino like a high-level Carnotaurus or Allosaurus.
11. Does the Anky gather more metal than a player with a metal pickaxe?
Yes, significantly more. The Anky’s resource gathering efficiency is far superior to manual harvesting. Also, it is safe when gathering resources!
12. Can an Anky be picked up by a Pteranodon?
No, the Pteranodon can only pick up smaller dinosaurs.
13. What dinos can pick up an Anky?
The Argentavis, Quetzal, and Skiff are the primary options for carrying an Anky.
14. Does server setting effect how much metal an Anky can harvest?
Yes, if the server settings are on lower metal you will still be able to harvest more when using your Anky.
15. Can Ankys harvest crystal?
Yes, the Anky is an efficient crystal harvester. Other options include the Magmasaur and Tek Stryder.
Conclusion
The Ankylosaurus is not just a dinosaur; it’s an investment. Its ability to efficiently gather essential resources, especially metal, makes it an indispensable asset for any Ark survivor. Taming an Anky early on will significantly accelerate your progress, allowing you to craft better gear, build more robust structures, and thrive in the challenging world of Ark: Survival Evolved. Don’t underestimate its value – the Anky is your ticket to resource dominance.
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