How to Get Metal Fast in Ark: Survival Evolved

In Ark: Survival Evolved, metal is one of the most crucial resources for advancing through the game. It is essential for crafting high-tier items, weapons, and armor. However, acquiring metal quickly can often be a challenge. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you gather metal faster than ever before, with tips, tricks, and strategies that can optimize your resource collection process.

1. Prioritize High-Yield Locations
To get metal efficiently, you need to focus on locations rich in metal deposits. The best places to mine metal are typically mountain regions, where you can find large deposits. For instance, the mountains in the center of the map or the volcanic regions in Scorched Earth offer high yields of metal. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best spots:

• The Volcano: Located on the Scorched Earth map, the volcano offers abundant metal deposits. The area around the volcano is filled with nodes, making it an ideal location.
• Metal Nodes in the Mountains: On the island map, the mountains are dotted with metal nodes. The eastern mountains and the central highlands are particularly rich in metal.
• The Crystal Isles: In this map, metal nodes can be found scattered across the mountain ranges, especially around the central area.

2. Use the Right Tools and Techniques
Maximizing your metal collection requires the right tools and techniques. Here’s how you can enhance your mining efficiency:

• Upgrade Your Pickaxe: A higher-quality pickaxe or one made from metal significantly increases the amount of metal you collect from each node. Aim to use a Metal Pickaxe or an Ascendant Pickaxe if possible.
• Utilize the Ankylo: The Ankylosaurus is a highly effective creature for metal collection. Its tail swipe can harvest metal nodes much faster than manual mining. Level up your Ankylo’s weight and melee damage to optimize its efficiency.
• Use a Tool Enhancer: Items like the Harvesting Tool Enhancer can boost the amount of resources gathered from nodes. Make sure to have these on hand when mining.

3. Implement Efficient Mining Techniques
To streamline your metal gathering process, consider these techniques:

• Strategic Mining Runs: Plan your mining routes to cover multiple high-yield locations in a single run. This reduces travel time and maximizes your resource collection.
• Join a Tribe: Working with other players in a tribe can greatly increase your metal collection efficiency. Assign roles, such as one person mining while others gather resources and defend the area.
• Use a Beacon or Teleportation: If you’re on a server with advanced tech, utilizing beacons or teleportation can save time traveling between resource-rich areas.

4. Optimize Your Base for Metal Storage
Efficient metal storage is just as important as gathering it. Here’s how you can optimize your base to handle large amounts of metal:

• Build a Metal Storage Room: Designate a specific area in your base for storing metal. Use metal storage boxes or vaults to keep your resources organized.
• Use Preserving Bins: For long-term storage, use preserving bins or refrigerators to keep your metal safe from environmental hazards and potential raiders.

5. Monitor and Adapt to Resource Changes
The game’s resource distribution can change due to updates or server settings. Stay informed about any changes that might affect your metal gathering strategies. Adjust your tactics accordingly to ensure you are always collecting metal efficiently.

6. Advanced Tips and Tricks
For those looking to push their metal gathering to the next level, consider these advanced strategies:

• Use a Quetzalcoatlus for Air Mining: The Quetzalcoatlus, when equipped with a platform saddle, can help you reach high-altitude metal nodes that are otherwise difficult to access.
• Explore Cave Systems: Some cave systems contain large deposits of metal. Be prepared for the challenges of cave exploration, including hostile creatures and environmental hazards.
• Engage in Metal Raiding: On PvP servers, you might consider raiding other players’ bases for metal. This comes with its own set of risks and rewards but can be an effective way to acquire large amounts of metal quickly.

Summary
Gathering metal quickly in Ark: Survival Evolved involves a combination of finding the right locations, using efficient tools, implementing strategic mining techniques, and optimizing your base for storage. By following these tips and adapting to changes, you can significantly increase your metal collection speed and enhance your gameplay experience.