How to Get Stone in Ark: A Comprehensive Guide to Rocking Your World
Ark: Survival Evolved is a game that thrives on resource gathering, and one of the most essential resources you’ll need is stone. Whether you’re building a fortress, crafting tools, or just trying to survive the harsh environment, stone is a cornerstone of your progress. But how do you get stone in Ark? And what are some unconventional ways to think about this seemingly simple task? Let’s dive into the rocky world of Ark and explore the many facets of stone gathering.
1. The Basics: Hitting Rocks
The most straightforward way to get stone in Ark is by hitting rocks with a tool. Early in the game, you’ll likely start with a pickaxe, which is your go-to tool for mining stone. Simply approach a rock, equip your pickaxe, and start swinging. Each hit will yield a certain amount of stone, flint, and occasionally other resources like metal or crystal.
Pro Tip: Not all rocks are created equal. Larger rocks tend to yield more stone, so prioritize those when you’re out gathering.
2. The Ankylosaurus: Your Stone-Gathering Buddy
Once you’ve progressed a bit in the game, you’ll want to tame an Ankylosaurus. This dinosaur is a stone-gathering powerhouse. With its tail swipe, it can harvest large amounts of stone from rocks in a single hit. Plus, it has a weight reduction for stone, meaning you can carry more without being encumbered.
Pro Tip: Ankylosaurus also gathers metal efficiently, making it a dual-purpose gatherer for your resource needs.
3. The Doedicurus: The Stone Specialist
If you’re looking for a creature that specializes in stone gathering, the Doedicurus is your best bet. This armadillo-like dinosaur is specifically designed for harvesting stone. When it curls into a ball and rolls into rocks, it can gather stone at an impressive rate.
Pro Tip: The Doedicurus also has a weight reduction for stone, allowing you to carry even more without slowing down.
4. The Mining Drill: Industrial Stone Gathering
For those who have reached the late game, the Mining Drill is a game-changer. This industrial tool can harvest stone (and other resources) at an incredible rate. However, it requires fuel to operate, so make sure you have a steady supply of gasoline.
Pro Tip: The Mining Drill is best used in areas with dense rock formations, as it can quickly deplete smaller rocks.
5. The Gacha: A Unique Approach to Stone Gathering
The Gacha is a unique creature that can produce resources, including stone, by consuming specific items. While it’s not the most efficient method for gathering stone, it’s an interesting alternative if you’re looking to mix things up.
Pro Tip: Gachas can produce a variety of resources, so experiment with different items to see what yields the most stone.
6. The Quetzalcoatlus: Aerial Stone Gathering
If you’re looking for a more unconventional method, consider using a Quetzalcoatlus. This flying dinosaur can carry an Ankylosaurus or Doedicurus, allowing you to gather stone from hard-to-reach areas. Simply fly to a rocky outcrop, drop your gatherer, and let it do the work.
Pro Tip: This method is particularly useful for gathering stone in mountainous regions where rocks are abundant but difficult to access on foot.
7. The Whip: A Surprising Tool for Stone Gathering
The Whip is a tool that can be used to gather resources from a distance. While it’s not as efficient as a pickaxe or a dinosaur, it can be useful in certain situations, such as when you’re trying to gather stone from a dangerous area without getting too close.
Pro Tip: The Whip can also be used to gather other resources like thatch and fiber, making it a versatile tool to have in your inventory.
8. The Tek Stryder: High-Tech Stone Gathering
For those who have access to Tek-tier technology, the Tek Stryder is a high-tech solution to stone gathering. This robotic creature can be equipped with a mining attachment that allows it to harvest stone (and other resources) at an impressive rate.
Pro Tip: The Tek Stryder is also highly customizable, allowing you to tailor its abilities to your specific resource-gathering needs.
9. The Elemental Shards: A Late-Game Twist
In the late game, you’ll encounter Elemental Shards, which can be used to craft Element. While not directly related to stone gathering, these shards can be harvested from certain rocks, adding an extra layer of complexity to your resource-gathering strategy.
Pro Tip: Elemental Shards are rare, so prioritize gathering them when you come across them.
10. The Community: Trading for Stone
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of the Ark community. If you’re in a pinch and need stone quickly, consider trading with other players. Many players are willing to trade stone for other resources or items, so don’t be afraid to reach out.
Pro Tip: Establish good relationships with other players to ensure a steady supply of resources through trading.
FAQs
Q: Can I get stone from trees? A: No, stone is primarily gathered from rocks. However, you can get thatch and wood from trees, which are also essential resources.
Q: What’s the best tool for gathering stone early in the game? A: The pickaxe is your best bet early on. It’s easy to craft and effective at harvesting stone from rocks.
Q: How do I tame an Ankylosaurus? A: To tame an Ankylosaurus, you’ll need to knock it out using tranquilizer arrows or darts, then feed it its preferred food (usually berries or vegetables) until it’s tamed.
Q: Can I use explosives to gather stone? A: While explosives can destroy rocks, they’re not an efficient method for gathering stone. Stick to tools or dinosaurs for better results.
Q: Is there a limit to how much stone I can carry? A: Yes, each item in Ark has a weight, and your character has a maximum carry weight. Using creatures like the Ankylosaurus or Doedicurus, which have weight reduction for stone, can help you carry more.
By following these tips and strategies, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a master stone gatherer in Ark: Survival Evolved. Whether you’re using basic tools, taming dinosaurs, or leveraging high-tech solutions, there’s always a way to get the stone you need to survive and thrive in this challenging world.