What is the best way to gather sulfur in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Gathering sulfur in ARK: Survival Evolved is a crucial task for crafting explosives, which are essential for raiding bases, breaking into caves, or defending your own structures. Sulfur is primarily found in volcanic regions, particularly on maps like Scorched Earth, Ragnarok, and the Volcano biome on The Island. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to efficiently gather sulfur, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

Sulfur is a resource that appears as yellow rocks or crystals in the game. These deposits are most commonly found in hot, volcanic areas, such as the Volcano biome on The Island or the desert regions of Scorched Earth. To gather sulfur, you need to mine these deposits using tools like a pickaxe or a metal pickaxe. The metal pickaxe is more efficient and yields more sulfur per hit compared to the stone pickaxe. Additionally, certain tamed creatures, such as the Ankylosaurus or the Mantis, can also gather sulfur effectively. The Ankylosaurus is particularly useful because it has a high gathering efficiency for rocks and minerals, including sulfur.

To begin gathering sulfur, you should first prepare for the journey. Volcanic regions are dangerous due to high temperatures, aggressive creatures, and environmental hazards like lava. Make sure to bring adequate supplies, including water, food, and medical brews to counteract the heat. Wearing desert or ghillie armor can help regulate your temperature and reduce the risk of overheating. Additionally, bring a strong mount, such as a Carnotaurus or a Rex, to protect yourself from hostile creatures like Raptors, Sabertooths, or even the occasional Giganotosaurus.

Once you arrive at a volcanic area, locate the sulfur deposits. These are typically yellow and stand out against the darker volcanic rock. If youÔÇÖre using a pickaxe, approach the deposit and start mining. Each hit will yield sulfur, flint, and sometimes stone. If youÔÇÖre using an Ankylosaurus, position it near the deposit and use its tail attack to gather resources. The Ankylosaurus can carry a large amount of weight, making it ideal for extended mining trips. However, be cautious of its slow movement speed, as it can be vulnerable to attacks from fast predators.

One common mistake players make is venturing into volcanic areas without proper preparation. The heat can quickly drain your health, and the aggressive creatures can overwhelm you if youÔÇÖre not ready. Always bring a mount with high health and damage output to fend off threats. Another mistake is overloading your inventory or your mountÔÇÖs inventory with too much sulfur. Sulfur is heavy, and carrying too much can slow you down, making it harder to escape danger. Consider bringing a pack animal, such as a Paracer or a Brontosaurus, to carry additional resources while keeping your main mount agile.

For advanced players, optimizing sulfur gathering can involve using a Quetzal with a platform saddle. You can place an Ankylosaurus on the platform and fly it to sulfur deposits, allowing you to gather resources quickly and safely from the air. This method is particularly effective on maps like Ragnarok, where sulfur deposits are spread out across large areas. Another advanced technique is using a Mantis with a high-quality pickaxe. The Mantis can wield tools and has a high gathering efficiency, making it a great alternative to the Ankylosaurus.

If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, coordination is key. Assign roles to tribe members, such as one person gathering sulfur while another provides protection. You can also set up a small outpost near sulfur-rich areas to store resources and resupply. For solo players, focus on efficiency and safety. Use a strong mount and gather sulfur in small batches to avoid being overwhelmed by threats.

In summary, gathering sulfur in ARK requires careful preparation, the right tools, and a strong mount. Whether youÔÇÖre mining by hand or using a tamed creature, always be aware of the dangers in volcanic regions. By following these strategies and avoiding common mistakes, you can efficiently gather sulfur and use it to craft powerful explosives for your survival and dominance in the world of ARK.