How do I locate and harvest element shards in the Crystal Isles map of ARK: Survival Evolved?
Locating and harvesting element shards in the Crystal Isles map of ARK: Survival Evolved requires a combination of exploration, preparation, and strategy. Element shards are a valuable resource used for crafting advanced items and technology, and they are primarily found in specific regions of the map. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you successfully gather element shards.
Element shards are typically found in the Floating Islands biome, which is one of the most visually striking areas of the Crystal Isles map. These islands are suspended in the air and contain rich deposits of element shards. To access these shards, you will need to travel to the Floating Islands, which are located in the central and northern parts of the map. The biome is characterized by its lush vegetation, floating rocks, and unique creatures like Crystal Wyverns.
Before heading to the Floating Islands, itÔÇÖs important to prepare adequately. You will need a flying mount to navigate the biome effectively. Crystal Wyverns, which are native to the area, are an excellent choice due to their speed and maneuverability. Alternatively, you can use other flying creatures like Argentavis or Pteranodons, but they may not be as efficient. Ensure your mount is well-leveled and has sufficient stamina and weight capacity to carry the shards.
Once you arrive at the Floating Islands, you will need to locate the element shard nodes. These nodes resemble glowing, crystalline formations and are often found on the larger floating rocks or islands. They can be harvested using a pickaxe or a mining drill. A high-quality pickaxe will yield more shards per node, so itÔÇÖs worth investing in a good one. If you have access to a mining drill, it is even more efficient and can harvest shards at a faster rate.
When harvesting element shards, be mindful of the dangers in the area. The Floating Islands are home to aggressive creatures like Crystal Wyverns and other predators. ItÔÇÖs advisable to clear the area of threats before starting to harvest. You can use your mount to fight off enemies or bring along a strong combat dinosaur like a Rex or Spino for added protection. Additionally, the terrain can be treacherous, with narrow pathways and steep drops, so always be cautious when navigating.
One common mistake players make is underestimating the weight of element shards. These shards are heavy, and your inventory or your mountÔÇÖs inventory can quickly become encumbered. To avoid this, consider bringing a weight-reducing dinosaur like a Paracer or a Bronto to carry the shards. Alternatively, you can use a Tek Suit or a Tek Storage Box to transport the shards more efficiently. ItÔÇÖs also a good idea to bring a few storage containers or a mobile base to store the shards temporarily while you continue harvesting.
For advanced players, there are a few optimizations you can implement to maximize your element shard yield. Using a high-level Ankylosaurus with a high melee damage stat can significantly increase the amount of shards you harvest per node. Additionally, using a Tek Hoversail or a Tek Skiff can make navigating the Floating Islands easier and faster, allowing you to cover more ground and locate shard nodes more efficiently. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, coordinating with your teammates to cover different areas of the biome can speed up the harvesting process.
Resource management is crucial when harvesting element shards. Ensure you have enough food, water, and medical supplies to sustain yourself during the expedition. ItÔÇÖs also a good idea to bring along a few repair kits for your tools and equipment, as they may wear out quickly with extensive use. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, consider setting up a small outpost near the Floating Islands to store your supplies and shards, reducing the need for frequent trips back to your main base.
In summary, harvesting element shards in the Crystal Isles map involves careful preparation, efficient navigation, and strategic resource management. By using the right tools, mounts, and techniques, you can maximize your yield and minimize the risks associated with the Floating Islands biome. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or as part of a tribe, following these steps will help you successfully gather element shards and advance your progress in ARK: Survival Evolved.
Element shards are typically found in the Floating Islands biome, which is one of the most visually striking areas of the Crystal Isles map. These islands are suspended in the air and contain rich deposits of element shards. To access these shards, you will need to travel to the Floating Islands, which are located in the central and northern parts of the map. The biome is characterized by its lush vegetation, floating rocks, and unique creatures like Crystal Wyverns.
Before heading to the Floating Islands, itÔÇÖs important to prepare adequately. You will need a flying mount to navigate the biome effectively. Crystal Wyverns, which are native to the area, are an excellent choice due to their speed and maneuverability. Alternatively, you can use other flying creatures like Argentavis or Pteranodons, but they may not be as efficient. Ensure your mount is well-leveled and has sufficient stamina and weight capacity to carry the shards.
Once you arrive at the Floating Islands, you will need to locate the element shard nodes. These nodes resemble glowing, crystalline formations and are often found on the larger floating rocks or islands. They can be harvested using a pickaxe or a mining drill. A high-quality pickaxe will yield more shards per node, so itÔÇÖs worth investing in a good one. If you have access to a mining drill, it is even more efficient and can harvest shards at a faster rate.
When harvesting element shards, be mindful of the dangers in the area. The Floating Islands are home to aggressive creatures like Crystal Wyverns and other predators. ItÔÇÖs advisable to clear the area of threats before starting to harvest. You can use your mount to fight off enemies or bring along a strong combat dinosaur like a Rex or Spino for added protection. Additionally, the terrain can be treacherous, with narrow pathways and steep drops, so always be cautious when navigating.
One common mistake players make is underestimating the weight of element shards. These shards are heavy, and your inventory or your mountÔÇÖs inventory can quickly become encumbered. To avoid this, consider bringing a weight-reducing dinosaur like a Paracer or a Bronto to carry the shards. Alternatively, you can use a Tek Suit or a Tek Storage Box to transport the shards more efficiently. ItÔÇÖs also a good idea to bring a few storage containers or a mobile base to store the shards temporarily while you continue harvesting.
For advanced players, there are a few optimizations you can implement to maximize your element shard yield. Using a high-level Ankylosaurus with a high melee damage stat can significantly increase the amount of shards you harvest per node. Additionally, using a Tek Hoversail or a Tek Skiff can make navigating the Floating Islands easier and faster, allowing you to cover more ground and locate shard nodes more efficiently. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, coordinating with your teammates to cover different areas of the biome can speed up the harvesting process.
Resource management is crucial when harvesting element shards. Ensure you have enough food, water, and medical supplies to sustain yourself during the expedition. ItÔÇÖs also a good idea to bring along a few repair kits for your tools and equipment, as they may wear out quickly with extensive use. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, consider setting up a small outpost near the Floating Islands to store your supplies and shards, reducing the need for frequent trips back to your main base.
In summary, harvesting element shards in the Crystal Isles map involves careful preparation, efficient navigation, and strategic resource management. By using the right tools, mounts, and techniques, you can maximize your yield and minimize the risks associated with the Floating Islands biome. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or as part of a tribe, following these steps will help you successfully gather element shards and advance your progress in ARK: Survival Evolved.