Metal is an important resource in ARK: Survival Evolved. Certain areas have larger amounts than others and some have greater risk factors. Here you can weigh out your options and decide which places you’d like to farm! We’ll also guide you towards finding a supply on the Scorched Earth DLC map. Let’s get started!
The best way to mine Metal is to take advantage of the Ankylosaurus. They not only have the highest mining rate, but also reduce the weight by 75%. The next best options include the Metal Pick and the Mantis. A Stone Pick should only be used as a last resort, as they yield very little.
Where to Find Some Iron in ARK
There are many locations across the island that contain Metal bearing rocks. For players that don’t want to risk the dangers that come with the mountains and other hazardous areas, we recommend searching the coasts. South Haven (formerly Herbivore Island) does also have a good supply for mining. If you’re playing on a server with other players, you may find that there are little to no rocks to mine. Waiting a few in game days will cause them to re-spawn. Though, you’ll likely have a better time moving on to other places to farm.
Generally, caves are going to be the most difficult areas to mine. On the upside, since many people don’t enjoy trying to mine for Metal nodes in caves, you’ll probably find plenty for yourself. A good cave for acquiring Metal would be the Lower South Cave (80.3° Lat, 53.5° Lon). This cave offers a lot to mine, but be warned, it can be easy to get lost and run into enemies. We caution any new and lower level players trying to score in caves. There are many creatures that lurk around and require fending off.
The Mountains
The Northern Peaks of the island have the highest density of Metal to farm. Tread carefully though, as they host numerous carnivores. It’s also worth noting that many of these peaks are extremely steep. Falling down a mountain can be a bit of a setback, though thankfully some areas can still be reached on foot. For instance, Far’s Peak, located on the North-East of the island is nearly impossible to climb on foot. However, Whitesky Peak has a trail on the Northern side that makes climbing it possible. Both locations are said to be worth the risk of exploring due to their high velocity of resources, especially Metal.
Overall, the richest areas for farming ore are the most dangerous. Be prepared for whatever may come, and equip appropriately for the location you choose. We have included a map with common areas of Metal below; the yellow dots display the density in amounts.
Scorched Earth
Much like the island, a lot of Metal can be found on the mountains on the Scorched Earth map. It does appear that the amount around the map is scarcer than that on the island. Your best bet is to search along the rivers and around the oil veins. You may also come across some rocks just South-West of the green tower beside the cliffs and the sand dunes. It seems that most places around the map are hit or miss, so we recommend keeping an eye out in all areas. If you think you’ve come across a steady Metal mining area, let us know in the comments!
