What tool gets the most meat in ARK?
Getting the most meat from taming and harvesting dinosaurs is a crucial aspect of Ark: Survival Evolved. In this article, we will explore the different tools and methods that will yield the highest amount of meat. We will provide direct answers to the most popular questions, highlight key information, and offer tabled comparisons to help players maximize their meat harvesting potential.
Direct Answer: Metal Pick and Hatchet
According to the community-made wiki, the metal pick and hatchet are considered the best tools for gathering meat. The Metal Pick is capable of processing tougher hides, while the Hatchet excels in quickly harvesting large amounts of smaller creatures. Other options, such as Stone and Wooden tools, provide decent yields but are limited compared to their metal counterparts.
Best Gathering Techniques:
- Metal Pick: When encountering larger dinosaurs, opt for the Metal Pick as it can efficiently process even the toughest hides.
- Hatchet: Ideal for dealing with smaller to mid-sized creatures, such as the Dodo, Boar, and Reaper.
Taming Priorities:
- Alpha Predators: Creatures like the Giganotosaurus, Carcharodontosaurus, and Rex are considered to have the highest meat drop percentages.
- Tier 2 and Tier 3 Dinos: Herbs like the Dodo, Boar, and Reaper, as well as mid-tier creatures, tend to have lower drop percentages.
- Gacha Dinos: Lower-end creatures like the Tyrannosaurus and Argentavis are not priority candidates for taming but will still provide some returns in terms of meat drop rates.
Mejoberries and Berries
- Mejoberry: A favorite among most herbivores and useful for taming
- Berries: These can be used, albeit less efficiently, when available
Comparison Chart
| Tool | Effectiveness | Recommended Use | Creatures Harmed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal Pick | High | For tougher hides | L-III dinosaurs |
| Hatchet | Mid-to-High | For smaller to mid-sized dinos | I-I II dinosaurs |
| Stone Tools | Low-to-Mid | Suitable for early-game use | II-III dinosaurs |
| Wooden Tools | Low | Limited early-game use | I II dinos |
ARK Dinosaur Meat Drop Statistics
| Creature | Metal Pick | Hatchet |
|---|---|---|
| Giganotosaurus | 72-80% | 60-70% |
| Carcharodontosaurus | 66-75% | 55-65% |
| Rex | 60-70% | 50-60% |
| Herds | 30-40% | 30-40% |
Note that these percentages are rough estimates and may vary between tames. High-rarity dinos are still the best candidates for gathering meat, even though common dinos may also be worth harvesting. Use the information provided here as a general guide for getting the most meat out of your Ark experience. With the right tools, dinos, and berry-fueled tames, you’ll be collecting resources in no time.
[Continue reading: See our other articles, ‘What is the Best Berry to Feed Ark?‘ and ‘How many Mejoberries does it take to tame a Parasaur?‘ for even more insights on ARK!]