Auto Metal Farmer
Grinding for metal in ARK: Survival Ascended is one of the most time-consuming chores in the game. You spend hours swinging a pickaxe or riding a heavy Ankylosaurus back and forth from mountain tops, all while dodging Raptors and managing your weight. The Auto Metal Farmer add-on changes that entirely. It introduces a trained Ankylosaurus that passively generates Raw Metal for you, turning one of the most tedious resource grinds into a background task. This mod is a game-changer for solo players, small tribes, and anyone who wants to spend more time building and exploring instead of farming.
What Does the Auto Metal Farmer Do?
This add-on places a special, automated Ankylosaurus into your game. Once you craft and place it, the creature works on its own. It does not require you to ride it, feed it, or guide it to a metal node. Instead, it simply produces Raw Metal on a timer. The core design goal is to give casual players a more relaxed farming experience. You still need to engage with the game, but you no longer need to dedicate entire play sessions to metal collection.
Production Rates and Storage
The Auto Metal Farmer generates 1 Raw Metal every 6 seconds, which works out to a solid 600 Raw Metal per hour. This rate is consistent and requires no input from you. The creature has an internal storage capacity of 1500 Raw Metal. This means you can leave it running for about two and a half hours before it hits its cap. To maintain peak efficiency, you should empty it regularly. If the storage fills up, production stops until you collect the resources. It is a simple loop: check back, empty the inventory, and let it keep working.
Cost and Unlock Requirements
One of the most appealing aspects of this mod is its accessibility. The Auto Metal Farmer unlocks at level 1 and costs 0 engram points to learn. You do not need to invest any early skill points to access it. The crafting cost is moderate and reflects the value of the automation. To craft one, you will need:
- 2400 Metal Ingots
- 400 Crystal
- 400 Cementing Paste
- 200 Obsidian
- 300 Hide
You craft the item at a Smithy. While the upfront cost is significant, the mod pays for itself. At a rate of 600 metal per hour, you will recover the 2400 Metal Ingot investment in approximately 8 hours of passive production. After that, it is pure profit.
How to Install the Mod
Getting the mod running is straightforward. You can download Auto Metal Farmer from the Steam Workshop or a trusted mod repository. The installation process is the same as for any other ARK: Survival Ascended mod. You subscribe to the mod, enable it in your server or single-player settings, and launch the game. The mod is compatible with the current versions of ARK: Survival Ascended, and the developer keeps it updated for major game patches.
For players who prefer a more streamlined approach, the foxygame.net launcher offers a one-click install feature. You can find Auto Metal Farmer for ARK: Survival Ascended in the launcher's add-on catalog, and it handles version compatibility automatically, so you don't have to worry about mismatched updates breaking your game.
Using the GFI Command
If you are running a dedicated server or just want to spawn the item directly, you can use the admin command. The command is GFI MetalFarmer 1 0 0. This will spawn one Auto Metal Farmer into your inventory. This is useful for testing the mod or for server admins who want to distribute it to players without requiring them to grind the resources.
Important Warning and Known Issues
Before you rely on this mod for your entire metal supply, you should be aware of a current limitation. The developer has noted that the Farmer may stop farming when you travel too far away from it. This is not an intended behavior, and it does not happen for every player. The mod author is actively working on a fix and has apologized for the inconvenience. In practice, this means you should keep your Auto Metal Farmer relatively close to your base or frequented areas. If you are exploring across the map, you may return to find that production paused at some point.
Future Updates and Community Support
The developer has stated that future updates may include more variants of the Auto Metal Farmer and improved features, depending on community feedback and support. This is a promising sign for long-term usability. If the mod gains traction, you can expect quality-of-life improvements, possibly including larger storage options or faster production rates. For now, the current version is stable and functional for most players.
Is It Worth It?
If you are tired of the metal grind, the Auto Metal Farmer is an excellent addition to your ARK: Survival Ascended toolkit. It is not a cheat that gives you unlimited resources instantly; it still requires an initial investment and regular maintenance. However, it significantly reduces the active time you need to spend on metal farming. The 8-hour payback period is reasonable, and the passive income stream allows you to focus on taming, building, or exploring. The mod is designed for casual players, but even hardcore players will appreciate the convenience.
To get started, simply download Auto Metal Farmer from your preferred mod source and follow the standard how to install steps. If you use the foxygame.net launcher, the add-on catalog will keep the mod updated automatically, ensuring you always have the latest fixes and features for Auto Metal Farmer for ARK: Survival Ascended. This removes the hassle of manual updates and lets you focus on the game.
In conclusion, the Auto Metal Farmer is a well-designed, balanced mod that solves a common problem. It respects your time without trivializing the game's resource economy. Give it a try, and let the Ankylosaurus do the heavy lifting while you enjoy the rest of what ARK has to offer.