Let's dive into the Ark: Survival Evolved universe and explore how to properly place the Industrial Cooker. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from crafting the cooker to ensuring it's perfectly positioned in your base. Whether you're a seasoned survivor or just starting out, mastering the Industrial Cooker is crucial for advanced cooking recipes and resource management. So, grab your tools and let's get started!

Crafting the Industrie Kocher

Before you can even think about placing your Industrial Cooker, you'll need to craft it. This bad boy isn't something you can just stumble upon in a supply drop; you've got to earn it. First off, you'll need to reach level 66. Yeah, I know, it sounds like a grind, but trust me, it's worth it. Once you hit level 66, you can unlock the Engram for the Industrial Cooker for 25 Engram Points. Now for the resources, and this is where things get a little resource-intensive. You're going to need:

• 200 × Cementing Paste or Achatina Paste: Cementing Paste is a staple in Ark for a reason. Head to caves to farm it from the walls, or kill beavers and raid their dams (but watch out, they get angry!). Achatina Paste is a decent alternative if you have a snail farm going.
• 125 × Metal Ingot: Time to fire up the forge! Metal Ingots require a good amount of metal ore, which you can mine from rocks in mountainous regions. Smelt them in a forge powered by wood or gasoline.
• 50 × Oil: Oil is often found deep in the ocean or in snowy regions. Hunt Trilobites or Eurypterids in the ocean for oil, or find oil nodes in the snow. Taming a Dunkleosteus can make underwater oil harvesting much easier.
• 40 × Crystal: Crystal can be found in caves and on mountaintops. Be careful when harvesting, as these areas are often dangerous. Bring a good mount for protection.
• 15 × Polymer: Polymer is one of the trickier resources to get. You can craft it at an Obelisk or in a Fabricator using Organic Polymer (from penguins or Kairuku) or by crafting it from materials like obsidian, cementing paste, and keratin.

Once you have all of these resources, head to your Fabricator, pop them in, and craft that Industrial Cooker. It takes a bit, so be patient!

Choosing the Right Location

Alright, you've got your Industrial Cooker crafted and ready to go. Now, the big question: where do you put this thing? Location is key, guys! You don't want to just plop it down anywhere. Here are some things to consider:

• Water Source: The Industrial Cooker needs a water source to function. The easiest way to supply water is by connecting it to a water tank via pipes. Place the cooker near your existing water infrastructure to minimize the amount of piping you need.
• Proximity to Resources: Think about what you'll be cooking. If you plan to make kibble, place the cooker near your crop plots and storage for berries, seeds, and other ingredients. If you're focused on soups and stews, consider proximity to your meat storage.
• Base Layout: Consider the overall layout of your base. You want the cooker to be easily accessible but not in the way. A dedicated cooking area can help keep things organized and efficient. Ensure there is enough space around the cooker for you to move and interact with it comfortably.
• Security: Like any important structure, the Industrial Cooker should be placed in a secure area of your base. Protect it from potential raids by building walls and defenses around it. Nobody wants to lose their precious cooker to a pack of Raptors!

Setting Up Water and Power

Okay, so you've got the location nailed down. Next up is getting the Industrial Cooker hooked up with water and power. Water is essential for all those delicious recipes you're going to be making, and power keeps the whole thing running. Let’s break it down:

• Water Connection: The Industrial Cooker needs a constant water supply to function correctly. The most reliable way to achieve this is by using a water tank and piping system. Place a water tank on higher ground to take advantage of gravity, and run pipes down to the cooker. Ensure you use the correct pipe junctions to connect everything seamlessly.
• Powering the Cooker: The Industrial Cooker doesn't require any electricity, unlike the Fabricator or other advanced machinery. Simply providing water is sufficient for it to operate. However, if you're looking to automate certain aspects of your cooking process, consider using electrical devices like refrigerators to store ingredients and preserve cooked items.

Optimizing Your Cooking Process

Now that your Industrial Cooker is up and running, let's talk about making the most of it. Here are some tips and tricks to optimize your cooking process and become a culinary master in Ark:

• Kibble Production: The Industrial Cooker is a kibble-making machine! Set up dedicated storage for your kibble ingredients near the cooker. Use refrigerators to keep your berries and eggs fresh. Experiment with different kibble recipes to tame the creatures you want.
• Recipe Management: Keep a list of your favorite recipes and their ingredients handy. Organize your storage containers to quickly access the items you need. Designate specific containers for common ingredients like water skins, cooked meat, and vegetables.
• Batch Cooking: Cook in large batches to maximize efficiency. The Industrial Cooker can process multiple items at once, so take advantage of this. Stockpile your cooked items for future use, especially during long expeditions or boss fights.
• Ingredient Quality: Use the highest quality ingredients whenever possible. Better ingredients can result in better quality cooked items, which can provide greater benefits. For example, using prime meat in your recipes will yield more effective buffs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced Ark players can make mistakes when setting up and using the Industrial Cooker. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Forgetting the Water Source: This is the most common mistake. Always ensure the cooker is connected to a reliable water source before starting a cooking session. A dry cooker is a useless cooker.
• Ignoring Security: Don't leave your Industrial Cooker unprotected. Build walls and defenses around it to prevent raiders from destroying or stealing it.
• Poor Resource Management: Keep your cooking area organized and well-stocked with ingredients. Running out of a key ingredient mid-cook can be frustrating.
• Underestimating the Cook Time: Some recipes take a long time to cook. Be patient and plan accordingly. Don't start a batch of kibble right before you need to log off.

Advanced Tips and Tricks

Ready to take your Industrial Cooker skills to the next level? Here are some advanced tips and tricks to help you become a true Ark cooking pro:

• Automated Systems: Use advanced automation techniques to streamline your cooking process. Employ dedicated storage containers that automatically sort ingredients, and consider using a Tek Replicator to craft complex recipes more efficiently.
• Custom Recipes: Experiment with custom recipes to create unique dishes that provide special buffs. Combine different ingredients to discover new and powerful effects.
• Trading and Bartering: Use your cooked items to trade with other players. High-quality kibble and rare dishes can be valuable commodities in the Ark economy.
• Cooking Competitions: Host cooking competitions with your tribe mates to see who can create the most delicious and effective dishes. Offer prizes for the best creations!

Conclusion

So there you have it, guys! Mastering the Industrial Cooker in Ark: Survival Evolved takes a bit of effort, but it's totally worth it. From crafting and placement to optimizing your cooking process, this guide has covered everything you need to know. Now, go forth and become the ultimate Ark chef! Happy cooking, and may your tribe always be well-fed!