What are the best ways to gather thatch for early-game base building in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Gathering thatch efficiently in the early game of ARK: Survival Evolved is crucial for building your first base. Thatch is one of the most basic building materials, used to construct simple structures like thatch walls, floors, and ceilings. It is primarily obtained by harvesting trees, but the method you use to gather it can significantly impact your efficiency. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to gather thatch effectively, along with tips and strategies to optimize your resource collection.

To start, you will need a tool to harvest thatch. The most basic tool is the Stone Pick, which can be crafted using 1 wood, 1 stone, and 10 fiber. The Stone Pick is essential for early-game resource gathering, as it allows you to harvest not only thatch but also stone and flint from rocks. Once you have your Stone Pick, head to an area with plenty of trees. Forests or areas near rivers are ideal, as they typically have dense tree coverage. Approach a tree and use the Stone Pick to hit it. Each swing will yield a small amount of thatch, along with some wood. Thatch is a byproduct of harvesting trees, so you will always get some wood along with it.

One important tip is to focus on larger trees, as they tend to yield more resources per swing. Smaller bushes and plants will give you fiber and berries but not thatch. Additionally, the type of tool you use affects the ratio of resources you gather. For example, using a Stone Pick will give you more thatch compared to wood, while using a Stone Hatchet will yield more wood and less thatch. If your primary goal is to gather thatch, stick with the Stone Pick.

As you progress, you can tame dinosaurs to help with resource gathering. One of the best early-game dinosaurs for gathering thatch is the Trike (Triceratops). The Trike has a high gathering efficiency for thatch when using its primary attack on trees. To tame a Trike, you will need Narcoberries or Narcotics to keep it unconscious and Mejoberries or other berries to feed it. Once tamed, the Trike can gather large amounts of thatch quickly, making it a valuable asset for early-game base building. Another dinosaur to consider is the Stegosaurus, which is also efficient at gathering thatch but requires more effort to tame.

When gathering thatch, itÔÇÖs important to manage your inventory space. Thatch stacks up to 100 per slot, so you may quickly fill your inventory if youÔÇÖre not careful. To avoid this, consider building a Storage Box near your harvesting area. This allows you to deposit thatch and other resources as you gather them, freeing up space for more efficient harvesting. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, you can also use a tamed dinosaur with a saddle to carry additional resources. For example, a Parasaur can be used as a pack mule to transport thatch back to your base.

A common mistake early-game players make is overharvesting in one area, which can deplete the local tree population and force you to travel further for resources. To avoid this, rotate your harvesting locations and give trees time to respawn. Trees typically respawn after a short period, so moving between different areas can ensure a steady supply of thatch. Additionally, avoid harvesting near your base if possible, as this can make your base less defensible by removing natural cover.

For advanced players, consider using a Brontosaurus or a Mammoth for thatch gathering. These larger dinosaurs can harvest massive amounts of thatch in a short time, but they require more effort to tame and are better suited for mid to late-game players. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to assign roles. For example, one player can focus on gathering thatch while another gathers wood or stone. This division of labor can significantly speed up your base-building process.

In summary, gathering thatch in the early game involves using a Stone Pick to harvest trees, focusing on larger trees for better yields, and managing your inventory efficiently. Taming dinosaurs like the Trike or Stegosaurus can greatly enhance your thatch-gathering capabilities. Avoid overharvesting in one area and consider using storage solutions or pack dinosaurs to optimize your resource collection. By following these strategies, you can quickly gather the thatch needed to build a secure and functional base in ARK: Survival Evolved.