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 and progressing toward more advanced structures. Thatch is one of the most basic resources, primarily obtained by harvesting trees, and is used to construct thatch-tier structures like walls, floors, and ceilings. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to gather thatch effectively, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.
To start, youÔÇÖll 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 thatch from trees. When you hit a tree with the Stone Pick, youÔÇÖll receive both wood and thatch, with the ratio favoring wood. However, the Stone Pick is still the best early-game tool for thatch gathering. As you progress, you can craft better tools like the Metal Pick, which yields more thatch per swing and is more durable.
The mechanics of thatch gathering are straightforward. Approach a tree and use your Stone Pick to hit it. Each swing will produce a small amount of thatch and wood. The type of tree doesnÔÇÖt matter for thatch yield, so you can harvest any tree you find. However, larger trees tend to provide more resources per tree, so prioritize those if youÔÇÖre looking to maximize efficiency. Keep in mind that your toolÔÇÖs durability will decrease with each swing, so always carry extra tools or materials to craft replacements on the go.
One of the most important tips for early-game thatch gathering is to focus on resource management. Thatch is lightweight, but wood is heavier, and your inventory can fill up quickly. To avoid being overencumbered, drop excess wood or store it in a nearby storage box. This allows you to continue gathering thatch without being slowed down. Additionally, always carry a few extra tools, as they can break unexpectedly, leaving you stranded without a way to gather resources.
A common mistake early-game players make is neglecting to build a storage system near their harvesting area. If youÔÇÖre gathering thatch far from your base, consider placing a storage box or a small thatch hut nearby to store excess resources. This prevents you from having to make multiple trips back and forth, saving time and effort. Another mistake is not prioritizing safety. While gathering thatch, youÔÇÖre vulnerable to attacks from predators like Raptors or Carnotaurus. Always be aware of your surroundings and consider taming a small dinosaur like a Parasaur or Trike to help defend you while you gather.
For advanced techniques, consider taming a dinosaur that specializes in harvesting thatch. The best early-game option is the Moschops, which can be tamed passively by feeding it berries or crops. Once tamed, the Moschops can harvest thatch efficiently from trees, often yielding more than a Stone Pick. Another option is the Therizinosaurus, though itÔÇÖs more challenging to tame and is better suited for mid-game players. Using dinosaurs for resource gathering not only speeds up the process but also reduces the wear and tear on your tools.
Resource requirements for thatch gathering are minimal. YouÔÇÖll need a Stone Pick or better, and a few extra tools for backup. If youÔÇÖre taming a dinosaur for thatch gathering, youÔÇÖll need the appropriate food for taming, such as berries for a Moschops. Preparation is key, so always carry extra tools, food, and water while gathering resources. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to divide tasks. One player can focus on gathering thatch while another gathers wood or fiber, ensuring a steady supply of all necessary resources.
In solo play, efficiency is even more critical. Focus on building a small thatch hut near a dense forest to minimize travel time. Use storage boxes to organize your resources and keep your inventory manageable. If youÔÇÖre playing on a PvP server, be cautious about building in open areas, as your thatch structures are vulnerable to attacks from other players. Consider upgrading to wood or stone as soon as possible for better protection.
Specific scenarios can also influence your thatch-gathering strategy. For example, if youÔÇÖre playing on The Island map, the dense forests near the southern beaches are ideal for early-game thatch gathering. On Scorched Earth, trees are more sparse, so youÔÇÖll need to travel further to find suitable harvesting spots. In these cases, consider taming a dinosaur to help you carry resources and defend against threats.
In summary, gathering thatch in the early game requires the right tools, efficient resource management, and a focus on safety. Use a Stone Pick to harvest trees, prioritize larger trees for better yields, and manage your inventory to avoid being overencumbered. Tame dinosaurs like the Moschops for more efficient gathering, and always be prepared with extra tools and storage solutions. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, these strategies will help you gather thatch quickly and build a strong foundation for your base.
To start, youÔÇÖll 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 thatch from trees. When you hit a tree with the Stone Pick, youÔÇÖll receive both wood and thatch, with the ratio favoring wood. However, the Stone Pick is still the best early-game tool for thatch gathering. As you progress, you can craft better tools like the Metal Pick, which yields more thatch per swing and is more durable.
The mechanics of thatch gathering are straightforward. Approach a tree and use your Stone Pick to hit it. Each swing will produce a small amount of thatch and wood. The type of tree doesnÔÇÖt matter for thatch yield, so you can harvest any tree you find. However, larger trees tend to provide more resources per tree, so prioritize those if youÔÇÖre looking to maximize efficiency. Keep in mind that your toolÔÇÖs durability will decrease with each swing, so always carry extra tools or materials to craft replacements on the go.
One of the most important tips for early-game thatch gathering is to focus on resource management. Thatch is lightweight, but wood is heavier, and your inventory can fill up quickly. To avoid being overencumbered, drop excess wood or store it in a nearby storage box. This allows you to continue gathering thatch without being slowed down. Additionally, always carry a few extra tools, as they can break unexpectedly, leaving you stranded without a way to gather resources.
A common mistake early-game players make is neglecting to build a storage system near their harvesting area. If youÔÇÖre gathering thatch far from your base, consider placing a storage box or a small thatch hut nearby to store excess resources. This prevents you from having to make multiple trips back and forth, saving time and effort. Another mistake is not prioritizing safety. While gathering thatch, youÔÇÖre vulnerable to attacks from predators like Raptors or Carnotaurus. Always be aware of your surroundings and consider taming a small dinosaur like a Parasaur or Trike to help defend you while you gather.
For advanced techniques, consider taming a dinosaur that specializes in harvesting thatch. The best early-game option is the Moschops, which can be tamed passively by feeding it berries or crops. Once tamed, the Moschops can harvest thatch efficiently from trees, often yielding more than a Stone Pick. Another option is the Therizinosaurus, though itÔÇÖs more challenging to tame and is better suited for mid-game players. Using dinosaurs for resource gathering not only speeds up the process but also reduces the wear and tear on your tools.
Resource requirements for thatch gathering are minimal. YouÔÇÖll need a Stone Pick or better, and a few extra tools for backup. If youÔÇÖre taming a dinosaur for thatch gathering, youÔÇÖll need the appropriate food for taming, such as berries for a Moschops. Preparation is key, so always carry extra tools, food, and water while gathering resources. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to divide tasks. One player can focus on gathering thatch while another gathers wood or fiber, ensuring a steady supply of all necessary resources.
In solo play, efficiency is even more critical. Focus on building a small thatch hut near a dense forest to minimize travel time. Use storage boxes to organize your resources and keep your inventory manageable. If youÔÇÖre playing on a PvP server, be cautious about building in open areas, as your thatch structures are vulnerable to attacks from other players. Consider upgrading to wood or stone as soon as possible for better protection.
Specific scenarios can also influence your thatch-gathering strategy. For example, if youÔÇÖre playing on The Island map, the dense forests near the southern beaches are ideal for early-game thatch gathering. On Scorched Earth, trees are more sparse, so youÔÇÖll need to travel further to find suitable harvesting spots. In these cases, consider taming a dinosaur to help you carry resources and defend against threats.
In summary, gathering thatch in the early game requires the right tools, efficient resource management, and a focus on safety. Use a Stone Pick to harvest trees, prioritize larger trees for better yields, and manage your inventory to avoid being overencumbered. Tame dinosaurs like the Moschops for more efficient gathering, and always be prepared with extra tools and storage solutions. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, these strategies will help you gather thatch quickly and build a strong foundation for your base.