What is the best way to use crop plots for farming in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Using crop plots for farming in ARK: Survival Evolved is an essential part of survival, especially for sustaining yourself and your tribe with a steady supply of food and resources. Farming allows you to grow crops like berries, vegetables, and even rare plants that are used in advanced recipes and taming. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to effectively use crop plots for farming.

First, you need to understand the mechanics of crop plots. Crop plots come in three sizes: small, medium, and large. Small plots are suitable for growing berries, medium plots for vegetables like carrots and potatoes, and large plots for advanced crops like plant species X or rare flowers. Each crop plot requires water, fertilizer, and seeds to function. Water can be provided manually by filling a waterskin or canteen and pouring it into the plot, or automatically through irrigation systems using pipes and taps. Fertilizer is necessary to keep the crops healthy and growing. You can use basic fertilizer, which is made from feces and thatch in a compost bin, or advanced fertilizer, which is more efficient and lasts longer.

To start farming, you need to gather the necessary resources. For a small crop plot, you will need 15 thatch, 10 wood, and 5 fiber. Medium plots require 25 thatch, 20 wood, and 15 fiber, while large plots need 40 thatch, 35 wood, and 25 fiber. Once you have the materials, craft the crop plot and place it in a suitable location. Ideally, this should be near a water source or within range of an irrigation system. After placing the plot, add water and fertilizer. Then, plant the seeds of your choice. Berries are the easiest to grow and are useful for basic food and taming, while vegetables like carrots and potatoes are needed for advanced recipes and kibble.

One important tip is to ensure your crop plots are protected. Wild creatures or other players can destroy your crops, so itÔÇÖs a good idea to build walls or fences around your farming area. Additionally, placing turrets or tamed dinosaurs nearby can help deter threats. Another consideration is the placement of your crop plots. If youÔÇÖre using irrigation, make sure the plots are connected to a water source via pipes and taps. If youÔÇÖre manually watering, keep a supply of waterskins or canteens handy.

A common mistake is neglecting to check the fertilizer levels. Crops will stop growing if the fertilizer runs out, so regularly monitor and replenish it. Advanced players can optimize their farming by using dung beetles or phiomias to produce large amounts of feces for fertilizer. Additionally, using greenhouse structures can significantly boost crop growth rates. Greenhouses are built using greenhouse ceilings and walls, which increase the crop plotÔÇÖs efficiency when placed nearby.

For tribes, farming can be a shared responsibility. Assigning roles, such as one person managing irrigation and another handling fertilizer, can make the process more efficient. Solo players should focus on smaller-scale farming initially, gradually expanding as they gather more resources. In both cases, itÔÇÖs important to plan your farming area to avoid overcrowding and ensure easy access to all plots.

In specific scenarios, such as preparing for boss fights or taming high-level creatures, farming becomes even more critical. For example, growing rare flowers and mushrooms is necessary for crafting certain items, while vegetables like rockarrot and savoroot are essential for taming herbivores like the equus or therizinosaurus. Advanced players can also use plant species X to create defensive turrets that shoot at enemies, making farming a key part of base defense.

In conclusion, farming with crop plots in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning and resource management. By understanding the mechanics, protecting your crops, and optimizing your setup, you can create a sustainable farming system that supports your survival and progression in the game. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, farming is a vital skill that will help you thrive in the dangerous world of ARK.