How do I efficiently gather fiber in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Gathering fiber efficiently in ARK: Survival Evolved is a fundamental task for survival, as fiber is used in crafting a wide range of items, including clothing, tools, and building materials. Understanding the mechanics and strategies for collecting fiber can save you time and effort, especially in the early game when resources are scarce. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to gather fiber effectively.

Fiber is primarily obtained by harvesting plants, such as bushes and small vegetation, which are abundant across most maps. The most basic way to gather fiber is by hand, which involves approaching a bush and pressing the interact button (default E on PC). This method is slow and inefficient, so itÔÇÖs best to use tools or tamed creatures to speed up the process. The earliest tool for gathering fiber is the Stone Pick, which can be crafted once you unlock its engram at level 2. While the Pick is better suited for harvesting stone and flint, it can still collect fiber from bushes, though not as efficiently as other tools.

A more effective tool for gathering fiber is the Metal Sickle, which becomes available at level 30. The Sickle significantly increases the amount of fiber you can collect from each bush, making it a must-have tool for mid to late-game players. To craft a Metal Sickle, youÔÇÖll need 8 metal ingots, 10 wood, and 25 fiber. Metal ingots are obtained by smelting metal ore in a forge, so youÔÇÖll need to gather metal ore and fuel (wood or thatch) to operate the forge. Once you have a Sickle, simply equip it and swing it at bushes to collect large amounts of fiber quickly.

Tamed creatures can also be used to gather fiber, and some are exceptionally good at it. The most notable fiber-gathering dinosaur is the Therizinosaurus, which has a high fiber yield when harvesting bushes. Other creatures, such as the Gigantopithecus (ape) and the Moschops, can also gather fiber, though not as efficiently as the Therizinosaurus. To use a tamed creature for fiber gathering, simply ride or command it to attack bushes. The Therizinosaurus, in particular, can gather thousands of fiber in a short amount of time, making it an invaluable asset for large-scale crafting projects.

When gathering fiber, itÔÇÖs important to consider your surroundings. Bushes are found in most biomes, but some areas, such as forests and grasslands, have a higher density of vegetation, making them ideal for fiber farming. Be cautious of hostile creatures in these areas, as they can pose a threat while youÔÇÖre focused on gathering. ItÔÇÖs a good idea to bring a tamed dinosaur for protection, especially if youÔÇÖre venturing into dangerous territory.

One common mistake players make is neglecting to upgrade their tools or use tamed creatures for gathering. Relying solely on hand-picking or basic tools like the Stone Pick can slow down your progress significantly. Investing in a Metal Sickle or taming a fiber-gathering dinosaur early on can save you a lot of time and effort in the long run. Additionally, players often overlook the importance of weight management when gathering fiber. Fiber is a lightweight resource, but it can still add up quickly, especially when using a Sickle or tamed creature. Make sure to allocate points into weight or bring a pack animal like a Parasaur or Equus to carry your haul.

Advanced players can optimize their fiber-gathering process by setting up a base near a dense vegetation area. This allows for quick and easy access to fiber whenever needed. You can also use crop plots to grow plant species X, which requires fiber as a resource. While this doesnÔÇÖt directly help with gathering fiber, it ensures you have a steady supply for crafting and defense.

In a tribe setting, fiber gathering can be delegated to specific members or tamed creatures. For example, one player can focus on taming and leveling a Therizinosaurus for fiber gathering, while others handle other resources like wood and stone. This division of labor can make resource collection more efficient and allow the tribe to progress faster.

In summary, gathering fiber efficiently in ARK: Survival Evolved involves using the right tools and creatures, choosing the right locations, and managing your inventory effectively. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, investing in a Metal Sickle or taming a fiber-gathering dinosaur like the Therizinosaurus can greatly enhance your resource collection. By following these strategies and avoiding common mistakes, youÔÇÖll have a steady supply of fiber for all your crafting and building needs.