What is the best way to gather meat and hide in the early game of ARK: Survival Evolved?

In the early game of ARK: Survival Evolved, gathering meat and hide efficiently is crucial for survival. Meat is essential for food, while hide is used for crafting basic armor, tools, and structures. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to gather these resources effectively.

To start, youÔÇÖll need basic tools. Craft a Stone Pick and Stone Hatchet as soon as possible. These tools are essential for harvesting resources from creatures. The Pick is better for gathering meat, while the Hatchet is more efficient for hide. YouÔÇÖll also want to craft a Spear for defense and hunting. Spears are useful for killing smaller creatures like Dodos, Lystrosaurus, and Dilophosaurs, which are common early-game targets.

Once you have your tools, look for small, non-threatening creatures. Dodos are the easiest to kill and provide a decent amount of meat and hide for their size. Approach them carefully and use your Spear to kill them. After killing a creature, use your Pick to harvest meat and your Hatchet to harvest hide. Be mindful of your surroundings, as other predators might be attracted to the noise or the corpse.

As you progress, youÔÇÖll encounter larger creatures like Parasaurolophus and Trikes. These creatures provide more meat and hide but are harder to kill. For these, youÔÇÖll need to use ranged weapons like a Bow and Arrows. Craft a Bow and a few Arrows as soon as you can. Aim for the head or weak spots to deal more damage. Kiting these creatures (leading them away while attacking) is a good strategy to avoid taking damage. Once theyÔÇÖre dead, use your tools to harvest the resources.

One important tip is to always carry a Campfire or a Cooking Pot with you. Raw meat spoils quickly, so cooking it on the spot can save you from losing valuable food. Additionally, cooked meat lasts longer and restores more hunger. If youÔÇÖre near your base, you can store the meat in a Preserving Bin with Sparkpowder to extend its spoilage time.

A common mistake early on is overextending yourself. DonÔÇÖt venture too far from your base or safe area, especially at night. Predators like Raptors and Carnotaurus are more dangerous in the dark. Always be aware of your stamina and health. If youÔÇÖre low on either, retreat to a safe spot to recover.

Advanced techniques involve taming dinosaurs to help with gathering. A tamed Raptor or Carnotaurus can kill creatures much faster than you can, and they also harvest meat and hide more efficiently. To tame a Raptor, youÔÇÖll need to knock it out with Tranquilizer Arrows or a Slingshot, then feed it Raw Meat or Prime Meat. Once tamed, it can follow you and assist in hunting. Similarly, a Trike can be tamed to gather berries and defend against smaller predators.

Resource requirements for taming include Narcoberries or Narcotics to keep the creature unconscious, and the appropriate food for the dinosaur youÔÇÖre taming. Preparation is key, so always carry extra supplies like food, water, and tools when venturing out.

If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to gather resources more efficiently. One player can focus on hunting while another gathers other resources like wood and stone. In solo play, prioritize safety and efficiency. Always have an escape plan and avoid engaging multiple creatures at once.

Specific scenarios include hunting in areas with high concentrations of small creatures, like beaches or open fields. These areas are safer and provide a steady supply of meat and hide. Avoid dense forests or areas with large predators until youÔÇÖre better equipped.

In summary, gathering meat and hide in the early game involves crafting basic tools, hunting small creatures, and gradually moving on to larger prey. Use ranged weapons for safety, cook meat to prevent spoilage, and consider taming dinosaurs to assist in hunting. Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid overextending yourself. With these strategies, youÔÇÖll be well-equipped to survive and thrive in the early stages of ARK: Survival Evolved.