What is the best way to gather hide in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Gathering hide in ARK: Survival Evolved is a fundamental task for crafting essential items like armor, saddles, and structures. Hide is primarily obtained by killing creatures and harvesting their bodies. The efficiency of hide gathering depends on the tools you use, the creatures you target, and your overall strategy. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to gather hide effectively, covering mechanics, strategies, and tips.

To start, you need to understand the mechanics of hide gathering. Hide is obtained by harvesting the corpses of creatures, and the amount you get depends on the creature type, the tool you use, and your harvesting skill. For example, a Parasaur will yield less hide than a Carnotaurus. Using a metal hatchet or a tamed dinosaur with high melee damage will increase the amount of hide you gather. Additionally, leveling up your harvesting skill will improve your yield.

Early in the game, you can gather hide by killing small creatures like Dodos, Dilophosaurs, or Parasuars. These creatures are easy to kill with basic tools like a stone hatchet or spear. However, the amount of hide you get from these creatures is limited. As you progress, you should target larger creatures like Trikes, Stegos, or Carnotaurus, which provide more hide per kill. Using a metal hatchet or a tamed dinosaur like a Sabertooth or Direwolf will significantly increase your hide yield.

One of the most efficient ways to gather hide is by taming a dinosaur specifically for harvesting. Dinosaurs like the Sabertooth, Direwolf, and Therizinosaurus are excellent for gathering hide. These creatures have high melee damage and can harvest large amounts of hide from corpses. For example, a high-level Sabertooth with points invested in melee damage can gather hundreds of hide from a single large creature like a Rex or Bronto. Additionally, the Therizinosaurus has a unique ability to gather multiple resources, including hide, with high efficiency.

When gathering hide, itÔÇÖs important to prepare properly. Ensure you have the right tools, such as a metal hatchet or a tamed dinosaur with high melee damage. If youÔÇÖre using a dinosaur, make sure it has enough health and stamina to handle combat and harvesting. Bring along some food and water for yourself, as well as any necessary healing items for your dinosaur. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to maximize efficiency. For example, one player can focus on killing creatures while another uses a harvesting dinosaur to gather hide.

A common mistake is using the wrong tool for harvesting. For example, using a pickaxe instead of a hatchet will yield less hide. Always use a hatchet or a tamed dinosaur optimized for harvesting hide. Another mistake is targeting the wrong creatures. While small creatures are easier to kill, they provide less hide. Focus on larger creatures for better efficiency. Additionally, avoid overextending yourself or your dinosaur. If youÔÇÖre in a dangerous area, make sure you have an escape plan or backup in case of an attack.

Advanced techniques for hide gathering include using a chainsaw, which is one of the most efficient tools for harvesting hide. The chainsaw can gather large amounts of hide from corpses, but it requires gasoline to operate, so make sure you have enough fuel. Another advanced technique is using a Gacha, a creature that can produce resources, including hide, by consuming items. While this method is less direct, it can be useful for passive hide generation.

Resource requirements for hide gathering depend on your method. If youÔÇÖre using tools, youÔÇÖll need a hatchet or chainsaw and possibly repair materials. If youÔÇÖre using a dinosaur, youÔÇÖll need to tame and level up a high-melee damage creature. For solo players, focus on taming a single high-efficiency dinosaur like a Sabertooth or Therizinosaurus. For tribes, consider taming multiple harvesting dinosaurs and coordinating efforts to maximize yield.

In specific scenarios, such as during a resource run, plan your route to target areas with high concentrations of large creatures. For example, the Redwood Forest or the Mountains are good locations for finding creatures like Rexes, Brontos, and Mammoths. Be cautious of aggressive predators in these areas and ensure your dinosaur is well-prepared for combat.

In summary, gathering hide in ARK: Survival Evolved requires understanding the mechanics, using the right tools and creatures, and planning your approach. Focus on larger creatures, use a hatchet or tamed dinosaur, and avoid common mistakes like using the wrong tool or overextending. Advanced techniques like using a chainsaw or Gacha can further optimize your hide gathering. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, proper preparation and strategy will ensure you gather hide efficiently and safely.