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

Gathering hide and chitin efficiently in the early game of ARK: Survival Evolved is crucial for crafting essential items like armor, saddles, and tools. Both resources are commonly obtained from killing creatures, but the methods and strategies for maximizing your yield can vary. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you gather these resources effectively.

Hide is primarily obtained from mammals such as dodos, parasaur, trikes, and other herbivores. Chitin, on the other hand, is harvested from insects like trilobites, scorpions, and spiders, as well as from certain creatures like arthropleura and mantises. Early game, youÔÇÖll need to focus on creatures that are easy to kill and provide a good amount of these resources without putting yourself in too much danger.

To start, youÔÇÖll need basic tools like a stone pick or hatchet. A hatchet is better for gathering hide, while a pick is more effective for chitin. Crafting these tools requires wood, stone, and fiber, which are easy to gather in the starting areas. Once you have your tools, you can begin hunting. For hide, focus on small, passive creatures like dodos or lystrosaurus. These animals are easy to kill and provide a decent amount of hide. For chitin, trilobites are your best bet early on. They are found along beaches and in shallow water, and they donÔÇÖt fight back, making them an easy target.

When hunting, always be aware of your surroundings. Early game, you are vulnerable to predators like raptors or carnos. Avoid areas with high concentrations of dangerous creatures until you are better equipped. If you encounter a predator, try to lead it into a trap or use terrain to your advantage. For example, you can climb onto rocks or structures where they canÔÇÖt reach you.

As you progress, taming dinosaurs can significantly improve your resource gathering. A raptor or dilophosaurus can help you kill creatures faster and more safely. For chitin, a saber-toothed cat or a megalodon (if youÔÇÖre near water) are excellent choices, as they have a bonus to harvesting chitin. Taming these creatures requires raw meat, narcotics, and patience. Make sure to have a supply of narcoberries or narcotics to keep the creature unconscious during the taming process.

Base building is also important for resource management. Build a small, secure base near a resource-rich area to store your gathered materials. A storage box or preserving bin can help keep your resources safe from spoilage or theft. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to divide tasks like hunting, taming, and base building. This will make the process more efficient and allow you to gather more resources in less time.

Common mistakes to avoid include overextending yourself into dangerous areas without proper preparation. Always carry a bed or sleeping bag with you so you can respawn nearby if you die. Another mistake is not using the right tool for the job. Using a pick instead of a hatchet for hide, or vice versa, will result in lower yields. Additionally, donÔÇÖt underestimate the importance of taming dinosaurs. They can make resource gathering much easier and safer.

Advanced techniques include using a tamed argentavis or other flying mount to transport large amounts of resources quickly. You can also set up traps to lure and kill larger creatures like trikes or stegos for more hide. For chitin, consider exploring caves once you have better gear and tames. Caves are rich in chitin but are also dangerous, so proceed with caution.

Resource requirements and preparation include having enough food, water, and tools before heading out. Always carry extra tools in case yours break, and bring a few stimulants or stimberries to manage your stamina. If youÔÇÖre planning to tame a dinosaur, make sure you have enough narcotics and food for the taming process.

In summary, gathering hide and chitin in the early game requires careful planning, the right tools, and a good understanding of the creatures youÔÇÖre hunting. Taming dinosaurs can greatly enhance your efficiency, and building a secure base will help you manage your resources effectively. Avoid common mistakes like overextending or using the wrong tools, and consider advanced techniques like using flying mounts or exploring caves once youÔÇÖre better equipped. With these strategies, youÔÇÖll be able to gather hide and chitin efficiently and progress smoothly in ARK: Survival Evolved.