What is the best way to farm fiber for crafting in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Farming fiber in ARK: Survival Evolved is one of the most essential tasks for survival and progression, as fiber is used in a wide variety of crafting recipes, including clothing, tools, and building materials. Understanding the best methods to gather fiber efficiently can save you time and effort, especially in the early game when resources are limited. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to farm fiber effectively.

Fiber is primarily gathered by harvesting plants, such as bushes and ferns, which are abundant throughout the game world. The most basic way to collect fiber is by hand, which involves walking up to a bush and pressing the interact button. This method is slow and inefficient, but it is available from the start of the game. To improve your fiber gathering, you should craft a tool like a Stone Pick or Metal Pick, which increases the amount of fiber you collect per bush. However, the most efficient tool for gathering fiber is the Metal Sickle, which can be unlocked at level 30. The Metal Sickle significantly boosts the amount of fiber you can gather, making it a must-have tool for mid to late-game players.

One of the best strategies for farming fiber is to tame a dinosaur that specializes in gathering it. The most effective dinosaur for this task is the Therizinosaurus, which can gather large amounts of fiber with its claws. The Therizinosaurus is a late-game tame, so early on, you can use other creatures like the Moschops or the Gigantopithecus (also known as the Bigfoot). The Moschops can be set to gather fiber automatically, while the Gigantopithecus can be ridden and used to harvest bushes manually. These dinosaurs not only speed up the process but also allow you to gather fiber while focusing on other tasks.

When farming fiber, itÔÇÖs important to choose the right location. Areas with dense vegetation, such as forests or jungles, are ideal for gathering large amounts of fiber quickly. The Redwood Forest and the Swamp are particularly good locations due to the high concentration of bushes. However, these areas are also home to dangerous creatures, so you should always be prepared for combat. Bringing a tamed dinosaur for protection, such as a Raptor or Carnotaurus, can help you stay safe while gathering resources.

Preparation is key when farming fiber. Make sure you have enough inventory space to carry the fiber you collect, as well as tools or dinosaurs to help you gather it efficiently. If youÔÇÖre using a Metal Sickle, keep an eye on its durability and repair it as needed. For tamed dinosaurs, ensure they have enough food and stamina to continue gathering without interruption. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to maximize efficiency. For example, one player can focus on gathering fiber while another protects them from predators or gathers other resources.

One common mistake players make is neglecting to use the right tools or dinosaurs for fiber gathering. Using your hands or a Stone Pick will result in much slower progress compared to using a Metal Sickle or a tamed dinosaur. Another mistake is venturing into dangerous areas without proper preparation. Always bring weapons, armor, and a tamed dinosaur for protection when farming in high-risk zones. Additionally, players often forget to repair their tools, which can lead to wasted time and resources. Always check the durability of your tools before heading out to gather fiber.

Advanced techniques for farming fiber include using a Quetzal or Argentavis to transport a tamed Therizinosaurus to resource-rich areas. This allows you to cover more ground and gather fiber more efficiently. You can also set up a small base or outpost near a dense forest to store your gathered fiber and other resources. This reduces the need to travel long distances back to your main base, saving time and effort.

In terms of resource requirements, farming fiber doesnÔÇÖt require much beyond the tools or dinosaurs you use. However, if youÔÇÖre using a Metal Sickle, youÔÇÖll need metal ingots and wood to craft and repair it. For taming dinosaurs, youÔÇÖll need the appropriate food and resources, such as berries for herbivores or meat for carnivores. Always ensure you have enough supplies before heading out to farm fiber.

Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, the strategies for farming fiber remain largely the same. However, tribes can benefit from dividing tasks among members. For example, one player can focus on gathering fiber while another gathers wood or stone. This allows the tribe to collect multiple resources simultaneously, speeding up overall progress. Solo players should focus on efficiency, using the best tools and dinosaurs available to them to maximize their fiber output.

In specific scenarios, such as preparing for a boss fight or building a large base, you may need to gather massive amounts of fiber. In these cases, itÔÇÖs best to dedicate a full session to farming fiber, using all the tools and dinosaurs at your disposal. For example, if youÔÇÖre preparing to craft a large number of cloth armor sets for your tribe, youÔÇÖll need thousands of fiber. Plan ahead and gather more than you think youÔÇÖll need to avoid running out mid-project.

In conclusion, farming fiber in ARK: Survival Evolved is a straightforward but essential task. By using the right tools, taming the appropriate dinosaurs, and choosing the best locations, you can gather fiber efficiently and ensure you always have enough for crafting and building. Avoid common mistakes, prepare adequately, and consider advanced techniques to optimize your fiber farming. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, these strategies will help you thrive in the dangerous world of ARK.