What are the most efficient ways to gather fiber in the early game in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Gathering fiber in the early game of ARK: Survival Evolved is one of the most essential tasks for survival and progression. Fiber is used in crafting a wide variety of items, including clothing, tools, and structures, making it a critical resource from the very beginning. The most efficient ways to gather fiber involve understanding the game mechanics, using the right tools, and optimizing your approach based on your environment and available resources.

To start, fiber is primarily gathered by harvesting plants. In the early game, you will rely on your hands or basic tools to collect fiber. The simplest method is to manually harvest bushes by pressing the interact button (default E on PC) when near them. This method is slow but requires no tools, making it a good starting point. However, as soon as possible, you should craft a Stone Pick or Stone Hatchet, as these tools significantly increase the amount of fiber you can gather. The Stone Pick is slightly more efficient for fiber collection compared to the Stone Hatchet, so prioritize crafting it first.

Once you have a Stone Pick, you can begin harvesting fiber more efficiently. Approach bushes and use the pick to gather fiber. Each bush will yield a small amount, so you will need to harvest many bushes to accumulate a substantial amount of fiber. It is important to note that not all bushes provide fiber. Some bushes yield berries instead, so focus on the ones that give fiber. These are typically the smaller, leafy bushes found in grassy areas.

As you progress, you can tame certain dinosaurs that are excellent for gathering fiber. The most notable early-game dinosaur for this purpose is the Moschops. The Moschops has a special ability to gather fiber efficiently when set to wander and can be tamed relatively easily with berries or crops. Another excellent option is the Therizinosaurus, though it is more challenging to tame and is better suited for mid to late game. For early game, the Moschops is your best bet. Once tamed, you can ride the Moschops and use its attack to gather fiber from bushes, which is much faster than using tools.

Base location is another important consideration. Setting up your base near areas with dense vegetation will make fiber gathering more convenient. Look for regions with plenty of bushes, such as the beaches or forested areas. Avoid building in barren or rocky areas where bushes are scarce. Additionally, consider creating a small garden near your base where you can plant and harvest crops like Savoroot or Rockarrot. While these crops do not provide fiber directly, they can be used to tame fiber-gathering dinosaurs like the Moschops.

Resource management is crucial in the early game. Always carry a few stacks of fiber with you, as it is needed for crafting and repairing items. However, avoid overstocking, as fiber is relatively easy to gather and does not spoil. Instead, focus on gathering other essential resources like wood, stone, and thatch, which are needed for building and crafting more advanced tools and structures.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting to craft tools early on, which slows down fiber gathering. Another mistake is not taming a Moschops or other fiber-gathering dinosaurs when the opportunity arises. These creatures can save you a significant amount of time and effort. Additionally, avoid building your base in areas with limited vegetation, as this will make fiber gathering more difficult and time-consuming.

Advanced techniques include using a sickle, which is a tool that can be crafted once you unlock the necessary engram. The sickle is highly efficient for gathering fiber and should be prioritized as soon as possible. Another advanced technique is to use a tamed Therizinosaurus, which can gather large amounts of fiber quickly. However, taming a Therizinosaurus requires advanced preparation and resources, so it is more suited for mid to late game.

In terms of tribe versus solo considerations, tribes can benefit from having multiple members gather fiber simultaneously, significantly increasing the overall efficiency. Solo players should focus on taming a Moschops or using a sickle to maximize their fiber gathering rate. Regardless of playstyle, communication and coordination within a tribe can lead to more efficient resource gathering and base building.

Specific examples and scenarios include starting on the Island map, where the beaches and forests are rich with bushes. A good strategy is to set up a small base near the beach, gather fiber using a Stone Pick, and tame a Moschops as soon as possible. On the Scorched Earth map, fiber can be more challenging to find due to the arid environment, so prioritize crafting a sickle and taming a Therizinosaurus if possible.

In conclusion, gathering fiber efficiently in the early game involves using the right tools, taming appropriate dinosaurs, and choosing a strategic base location. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure a steady supply of fiber to support your survival and progression in ARK: Survival Evolved.