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

Gathering fiber is one of the most essential tasks in the early game of ARK: Survival Evolved, as it is used for crafting a wide variety of items, including clothing, tools, and structures. Fiber is primarily obtained by harvesting plants, and there are several efficient methods to gather it, depending on your available tools, tamed creatures, and the environment you are in. Below is a detailed guide on how to gather fiber efficiently in the early game.

To start, the most basic way to gather fiber is by hand-picking plants. This method requires no tools or resources, making it accessible from the very beginning of the game. Simply approach small bushes or ferns and press the interact button to harvest fiber. While this method is simple, it is also time-consuming and yields relatively small amounts of fiber. However, it is a good starting point if you have no tools or tamed creatures.

Once you have crafted a Stone Pick or Stone Hatchet, you can use these tools to gather fiber more efficiently. The Stone Pick is particularly effective for harvesting fiber from bushes, as it yields more fiber per bush compared to hand-picking. To craft a Stone Pick, you will need 1 Wood, 1 Stone, and 10 Fiber. The Stone Hatchet, which requires the same materials, can also be used, but it is less efficient for fiber gathering compared to the Pick. Always prioritize using the Pick for fiber gathering.

As you progress, taming creatures can significantly improve your fiber-gathering efficiency. One of the best early-game creatures for this purpose is the Moschops. The Moschops is a passive tame, meaning you do not need to knock it out to tame it. Instead, you can feed it specific foods, such as Mejoberries or Rare Flowers, depending on its preferred diet. Once tamed, the Moschops can be set to gather fiber by attacking bushes, and it will yield large amounts of fiber quickly. Another excellent option is the Therizinosaurus, though it is more challenging to tame and requires advanced resources.

Another effective method for gathering fiber is by using a Sickle. The Sickle is a tool specifically designed for harvesting fiber, thatch, and rare flowers from plants. To craft a Sickle, you will need 8 Metal Ingots, 10 Wood, and 25 Fiber. The Sickle is highly efficient and can yield large amounts of fiber in a short amount of time. However, it requires access to Metal Ingots, which may not be available in the very early game. Once you have access to metal, prioritize crafting a Sickle for fiber gathering.

When gathering fiber, it is important to consider your surroundings. Fiber-rich areas are typically found in forests, jungles, and near rivers, where bushes and ferns are abundant. Avoid areas with dense trees or large rocks, as these can obstruct your movement and make gathering less efficient. Additionally, be cautious of hostile creatures in these areas, as they can pose a threat while you are focused on gathering.

One common mistake early-game players make is neglecting to gather fiber in bulk. Fiber is used in many crafting recipes, and running out of it can halt your progress. Always gather more fiber than you think you will need, as it is lightweight and easy to store. Another mistake is not using the right tools or creatures for the job. Using a Stone Pick or Sickle, or taming a Moschops, can save you a significant amount of time and effort.

For advanced players, optimizing fiber gathering can involve setting up a base near a fiber-rich area. This allows you to quickly gather fiber whenever needed without traveling far. Additionally, using a tamed creature with a high melee damage stat, such as a Therizinosaurus, can further increase your fiber yield. Some players also use crop plots to grow Plant Species X, which can be harvested for fiber, though this method requires more resources and time.

In terms of resource requirements and preparation, always ensure you have the necessary tools or creatures before heading out to gather fiber. If you are using a Sickle, make sure you have enough Metal Ingots and Fiber to craft it. If you are taming a Moschops, gather the required taming foods in advance. For solo players, focus on taming creatures that can assist with gathering, as they can significantly reduce the time and effort required. For tribes, coordinate with your members to gather fiber efficiently, assigning specific roles or areas to each player.

In specific scenarios, such as starting on The Island map, you will find fiber-rich areas near the beaches and rivers. These areas are relatively safe and provide easy access to fiber. On maps like Scorched Earth or Aberration, fiber can be more challenging to find due to the harsh environments, so prioritize taming creatures that can assist with gathering.

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