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

Gathering thatch efficiently in the early game of ARK: Survival Evolved is crucial for building structures, crafting tools, and progressing through the game. Thatch is primarily obtained by harvesting trees, and while it may seem straightforward, there are several strategies and considerations to maximize your efficiency. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you gather thatch effectively.

To start, you need to understand the mechanics of harvesting thatch. Thatch is obtained by hitting trees with tools or dinosaurs. The most basic tool for gathering thatch is the Stone Pick, which you can craft early in the game. However, the Stone Pick is not the most efficient tool for gathering thatch, as it yields more wood than thatch. The Stone Hatchet, on the other hand, is better suited for gathering thatch, as it provides a higher thatch-to-wood ratio. Therefore, crafting a Stone Hatchet should be your first priority when focusing on thatch gathering.

Once you have a Stone Hatchet, you can begin harvesting trees. Look for dense forests or areas with a high concentration of trees, as this will allow you to gather thatch more quickly. When you hit a tree with the Stone Hatchet, you will receive both thatch and wood. ItÔÇÖs important to note that different types of trees yield different amounts of thatch. For example, palm trees on beaches or redwood trees in forests tend to give more thatch compared to smaller trees. Focus on these types of trees to maximize your thatch yield.

As you progress, you can tame dinosaurs that are specialized in gathering thatch. One of the best early-game dinosaurs for this purpose is the Trike (Triceratops). The Trike has a high thatch-gathering efficiency when using its secondary attack on trees. Taming a Trike requires Narcoberries or Narcotics to keep it unconscious and Mejoberries or other preferred berries to feed it. Once tamed, the Trike can significantly speed up your thatch gathering process. Another excellent option is the Stegosaurus, which can gather large amounts of thatch with its tail swipe attack. However, taming a Stegosaurus is more challenging and requires more resources, so itÔÇÖs better suited for mid-game.

In terms of base building and resource management, itÔÇÖs important to have a storage system in place to manage the thatch you gather. Thatch is lightweight, but it can quickly fill up your inventory. Building storage boxes or a thatch-specific storage area near your harvesting location can save you time and effort. Additionally, consider building a small outpost near dense forests to reduce travel time between your base and the harvesting area.

One common mistake early-game players make is over-harvesting wood when trying to gather thatch. Using the wrong tool, such as the Stone Pick, will result in more wood than thatch, which can be inefficient if your primary goal is to gather thatch. Always use the Stone Hatchet or a thatch-gathering dinosaur to maximize your thatch yield. Another mistake is not paying attention to your surroundings. Dense forests are great for thatch, but they are also home to predators. Always be aware of your environment and have a plan to escape or defend yourself if necessary.

For advanced techniques, consider using a combination of tools and dinosaurs to optimize your thatch gathering. For example, you can use a Stone Hatchet for quick thatch gathering while your Trike or Stegosaurus handles larger trees. Additionally, you can use a Weight-boosted dinosaur like the Parasaur to carry large amounts of thatch, allowing you to gather more before needing to return to your base.

Tribe considerations are also important. If you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your tribe members to divide tasks. One player can focus on taming and using thatch-gathering dinosaurs, while another can focus on building and resource management. This division of labor can significantly increase your overall efficiency.

In summary, gathering thatch efficiently in the early game involves using the right tools, targeting the right trees, and utilizing thatch-gathering dinosaurs. Always prioritize crafting a Stone Hatchet, tame a Trike or Stegosaurus as soon as possible, and manage your resources effectively. Avoid common mistakes like using the wrong tool or neglecting your surroundings, and consider advanced techniques like combining tools and dinosaurs for optimal results. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, these strategies will help you gather thatch efficiently and progress through the game.