What are the safest areas to gather wood and fiber early in ARK: Survival Evolved?

In ARK: Survival Evolved, gathering wood and fiber is essential for early-game survival, as these resources are used to craft tools, weapons, and structures. Choosing the safest areas to gather these materials is crucial, especially for new players who may not yet have strong tames or advanced equipment. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to safely gather wood and fiber early in the game.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of gathering wood and fiber. Wood is primarily obtained by hitting trees with tools like a Stone Pick or Stone Hatchet. The Hatchet yields more wood, while the Pick yields more thatch. Fiber is gathered by harvesting bushes, which can be done by hand or with tools like the Stone Pick or Sickle. Early on, youÔÇÖll likely rely on your hands or basic tools, as crafting a Sickle requires metal, which is harder to obtain in the early stages.

For beginners, the safest areas to gather wood and fiber are typically near the beach or in low-level forested areas. These regions are generally populated by passive or low-threat creatures like Dodos, Parasaur, and Lystrosaurus, making them ideal for early resource gathering. The southern beaches of The Island map, for example, are a great starting point. These areas have plenty of small trees and bushes, and the risk of encountering aggressive predators is minimal.

When gathering resources, always be aware of your surroundings. Even in safer areas, occasional threats like Dilophosaurs or Raptors can appear. Carry a spear or bow for defense, and avoid venturing too far inland until youÔÇÖre better equipped. ItÔÇÖs also a good idea to build a small base or storage box near your gathering spot to store resources and reduce the risk of losing them if you die.

One common mistake early players make is overextending themselves. ItÔÇÖs tempting to gather as much as possible in one trip, but carrying too many resources slows you down and makes you vulnerable. Instead, make multiple short trips and store your resources frequently. This also reduces the risk of losing everything if youÔÇÖre attacked.

As you progress, consider taming a dinosaur to help with resource gathering. For example, a Trike or Stegosaurus can gather large amounts of wood and thatch, while a Moschops or Therizinosaurus is excellent for fiber. Taming these creatures requires preparation, such as gathering berries or crops for taming food and crafting a bola or tranquilizer arrows to immobilize them. Once tamed, these creatures can significantly increase your resource-gathering efficiency.

Advanced players can optimize their gathering by using tools like the Metal Hatchet or Metal Sickle, which yield more resources per hit. Additionally, using a weight-reducing dinosaur like a Procoptodon or Argentavis can help you carry more resources without being overburdened. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to assign roles, such as one player gathering wood while another gathers fiber. This division of labor can speed up the process and ensure you have a steady supply of both resources.

Preparation is key to safe resource gathering. Always carry basic supplies like food, water, and weapons. If youÔÇÖre venturing into slightly more dangerous areas, consider bringing a bed or sleeping bag to set a respawn point in case of emergencies. Additionally, wearing armor like Hide or Chitin can provide extra protection against unexpected threats.

In summary, the safest areas to gather wood and fiber early in ARK: Survival Evolved are the southern beaches and low-level forests. Use basic tools to gather resources, stay aware of your surroundings, and avoid carrying too much at once. Tame dinosaurs like Trikes or Moschops to improve efficiency, and consider upgrading to metal tools as you progress. By following these strategies, you can gather the resources you need to survive and thrive in the early stages of the game.