What are the best locations to farm hide and pelt in the Crystal Isles map of ARK: Survival Evolved?

Farming hide and pelt in the Crystal Isles map of ARK: Survival Evolved requires a good understanding of the map's biomes, creature spawns, and resource distribution. Hide and pelt are essential resources used for crafting armor, saddles, and other important items. To efficiently farm these materials, you need to know where to find creatures that drop them in large quantities and how to maximize your harvesting efficiency.

First, let's discuss the mechanics of hide and pelt farming. Hide is primarily obtained from killing creatures like dinosaurs, mammals, and other animals. Pelt, on the other hand, is a rarer resource that comes from specific cold-weather creatures like mammoths, yutyrannus, and dire wolves. To farm these resources effectively, you need to use tools or creatures with high harvesting capabilities. Tools like metal hatchets or chainsaws are great for hide, while creatures like the direwolf or therizinosaur are excellent for both hide and pelt due to their high damage and harvesting multipliers.

For hide farming, one of the best locations in Crystal Isles is the Tropical Shores biome. This area is teeming with creatures like parasaurolophus, stegosaurus, and trikes, which drop large amounts of hide. Another great spot is the Redwood Forest, where you can find creatures like carnotaurus and allosaurus. These predators drop significant amounts of hide and are relatively easy to kill if you have a strong mount like a rex or a spino. For pelt, the best location is the Snowy Mountains biome. Here, you can find mammoths, yutyrannus, and dire wolves, all of which drop pelt. The cold weather in this biome can be challenging, so make sure to bring appropriate gear like fur armor or a otter to keep warm.

To maximize your farming efficiency, it's important to use the right tools and creatures. A high-level therizinosaur with points invested in melee damage is one of the best options for harvesting both hide and pelt. The therizinosaur has a special attack that can harvest large amounts of resources from a single creature. If you don't have a therizinosaur, a direwolf or sabertooth can also work well, especially for pelt. For tools, a chainsaw is the most efficient for hide, but it requires gasoline to operate, so make sure to bring enough fuel.

Preparation is key when farming hide and pelt. Make sure to bring enough food, water, and medical supplies, especially if you're venturing into dangerous areas like the Snowy Mountains. If you're playing solo, consider bringing a pack of strong tames to help you fight off predators. In a tribe, you can divide tasks, with one player focusing on harvesting while others protect the group from threats. Communication and coordination are crucial in a tribe setting to ensure everyone stays safe and the farming process goes smoothly.

One common mistake to avoid is overextending yourself. It's easy to get caught up in farming and forget about the dangers around you. Always be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye out for predators. Another mistake is not bringing enough tools or tames. Running out of tools mid-farm can waste a lot of time, and not having enough tames can leave you vulnerable to attacks. Always plan ahead and bring extra supplies.

Advanced techniques for hide and pelt farming include using a quetzal or argentavis to transport your tames and harvested resources. These flying creatures can carry large amounts of weight and make it easier to move between farming locations. Another advanced technique is using a cryopod to quickly deploy and store your tames, allowing you to switch between different creatures depending on the situation. This can be especially useful in the Snowy Mountains, where you might need to switch between a therizinosaur for harvesting and a yutyrannus for protection.

In conclusion, farming hide and pelt in Crystal Isles requires careful planning and preparation. Focus on high-density areas like the Tropical Shores and Snowy Mountains, use the right tools and tames, and always be aware of your surroundings. Whether you're playing solo or in a tribe, efficient farming can significantly boost your resource collection and help you progress faster in the game.