What are the best spots to farm thatch on the Ragnarok map in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Farming thatch on the Ragnarok map in ARK: Survival Evolved is a fundamental task for early-game progression, as thatch is essential for crafting basic structures, tools, and items. Ragnarok is a large and diverse map with many biomes, each offering unique opportunities for resource gathering. To efficiently farm thatch, you need to understand the mechanics of resource gathering, the best tools and dinosaurs to use, and the optimal locations for thatch-rich areas.

The primary mechanic for gathering thatch involves using tools or dinosaurs to harvest trees. Thatch is obtained by hitting trees with tools like the Stone Pick, Metal Pick, or Hatchet, or by using dinosaurs with harvesting abilities. The type of tool or dinosaur you use affects the yield. For example, a Metal Hatchet yields more wood than thatch, while a Metal Pick yields more thatch than wood. Dinosaurs like the Brontosaurus, Mammoth, and Therizinosaurus are excellent for gathering thatch in large quantities due to their high harvesting efficiency and area-of-effect attacks.

To begin farming thatch, you should first craft a Metal Pick if you have access to metal tools. If not, a Stone Pick will suffice, though it is less efficient. Once you have your tool, head to a forested area. On Ragnarok, the best spots for thatch are the dense forests in the Highlands, Viking Bay, and the Jungle biome. These areas are rich in trees and relatively safe compared to other regions. If you have access to a dinosaur like a Mammoth or Brontosaurus, bring it along to maximize your thatch yield. These dinosaurs can clear large areas of trees quickly and gather thousands of thatch in a short time.

When farming thatch, it is important to consider your surroundings. Avoid areas with high concentrations of predators, such as the Redwoods or the Desert, as these can pose a threat to you or your dinosaurs. Always keep an eye out for hostile creatures and be prepared to defend yourself or retreat if necessary. If you are playing solo, it is advisable to bring a mount with high health and stamina, such as a Raptor or Sabertooth, to escape dangerous situations quickly. In a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to protect each other and share the workload.

One common mistake players make is using the wrong tool or dinosaur for thatch farming. For example, using a Metal Hatchet instead of a Metal Pick will result in less thatch and more wood. Another mistake is venturing into dangerous areas without proper preparation, such as forgetting to bring weapons or healing items. Always carry a few stimulants or medical brews to counteract torpor or heal injuries. Additionally, avoid overloading your inventory or your dinosaur's inventory, as this will slow you down and make you vulnerable to attacks.

Advanced techniques for thatch farming include using a Therizinosaurus with its specialized harvesting abilities. The Therizinosaurus can be leveled up to increase its thatch-gathering efficiency, making it one of the best dinosaurs for this task. Another optimization is to build a small outpost near a thatch-rich area, complete with storage boxes and a bed for respawning. This allows you to store your resources safely and reduce travel time. If you are in a tribe, consider assigning specific roles, such as one player gathering thatch while another protects the area or transports resources back to your base.

Resource requirements for thatch farming are minimal. You only need a basic tool or a tamed dinosaur, though having a Metal Pick or a high-level harvesting dinosaur will significantly increase your efficiency. If you are using a dinosaur, ensure it has enough stamina and weight capacity to carry large amounts of thatch. For solo players, it is crucial to manage your inventory space and prioritize thatch over other resources if you are low on storage. In a tribe, you can divide the workload and use multiple dinosaurs to gather thatch more quickly.

Specific examples of thatch farming on Ragnarok include the dense forests near Viking Bay, which are easily accessible and relatively safe. Another excellent spot is the Jungle biome, which has a high concentration of trees and is close to water sources. However, be cautious of predators like Carnotaurus and Raptors in these areas. For advanced players, the Highlands offer vast open areas with plenty of trees and fewer threats, making it an ideal location for large-scale thatch farming.

In conclusion, farming thatch on the Ragnarok map requires careful planning, the right tools or dinosaurs, and knowledge of the best locations. By following these strategies and avoiding common mistakes, you can efficiently gather thatch and progress in the game. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, optimizing your approach will save time and resources, allowing you to focus on other aspects of survival and base building.