What are the best spots to farm thatch on

Farming thatch in ARK: Survival Evolved is a fundamental task for early-game progression, as it is used for crafting basic structures, tools, and other essential items. Thatch is primarily obtained by harvesting trees, and the efficiency of farming it depends on the tools you use, the creatures you tame, and the locations you choose. Below is a detailed guide on how to farm thatch effectively, covering mechanics, strategies, and tips.

To start, thatch is gathered by hitting trees with tools or creatures. The most basic tool for harvesting thatch is the Stone Pick, which yields a small amount of thatch per hit. However, as you progress, you can use more advanced tools like the Metal Pick or tame creatures such as the Therizinosaurus, Mammoth, or Castoroides (Beaver), which are highly efficient at gathering thatch. The type of tree you harvest also matters. Larger trees, such as redwoods or jungle trees, tend to yield more thatch compared to smaller ones like bushes or palm trees.

For early-game players, the best strategy is to focus on areas with dense tree coverage. On The Island map, the southern beaches and jungles are excellent starting points due to their abundance of trees and relatively low danger from predators. As you progress, you can move to more resource-rich areas like the Redwood Forest, which has massive trees that provide large amounts of thatch. However, these areas are more dangerous, so ensure you are well-prepared with weapons, armor, and tamed creatures for protection.

When farming thatch, it is crucial to use the right tools or creatures. A Metal Pick is significantly more efficient than a Stone Pick, as it yields more thatch per hit and has higher durability. If you have access to tamed creatures, the Therizinosaurus is one of the best options for thatch farming. It has a special ability to gather large amounts of thatch with its claws, and it can also harvest wood and fiber efficiently. The Mammoth is another excellent choice, especially for tribes, as it can carry a lot of resources and has a weight reduction bonus for wood and thatch. The Castoroides (Beaver) is also highly effective, particularly for solo players, as it can gather thatch and wood quickly and has a built-in weight reduction for these resources.

One common mistake players make is overharvesting in a single area, which can deplete the trees and force you to move to a new location. To avoid this, rotate between different areas to allow trees to respawn. Additionally, avoid farming in dangerous areas without proper preparation. For example, the Redwood Forest is filled with aggressive creatures like Thylacoleos and Carnotaurus, so always bring a strong mount or tribe members for protection.

Advanced players can optimize their thatch farming by using a combination of creatures and tools. For example, you can use a Therizinosaurus to gather thatch while a Mammoth or Castoroides carries the resources. This allows you to maximize efficiency and minimize trips back to your base. Another optimization is to build a small outpost near a dense forest area, complete with storage boxes and a bed for respawning. This reduces travel time and allows you to farm continuously without returning to your main base.

Resource requirements for thatch farming are minimal, but preparation is key. Ensure you have enough tools or creatures with high melee damage and weight capacity. If you are using tools, carry multiple Metal Picks in case one breaks. For creatures, level up their melee damage and weight stats to improve their efficiency. Additionally, bring food and water for yourself and your tamed creatures, especially if you plan to farm for extended periods.

Tribe considerations are important when farming thatch. In a tribe, you can assign roles to different members, such as one person gathering thatch while another protects against predators or transports resources. This division of labor can significantly increase efficiency. Solo players, on the other hand, should focus on taming creatures that can both gather and carry resources, such as the Castoroides or Mammoth.

Specific examples of thatch farming locations include the southern jungles of The Island, the Redwood Forest, and the swamp biome. Each of these areas has dense tree coverage, but they vary in difficulty. The southern jungles are safer for beginners, while the Redwood Forest and swamp biome are more challenging but offer higher yields. On other maps like Scorched Earth, thatch can be farmed from palm trees in the desert, while on Aberration, you can harvest it from the mushroom trees in the fertile biome.

In conclusion, farming thatch in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning and the right tools or creatures. By choosing the right locations, using efficient methods, and preparing adequately, you can gather large amounts of thatch to support your survival and progression. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, optimizing your farming strategy will save time and resources, allowing you to focus on other aspects of the game.