What is the best way to gather hide and chitin early in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Gathering hide and chitin early in ARK: Survival Evolved is essential for crafting armor, saddles, and other important items. Both resources are primarily obtained by killing and harvesting creatures, but the methods and strategies for doing so efficiently can vary. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to gather these resources effectively in the early game.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss hide. Hide is obtained by harvesting the corpses of most creatures, but some yield more hide than others. Early on, youÔÇÖll want to target smaller, weaker animals like dodos, dilos, and phiomias, as they are easier to kill and provide a decent amount of hide. As you progress, you can move on to larger creatures like trikes, stegos, and carnos, which drop more hide but are harder to take down. To harvest hide, youÔÇÖll need a tool like a hatchet or a tamed dinosaur with a harvesting ability, such as a raptor or a saber-toothed cat. Using a hatchet will yield more hide compared to a pickaxe, so always use the right tool for the job.

Chitin, on the other hand, is primarily obtained from insects and certain arthropods. Early-game sources of chitin include trilobites, scorpions, and ants. Trilobites are passive creatures found along beaches and shallow waters, making them easy targets. Scorpions and ants are more dangerous but can be found in caves or certain biomes. To harvest chitin, youÔÇÖll need a pickaxe or a tamed creature like a saber-toothed cat or a megatherium. The pickaxe is the best tool for harvesting chitin from corpses, but tamed creatures can make the process faster and safer.

To start gathering hide and chitin, youÔÇÖll need basic tools and weapons. Craft a spear or bow for hunting, and a hatchet and pickaxe for harvesting. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, prioritize crafting a bow and arrows, as they allow you to take down creatures from a distance, reducing the risk of injury. If youÔÇÖre in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to divide tasks, such as one person hunting while another gathers resources.

When hunting for hide, focus on areas with abundant wildlife, such as beaches or grasslands. Avoid areas with large predators like raptors or carnos until youÔÇÖre better equipped. For chitin, head to beaches for trilobites or explore caves for scorpions and ants. Be cautious when entering caves, as they are often filled with dangerous creatures and environmental hazards. Bring torches or a source of light, as caves are dark and easy to get lost in.

One common mistake early players make is underestimating the dangers of certain creatures. For example, scorpions can inflict torpor, which can knock you out if youÔÇÖre not careful. Always approach dangerous creatures with caution and have an escape plan. Another mistake is not using the right tools for harvesting. Using a pickaxe on a corpse for hide will yield less hide compared to a hatchet, so always carry both tools.

Advanced techniques for gathering hide and chitin include taming dinosaurs that excel at harvesting these resources. For hide, taming a raptor or a saber-toothed cat can significantly speed up the process. These creatures have high damage output and can quickly kill smaller animals. For chitin, taming a megatherium is ideal, as it has a bonus for harvesting insects and arthropods. If youÔÇÖre in a tribe, consider assigning specific roles, such as one person taming and handling dinosaurs while others focus on gathering and crafting.

Resource management is crucial when gathering hide and chitin. Always carry enough food, water, and tools to avoid running out mid-hunt. If youÔÇÖre exploring caves, bring extra supplies like medical brews or stimulants to counteract torpor or other debuffs. Additionally, consider building a small outpost near resource-rich areas to store your loot and restock supplies.

In summary, gathering hide and chitin early in ARK requires careful planning and execution. Focus on hunting smaller, weaker creatures for hide and target insects and arthropods for chitin. Use the right tools for harvesting, and consider taming dinosaurs to make the process faster and safer. Avoid dangerous areas until youÔÇÖre better equipped, and always be prepared with the necessary supplies. By following these strategies, youÔÇÖll be able to gather hide and chitin efficiently, giving you a strong foundation for survival and progression in ARK: Survival Evolved.