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

Gathering hide and chitin in ARK: Survival Evolved is essential for crafting armor, saddles, and other important items. Both resources are primarily obtained by killing and harvesting certain creatures, but the methods and strategies for maximizing your yield can vary depending on your progression, available tools, and tamed dinosaurs. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to efficiently gather hide and chitin.

Hide is obtained by harvesting the corpses of most creatures, but some yield more hide than others. Early-game creatures like Dodos, Parasaur, and Trikes are good sources of hide, while larger creatures like Mammoths, Carnotaurus, and Rexes provide significantly more. Chitin, on the other hand, is primarily obtained from insects like Trilobites, Araneo (giant spiders), Scorpions, and Arthropluera. It can also be harvested from certain creatures like Sabertooth Salmon and Pulmonoscorpius. Both resources can be gathered more efficiently with the right tools and tamed dinosaurs.

To start gathering hide, youÔÇÖll need basic tools like a Stone Pick or Stone Hatchet. Early on, a Hatchet is better for hide, as it yields more hide per harvest compared to a Pick. However, as you progress, youÔÇÖll want to upgrade to metal tools, which significantly increase your harvesting efficiency. For chitin, a Pick is generally better, as it yields more chitin from insect corpses. Once you have access to tamed dinosaurs, creatures like the Sabertooth, Direwolf, and Therizinosaurus are excellent for gathering both hide and chitin. The Therizinosaurus, in particular, is a top-tier gatherer for both resources due to its high damage and specialized harvesting abilities.

When gathering hide, focus on hunting larger creatures like Mammoths, Stegosaurus, and Carnotaurus, as they provide more hide per kill. For chitin, head to areas with high insect populations, such as caves or swamp biomes. Caves are particularly rich in chitin due to the abundance of Araneo, Scorpions, and Arthropluera. However, caves are dangerous, so make sure youÔÇÖre well-prepared with armor, weapons, and a strong tamed dinosaur for protection.

One common mistake is not using the right tools or dinosaurs for harvesting. Using a Pick instead of a Hatchet for hide, or vice versa, can significantly reduce your yield. Similarly, using a dinosaur with poor harvesting stats, like a Rex, for gathering chitin will result in low efficiency. Always match your tools and dinosaurs to the resource youÔÇÖre gathering. Another mistake is not preparing adequately for dangerous areas like caves. Always bring healing items, food, and water, and consider bringing a pack of tamed dinosaurs for added security.

Advanced techniques for gathering hide and chitin include using a chainsaw, which is one of the most efficient tools for harvesting both resources. The chainsaw requires gasoline and a high-level engram, but itÔÇÖs worth the investment for its high yield. Additionally, using a tamed Megatherium in caves is an excellent strategy for chitin farming. The Megatherium gets a buff called "Insect Killer" when it kills insects, which increases its damage and harvesting efficiency, making it one of the best creatures for chitin farming.

Resource requirements and preparation depend on your playstyle. If youÔÇÖre solo, focus on taming a strong gatherer like a Sabertooth or Therizinosaurus and equip it with a good saddle for protection. If youÔÇÖre in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to cover more ground and protect each other while farming. For cave exploration, bring plenty of torches or a light source, as well as grappling hooks or climbing picks to navigate tricky terrain.

Specific examples of efficient hide farming include hunting Mammoths in the snow biome or Carnotaurus in the redwoods. For chitin, the Swamp Cave on The Island is one of the best locations due to its high concentration of insects. However, be prepared for the caveÔÇÖs hazards, such as poison gas and high-level creatures. Another example is using a tamed Megatherium in the Lava Cave, where it can easily clear out large groups of insects and harvest massive amounts of chitin.

In summary, gathering hide and chitin efficiently in ARK requires the right tools, dinosaurs, and strategies. Focus on using the appropriate tools for each resource, tame strong gatherers like the Therizinosaurus or Megatherium, and prepare thoroughly for dangerous areas like caves. Avoid common mistakes like using the wrong tools or underestimating the dangers of insect-heavy areas. With the right preparation and techniques, you can maximize your yield and ensure a steady supply of hide and chitin for all your crafting needs.