Is a Pick or Axe Better for Hide in ARK: Survival Evolved? The Definitive Guide

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In the brutal world of ARK: Survival Evolved, mastering resource gathering is crucial for survival. When it comes to harvesting hide from fallen creatures, the question arises: is a pick or an axe the superior tool? The answer, while seemingly simple, has a few layers. Generally, an axe is better for harvesting hide from most creatures, especially non-Tek creatures, as it yields significantly more hide compared to a pick. This is a fundamental aspect of the game that every survivor needs to understand for efficient resource management.

Understanding Tool Efficiency in ARK

The efficiency of a tool in ARK depends on several factors, including the type of tool, the creature being harvested, and even the type of dinosaur (if any) doing the harvesting. Let’s delve into why an axe typically triumphs over a pick when it comes to hide.

The Hatchet’s Edge in Hide Gathering

The Metal Hatchet is often considered the go-to tool for hide gathering, especially in the early to mid-game. Its design prioritizes tearing and slicing, which translates to more hide per corpse. While a pick excels at extracting meat, an axe’s bladed design is more suited for separating hide from flesh. As stated by your article, “With a regular dinosaur, a pick will get more meat than hide and an axe will get more hide then meat.” This statement succinctly summarizes the fundamental distinction between these tools in terms of their harvesting yield on basic creatures.

When to Use a Pick for Hide

While an axe is generally superior for hide, a pick is not entirely useless in this context. You will get some hide with the pick and for a very early start this may be all you have access to. If a player needs a small amount of hide for a craft and does not have access to an axe or creatures, a pick can still be used. Additionally, as you progress in the game and begin to utilize more advanced creatures, the pick’s role in gathering specific resources changes.

Early Game Considerations

For the early game, the Metal Hatchet is your primary gathering tool for hide. Dinos like the Carnotaurus or Sarcosuchus can also be effective, particularly when access to metal tools is still limited. These carnivores, when properly leveled in melee damage, provide a decent alternative for hide gathering, allowing you to bypass early metal tool use. Don’t forget about using the initial dinos like dodos, dilos and pigs for hide as well to get the most out of each resource.

Late-Game Hide Farming

As you advance, more efficient methods for mass hide harvesting become available. Using a Rex to kill large creatures like Brontos, Paracers, and Diplos, and then harvesting them with a chainsaw or strong melee-focused dino, provides you with a much faster and larger output. While a Rex can still utilize the hatchet to harvest, it is generally less efficient.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the topic of hide harvesting in ARK:

1. What is the best tool for harvesting hide in the early game?
   The Metal Hatchet is the best tool for harvesting hide in the early game due to its higher hide yield compared to a pick.

2. Do carnivores gather hide effectively?
   Yes, some early carnivores like the Carnotaurus and Sarcosuchus can gather a decent amount of hide, particularly before you have access to metal tools.

3. Which creatures should I target for early hide collection?
   Dodos, Dilos, and Pigs are excellent sources of hide when you are starting out in the game.

4. Does the pick provide any advantage over the axe for hide?
   Not typically. The pick is more efficient for meat, while the axe is better for hide on non-Tek dinos.

5. How do Tek dinos affect harvesting hide?
   On Tek dinos, the best tool changes and there is a focus on electronics, oil, scrap metal, or element dust instead of hide. Use a high damage dino or chainsaw.

6. Is a chainsaw more efficient than an axe for hide harvesting?
   Yes, using a chainsaw for harvesting hide from large creatures is more efficient due to the speed and increased gathering amount it provides. It is considered a late-game method.

7. What method is the most effective for mass hide farming?
   Killing large creatures with a Rex and harvesting them with a chainsaw or strong melee-focused dino is a very effective method for mass hide farming.

8. Does the quality of a tool affect hide yield?
   Yes, higher quality tools (Mastercraft, Ascendant) will typically yield more hide than lower quality versions (Primitive, Ramshackle).

9. Are there any specific dinos that are exceptionally good for hide gathering?
   While there is no dino specifically geared for hide gathering, Carnivores with high melee and good mobility can be effective.

10. How does melee damage influence hide gathering?
    A higher melee damage stat on the harvesting dino or character will yield higher amounts of hide.

11. Can the Doedicurus harvest hide?
    The Doedicurus is a stone harvester first and does not harvest hide efficiently.

12. Does fortitude influence harvesting?
    Fortitude mainly increases insulation and reduces the negative effects of harsh environmental conditions. It does not affect hide harvesting yields.

13. What is the best tool for raw meat in ARK?
    Carnivores harvest the most raw meat. A metal pick or sword work well, a hatchet being the worst choice for raw meat gathering.

14. Can you use a stone pickaxe for Crystal?
    A stone pick can technically be used to get crystals but the drop rate will be very low. Use a Metal Pick or creatures.

15. Does Keratin come from carbonemys?
    Yes, Carbonemys is one of the creatures that drop Keratin. Other creatures that drop keratin include mammoths, stegos, ankylos, carnos, doedicurous, and kentrosaurus.

Conclusion

In summary, while the pick has its uses in the diverse world of ARK: Survival Evolved, the axe, particularly the Metal Hatchet, is the superior tool for hide gathering. By understanding this key distinction, you can optimize your resource collection and significantly improve your chances of survival. Remember to utilize the right tools and tactics for each specific resource and challenge the game throws at you! Understanding the finer points of hide harvesting allows survivors to make efficient choices for early and late-game survival.