Surviving in the wild expanse of Ark: Survival Evolved can be an exhilarating journey, filled with opportunities for adventure and potential peril. One of the most crucial aspects of survival is maintaining your character’s health through a steady food supply. In this guide, we will explore various methods to obtain food, from hunting and gathering to farming and crafting, ensuring you remain at the top of your game while navigating the dangers of this prehistoric world.
The Basics of Food in Ark
Understanding the importance of food in Ark is fundamental for any survivor. In-game, your character has various hunger levels, and keeping these levels balanced is vital for maintaining stamina and overall health. If your hunger meter reaches zero, you will start to lose health. Therefore, it is essential to know where to find food and how to prepare it effectively.
Types of Food in Ark
Food in Ark can be divided into several distinct categories. Knowing the differences can help you make the best choices for your survival needs.
1. Raw Food
Raw food items include:
- Raw Meat: Gathered from hunting dinosaurs or other creatures.
- Raw Fish Meat: The result of fishing or catching aquatic creatures.
- Raw Prime Meat: A superior variant of raw meat obtained from larger, stronger prehistoric animals.
These food items can be consumed raw, but they will provide limited nourishment and have a chance to cause food poisoning.
2. Cooked Food
Cooked food not only restores more hunger points but also reduces the risk of food poisoning. Cooking involves using a Campfire or a Cooking Pot to prepare meals. Some popular cooked food items include:
- Cooked Meat: More nutritious than raw meat.
- Cooked Prime Meat: Offers even better nourishment, ideal for restoring health and stamina.
3. Berries
For a quick and easy food source, berries are scattered throughout the Ark and can be gathered using your hands or dinosaur companions. Different berries have different properties:
- Mejoberry: Good for taming herbivores and restoring hunger.
- Stimberry: Provides a quick energy boost but may cause thirst.
4. Vegetables and Fruits
Though not as common, you can find several types of vegetables and fruits in the game. These include:
- Rockarrot: Grown through farming.
- Savoroot: Can be cultivated or found in the wild.
These food sources are healthier options that can also be used in some advanced recipes.
5. Advanced Recipes
Once you progress in the game, you will begin to unlock advanced recipes that require a combination of various food items. Examples include:
- Greater Health Potions: Combine special ingredients for health boosts.
- Gourmet Meals: Requires ingredients like Cooked Prime Meat and various vegetables.
These meals can provide significant health benefits and are worth exploring as you advance.
Gathering Food: Hunting and Foraging
One of the first methods you’ll utilize to obtain food is through hunting and foraging. Here’s how you can efficiently gather food for your survival needs.
1. Hunting
Hunting may seem intuitive, but it requires strategy. Here are some steps to follow:
Choosing Your Prey
When hunting, select your targets wisely based on your tools and skill level.
- Small creatures (like Dodos) are easier to kill.
- Larger creatures (like Triceratops) offer more resources but may fight back.
Tools for Hunting
- Melee Weapons: A spear or a pike can effectively take down smaller prey.
- Ranged Weapons: Bows and harpoons allow you to hunt from a distance, ideal for aggressive targets.
When you kill a creature, approach it and hold the action button to gather the meat.
2. Foraging
Foraging is a non-combat method of obtaining food. You can gather edible items from the environment:
- Berries: Often found in bushes throughout the world.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Sometimes scattered or located in particular areas.
To gather berries, simply interact with the bush.
Farming: A Sustainable Food Source
If you want a more sustainable means of gathering food, farming might be your best bet. This method not only provides a reliable food source but can also offer higher-quality items.
1. Setting Up a Farm
To establish a farm, you’ll need to follow certain steps:
Gathering Supplies: Collect resources such as:
- Thatch: Gathered from bushes.
- Wood: Cut down trees with axes.
- Stone: Quarry from rocks.
With these resources, you can craft necessary items like Crop Plots.
2. Planting Crops
Once you have your Crop Plot, it’s time to plant. Here’s how:
- Choose Seeds: Find seeds from wild plants or through drop items.
- Water Your Crops: Ensure your crops are positioned near a water source, or use water skins to irrigate them.
Common Crops
| Crop | Growth Time | Benefits |
|————–|————-|—————————–|
| Rockarrot | 40 minutes | Used for taming larger animals|
| Savoroot | 1 hour | Essential for advanced recipes|
Farmed crops can offer a steady flow of food over time, crucial for long-term survival.
Fishing: A Hidden Gem for Food Supply
Fishing can be an effective, yet often overlooked method for obtaining food in Ark. It allows players to secure an aquatic food supply that is relatively safe from land-based predators.
1. Fishing Tools
To fish in Ark, you will need to equip specific items, including:
- Fishing Rod: Crafted using resources like wood, fiber, and hide.
- Bait: Crafted using raw meat or other items.
2. Methods of Fishing
To catch fish, approach a body of water and follow these steps:
- Use your Fishing Rod to cast your line.
- Wait for a fish to bite, then reel it in by following on-screen prompts.
Fishing not only produces a different type of food but can also distract you temporarily from the dangers above water!
Crafting Meals: Enhance Your Food Quality
Once you’ve gathered food, you can maximize its benefits through cooking. Utilizing a Campfire or a Cooking Pot allows for the creation of meals that restore more hunger than raw food.
1. Cooking Pot Recipes
Here are some recipes you can try to craft nutritious meals:
- Simple Meal: Requires Cooked Meat, Berries, and Water.
- Advanced Meal Recipe: Combining cooked meats with vegetables or berries enhances health benefits.
Conclusion: Staying Fed in the Dangerous World of Ark
In conclusion, acquiring food in Ark: Survival Evolved is vital for your survival. By employing various strategies—ranging from hunting and foraging to farming and fishing—you can secure a sustainable food source. Remember that balance is the key; mix your food sources between proteins, vegetables, and berries for optimal health.
Whether you’re hunting dinosaurs with bows and arrows, foraging in the wild, or setting up your farming empire, each method contributes to your survival adventure in Ark. Embrace these techniques, and you’ll find yourself thriving in this challenging and exhilarating game!
What is the best way to hunt for food in Ark?
The best way to hunt for food in Ark depends on the resources available and the survival strategy you choose. Generally, using a spear or bow is recommended for early-game hunting because they are relatively easy to craft and effective against smaller game. You can target creatures like Dodos, small mammals, and fish for a quick food source. Stealth can significantly increase your chances of success, so approach potential prey quietly to avoid scaring them away.
As you progress, you may want to invest in firearms and advanced weapons like crossbows, which allow you to take down larger and more dangerous creatures. Moreover, trapping animals can also be a viable option, helping you gather food without direct confrontation. Always remember to cook the meat over a campfire or a grill to avoid the health penalties associated with consuming raw meat.
What creatures are the easiest to hunt in Ark?
In Ark, Dodos, and small creatures like the Compy and the Mesopithecus are among the easiest to hunt. These animals are non-aggressive and can be taken down quickly, making them ideal targets for beginners. Dodos, in particular, are abundant on many islands, ensuring that you can easily gather meat and hide without putting yourself in great danger.
As you gain more experience and weapons, you can expand your hunting to include larger creatures like Parasaur and Triceratops. However, keep in mind that larger creatures may fight back, so assess your capabilities and prepare accordingly before engaging them.
How can I gather food underwater in Ark?
Gathering food underwater in Ark can be done by hunting fish and other aquatic creatures. Using a spear is the most effective method as it allows you to strike while swimming, although you may also use a bow with tranq arrows for larger targets. Fish such as Coelacanth and Salmon are relatively easy to catch and provide a good source of meat, but always be cautious of predators like Piranhas and Megalodons that lurk in the waters.
In addition to hunting, you can also gather underwater resources such as Oil and Silica Pearls, which can aid in crafting advanced tools and gear. Always keep an eye on your oxygen level, and consider crafting a Diving Gear or using a breathing apparatus to extend your underwater adventures while searching for food.
Can I farm food in Ark instead of hunting?
Yes, farming food in Ark is a viable alternative to hunting. Building a crop plot allows you to cultivate a variety of plants, including berries, vegetables, and fruit, which can replenish your health and hunger over time. To get started, you’ll need to gather seeds and create the appropriate plot that can be irrigated to ensure the plants grow successfully.
Farming can be particularly beneficial in the long run because it provides a sustainable food source without the risks associated with hunting. Additionally, crops can be used to craft advanced recipes that give greater health benefits, making it essential for long-term survival strategies.
What food can I cook in Ark?
In Ark, you can cook a variety of foods that enhance your health and stamina. Basic cooked meats such as Cooked Meat, Cooked Fish Meat, and Cooked Prime Meat can be prepared over a campfire or grill to remove the health downsides of eating raw meat. You can also cook additional items like berries or specific vegetables, which have various benefits for your character when consumed.
As you progress, you can unlock advanced recipes that not only restore hunger but also provide buffs. Food items like the Cooked Prime Meat and certain dishes require specific materials and crafting stations, offering significant advantages in combat or exploration scenarios.
What resources do I need to start hunting in Ark?
To begin hunting in Ark, you’ll need some basic resources such as wood, thatch, and flint to craft rudimentary weapons like spears and bows. These tools will enable you to hunt effectively in the early game. Additionally, gathering fiber and resources like hide will help you create essential armor and increase your survivability while hunting.
As you progress, you’ll need to gather better resources for more advanced weapons and tools. Stone, metal, and special ingredients become important once you start targeting larger creatures or need to craft superior gear for protection during your hunts.
Are there any dangers to hunting in Ark?
Yes, hunting in Ark comes with various dangers, including aggressive wildlife and rival players if you are on a PvP server. Many creatures, like Raptors, Allosaurs, and even larger predators like Tyrannosaurus Rex, can pose a significant threat while you’re focused on hunting smaller prey. It’s crucial to always be aware of your surroundings and have an escape route planned.
Additionally, certain areas of the map may have dangerous environmental hazards, such as extreme temperatures or aggressive fauna. Always carry adequate supplies, such as food, weapons, and health potions, to ensure your survival during expeditions, and consider traveling with other players for added protection during hunts.
Can I preserve meat after hunting in Ark?
Yes, you can preserve meat after hunting in Ark to extend its shelf life and avoid spoilage. One popular method is to use a Preserving Bin, where you can combine cooked meat with berries to create Jerky, which lasts much longer than raw or cooked meat. This process is highly beneficial for players planning longer trips, as it allows them to manage their food supplies more efficiently.
Additionally, you can use a Refrigeration Unit or a Tech Refrigerator to store raw and cooked meats, keeping them fresh for extended periods. Using these preservation techniques not only helps in managing hunger but also ensures you always have nutritious food available for future adventures.