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# Resource Gathering

## How Resource Gathering Works

Resource gathering is the core gameplay loop in Critters Quest. You deploy your critters to resource nodes across the map to collect materials needed for crafting, building, and progression.

## Gathering Power System

### Base Gathering Power

Your critter's gathering effectiveness is determined by several factors:

* **Base ATK**: Every critter has a base attack stat that forms the foundation of their gathering power
* **Equipment Bonuses**: Amulets and boots with ATK stats add to your total gathering power
* **Tool Bonuses**: Equipped tools provide additional gathering power, but only for their specific resource type
  * Pickaxes boost mining power for stone/rock resources
  * Axes boost chopping power for wood/tree resources
  * Shovels boost digging power for soil resources

### Gathering Time Calculation

Your total gathering power directly affects how long it takes to complete resource nodes:

* **Higher Gathering Power** = Faster completion times
* **Lower Gathering Power** = Longer completion times

The relationship is inverse - doubling your gathering power roughly halves your gathering time.

## Travel and Distance Mechanics

### Travel Time Factors

Before your critter can begin gathering, they must travel to the resource location. Travel time depends on:

* **Distance**: Longer distances require more travel time
* **March Speed**: Your critter's movement speed affects travel duration

### Faction Movement Bonuses

Critters receive movement speed bonuses when traveling on matching faction lands:

* **15% Faster Movement** when critter faction matches the land type
* Examples:
  * Verdant faction critters move 15% faster on Verdant lands
  * Other faction critters move at normal speed on Verdant lands

### Town Level March Speed

Upgrading your town level provides march speed bonuses for all your critters, regardless of faction or destination.

## Resource Node Mechanics

### Node Accessibility

Resource nodes have level requirements based on your town level:

* **Level 1 Town**: Can see and access Tier 1 resources only
* **Level 2 Town**: Can see and access Tier 1-2 resources
* **Level 3 Town**: Can see and access Tier 1-3 resources
* And so on...

### Advanced Tool Features (Tier 3+)

Once you have Tier 3 or higher tools, you unlock **Resource Level Control**:

* **Adjustable Difficulty**: Set the challenge level on any resource node you can access
* **Risk vs Reward**: Higher levels provide better yields but take longer to complete
* **Strategic Choice**: Balance time investment against resource needs

### Resource Spawning

* **Daily Rotation**: Resource nodes move to new locations daily
* **Limited Uses**: Each node has finite gathering attempts before depletion
* **Competition**: Multiple players can gather from the same node simultaneously


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