In the mobile version of Dark Tides, players will become fishermen on the turbulent sea, starting from simple fishing to deep exploration, and gradually uncovering the secrets of the deep sea. Many newcomers are attracted by the unique charm of this game but don't know how to play. Therefore, this article will provide a collection guide to help everyone start smoothly, get through the beginner stage, and experience the fun of this mysterious world.

1. Fishing Mechanics
At the beginning, everyone will have basic fishing tools and a boat. Relying on them to go to the ocean and sell the caught fish can help us earn money to upgrade equipment and complete various tasks, so fishing is very important. After going out to sea, the splashes on the water surface are the fishing spots. When you get close and hold down the fishing button, it will automatically start. There isn't much operation involved. If you see more colorful splashes, it means that you can catch mutated fish in this area; if there is a golden part in the spinning wheel, you can catch trophy fish. If you have specific types of fish you want to catch, check the guide for the corresponding fishing locations, which will make it easier to obtain them. Finally, moving and fishing on the sea will consume days, and if the boat hits rocks or walls, it will be damaged, leading to some equipment becoming unusable. So, beginners must pay attention to avoiding obstacles when driving.

2. Equipment Upgrades
Initially, everyone's resources will be quite limited, so when upgrading equipment, try to follow a sequence. It is recommended to prioritize upgrading the fishing rod, and once the fishing rod is upgraded to a level where it can catch fish in all waters, focus on upgrading the engine. This way, traveling to various places will be faster, and you can also use speed to escape many monster attacks. Additionally, some fish can only be caught with a net, so upgrades should be made when required by the plot and tasks. The crab traps you have are sufficient to complete the main storyline, so there's no rush to upgrade them.
3. Material Acquisition
There are 5 basic materials: iron pieces, cloth, wooden planks, research components, and advanced iron plates. The first three will respawn infinitely near Iron Cape, while advanced iron plates are found in some relatively hidden places. If you need them urgently, you can directly purchase them from the floating island merchant. The hardest to obtain are actually the research components, as the amount given from completing various tasks is fixed. However, they may be sold together with explosives, so it's recommended to frequently check the traveling merchant's shipyard and buy them whenever available.

4. Exploration Tips
Almost every island on the map has numerous details, such as salvage points or materials nearby. If possible, do not overlook any corners, and explore by circling the islands. During adventures, the two most important side quests are the stone tablets and the robe-clad people. Stone tablets require submitting the correct type and number of fish, after which you'll receive a new fishing tool. Robe-clad people require contributing the right type of fish, but note that these tasks are time-limited, starting from the moment of conversation. If too much time passes without catching the fish, the reward will be permanently lost. So, when you find a robe-clad person, explore the surrounding area first to understand the local fish species before accepting the task.

5. Abilities
During the story, you will acquire different abilities. Among them, the lamp can provoke hostility, and you should determine whether to turn it on or off based on the current situation. The telescope can directly locate the types of fish at fishing spots, which is useful for full collection, so it's recommended to keep it always on. Catch any fish with a question mark, as acceleration is very practical, but be mindful of the cooldown to avoid being unable to use it at critical moments. Withering makes the caught fish spoil, but the chance of catching mutated fish is higher, which can be used with bait to unlock the encyclopedia.
6. Haggling
Haggling can increase your sales by 5% and reduce the price of purchased items by 5%, effectively increasing your income. Beginners should quickly obtain this ability, which can be done by completing the Blue Follower quest. This quest requires you to catch blue mackerel, tiger mackerel, and snake mackerel, all of which can be found in the Devil's Spine sea.

The above is the guide for the mobile version of Dark Tides. The article shared the basic mechanics and some key points. I hope that after reading, everyone can more easily get started and personally experience the intricate yet exciting storyline, collect and catch a variety of marine life, and enjoy a wonderful fishing time.