A comprehensive guide on the different types of resources, where to find them, and how long they take to farm.
In Dave the Diver, resources fall into a few main categories: Fish/Meat (caught during dives), Ingredients (like soy sauce, salt, olive oil found in cooking pots), Materials (scrap iron, wood, rope, minerals used for weapon upgrades), and Seaweed/Kelp (used for specific recipes). You will also unlock agricultural resources like rice and vegetables later.
Early on, you'll need lots of kelp and agar. These reset every time you dive (morning and afternoon). Sea urchins require the Dive Gloves (unlocked via story progression). Time to Farm: These respawn instantly upon each new dive. Dedicate a morning dive to swim along the ocean floor and avoid heavy combat if you need these fast.
As you progress, you'll unlock Otto's farm. Here, you can grow rice, carrots, eggplants, and more. Time to Farm: Crops take a few in-game days to grow (usually 2-3 days). You must visit the farm every morning to pull weeds and ensure the crops have enough water. Later, you can automate this by upgrading the watering can or hiring helpers.
Eventually, you'll unlock the Fish Farm. Every time you catch a fish (especially alive with a net/tranquilizer), there's a chance it drops fish roe. Time to Farm: As long as you have at least two fish of the same species in a tank, they will multiply daily. This is the most efficient way to farm high-value fish without having to dive for them every day.
Struggling to find Salt, Soy Sauce, or Turmeric? You can send unused restaurant staff on 'Dispatch' missions. Time to Farm: Dispatching takes one full in-game day. When they return the next evening, they bring back a random assortment of the specific ingredient. Staff with a high 'Appeal' stat generally bring back more items!