Gathering

Gathering in inZOI refers to the collection of raw materials and natural resources from the game world. It encompasses several distinct activities: mining for gemstones and minerals, fishing for fish species, farming for crops and produce, and foraging for items like pearls from beach sand piles. These activities feed into downstream systems including crafting, cooking, and the Collection Log. The majority of gathering content was introduced in the v0.3.0 update (August 2025) alongside the free Island Getaway DLC and the Cahaya region.

Gathering Activities

Mining

Mining is the core activity of the Collecting skill. Zois extract rocks, minerals, and raw gemstones from Mining Spots found in parks, farmlands, and non-residential areas across all three cities. Mining requires a pickaxe, purchasable from the Farm Store in Cahaya or craftable at a Crafting Table. Seven pickaxe tiers exist, from Stone through Gem, with each tier dramatically improving the chance of finding rare materials.

See the Gem Mining and Crafting article for full details on pickaxe tiers, mining spot types, and gemstone locations.

Fishing

Fishing is governed by the Fishing skill. Zois catch fish from designated spots in Dowon (Harang River Park), Bliss Bay (Sunset Bay, North Beach), and Cahaya (beach, boat, and park spots). Fishing rods come in material tiers (Wooden, Copper, Iron, Silver, Gold, Jewel) that determine which species can be caught. Advanced Bait (5 Meow per use) improves odds on rare catches.

Fish fillets are used as ingredients in Cooking recipes like Flatfish Sushi and Steamed Fish. See the Fishing article for the complete species list.

Farming

Crop farming uses the Gardening skill. Zois plant seeds on dirt plots, water and fertilize daily, and harvest mature crops for Meow or Cooking ingredients. Crops range from basic starter vegetables (Lettuce, Tomato, Blueberry) to higher-level produce (Apple trees, Lettuce Hydroponic System) that unlock at Gardening Levels 2 and 6.

See the Gardening and Crop Farming articles for full crop lists and growth mechanics.

Foraging

Some items are gathered through environmental interaction rather than a specific skill:

Skills Involved

Three main skills govern gathering activities:

Children can develop related skills through the Curious Mind child skill, which grows through fishing and mining activities and gives a head start in Collecting and Fishing when the child ages up to a Teenager.

Equipment

Gathering activities require specific tools, most of which can be purchased from the Farm Store in Cahaya or crafted at a Crafting Table:

Higher-tier tools are crafted through Handiwork at the Crafting Table. Premium Pickaxes and Fishing Rods unlock at Handiwork Level 2; Jewel Watering Cans and Rakes unlock at Level 5.

Downstream Systems

Gathered materials feed into several downstream systems:

Collection Log

Every item gathered by any household member is automatically recorded in the Family Collection Log. The log is divided into categories (Fishing, Farming, Mining/Gems, Jewels, Tools, Conversations) and tracks completion progress. Each entry shows silhouettes for undiscovered items and full-color icons for collected ones, with hints about where to find missing entries. Completing sections unlocks exclusive furniture rewards.

Best Gathering Locations

Tips

• Cahaya is the hub for gathering. The Farm Store, mining spots, fishing spots, and farmland are all concentrated in one area.

• Pair mining and fishing in locations like Harang River Park where both activities are available side by side.

• Upgrade your pickaxe and fishing rod as soon as possible through Handiwork crafting. Better tools dramatically improve results.

• The Concentrated mood boosts rare gem drops when mining. Use meditation or yoga before a mining session.

• Check the Collection Log hints to find which locations and spot types yield missing items.

• Farm crops daily even when focused on other gathering. The passive income and Cooking ingredients add up over time.

• Children can fish and mine to build their Curious Mind skill, giving them a head start when they become teenagers.

• Sell raw materials directly if you do not have high Handiwork. Processing materials at the Crafting Table is only more profitable once you can apply premium cuts or craft premium tools.