Challenging Gamemode: Some Tips to get You Started (Part 2)

 ...Continued from Part 1

Mining

You should already have stone tools  and weapons  at this point. You now need to start gathering iron, saltpeter, and diamonds.
While mining with your stone pickaxe, pick up ONLY iron ore. Once you have enough, make an iron pickaxe and continue. An iron pickaxe is needed to acquire many of the ores you will encounter (ex: diamond ore). You can still use a stone pickaxe to break cobblestone if you wish.
The biggest issue when mining is getting lost. Make sure you leave torches as markers. Don't just place the torches randomly. They can serve as a sort of "path" for you to follow. This is especially important when mining in a cave, as the cave may have many tunnels to explore. 
Once you have the supplies to do so, craft a magnet and compass so you will never lose your home. 
Be sure to have a magnet and compass before going any further, OR just continue exploring a smaller amount of terrain until you get there. Way-point markers can be used.
Now you're ready to move on to farming and obtaining riding animals!!

Obtaining Horses

Horses, Camels, or donkeys will be needed as you progress. They allow you to travel longer distances in a shorter amount of time, and help you escape from predators faster. Horses are found in hot forest areas, donkeys and camels in the desert. To mount them, you will need a saddle, which is crafted from leather (comes from wolves and coyotes) and sticks. You will also need a whistle, which is crafted from iron ingots.
When searching for horses, you can take home more than one at a time! (Given you have more than 1 saddle, that is). Here's how (Please note you MUST have a compass and magnet for this method):

1. Find a herd of horses. They are usually found in groups of 2-5.
2. Place a saddle on each horse.
3. Using your whistle, lead the horses back home. You can ride one while leading the others if you wish. The reason you need to have a compass is because you will have to lead your horses around obstacles such as cliffs, large hills, etc. so they do not get hurt. Chances are, you will not be able to use a straight path as you would with way-point markers. 
4. When you get home, have a fence surrounded by cheap blocks (dirt, sand, etc.) waiting. This is so your horses can easily get in the fence, but not out. (Fences need to be 2 blocks high, as donkeys and camels can jump a single fence.)

When only taking one horse at a time, simply ride your horse home. Have a whistle handy in case you fall off. Way-point markers can be used here. You will not have to avoid so many obstacles. 

Farming Crops and Animals

To farm crops, you will need to collect seeds (you should already have cotton seeds) and a water supply (do this by gathering water in a bucket, or making a well to retrieve water from.). Fence an area in with wooden fences so animals cannot ruin your soil. Till dirt with a rake to make soil. Put saltpeter on the moisturized soil to fertilize, and place your cotton seeds on the soil. They will grow into cotton plants, which cotton wads can be obtained from. You then make canvas from the wads, and you are ready to craft some clothing!

Animal farming is also an important aspect of survival. For this, you will need to lay out a large fence (this is why we chose a flat area to live) 1 or 2 blocks tall (2 blocks tall will keep predators out) and put cheap blocks such as sand or leaves around your fence. If your fence is 2 blocks tall, make stairs. Throw tall grass into the fence. If there are cows around, they will go right into your fence!! Other undesired animals may get into your fence as well, such as gnus, but you can kill them later. If no cows are around, they can be obtained later with a whistle (they run from the sound).

 Next Time - Part 3: Clothing
Note: All of this info +more can be found on the SC Wiki at this link: http://survivalcraftgame.wikia.com/wiki/Beginner%27s_Guide

To see Part 1: http://survivalcraftchartreusenarwhal.blogspot.com/2015/04/challenging-gamemode-some-tips-to-get.html