What is the best way to farm polymer for advanced base building in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Farming polymer in ARK: Survival Evolved is essential for advanced base building, as it is a key resource used in crafting high-tier items like electronics, saddles, and advanced structures. Polymer is a versatile material that can be obtained in two primary ways: organic polymer and obsidian-based polymer. Organic polymer is gathered from creatures, while obsidian-based polymer is crafted using obsidian and cementing paste. Both methods have their advantages and challenges, and the best approach depends on your playstyle, available resources, and the map you are on.
Organic polymer is the most efficient way to farm polymer early to mid-game. It is harvested from specific creatures like Kairuku (penguins), Mantis, and Hesperornis. Kairuku are the easiest source, found in cold biomes like the snow regions of The Island or Ragnarok. To farm organic polymer from Kairuku, you will need a strong carnivore like a Sabertooth, Direwolf, or Thylacoleo. These creatures can quickly kill Kairuku and yield a large amount of organic polymer. A chainsaw can also be used for even higher yields, but it requires fuel and is less efficient for solo players without a strong mount. Organic polymer spoils quickly, so it is best to use it immediately or store it in a preserving bin with preserving salts to extend its lifespan.
Obsidian-based polymer is more durable and does not spoil, making it ideal for long-term storage and large-scale projects. To craft obsidian-based polymer, you need obsidian and cementing paste. Obsidian is found in mountainous regions or volcanic areas on most maps. It can be harvested using a metal pick or an Ankylosaurus, which is the most efficient method. Cementing paste is crafted from chitin or keratin and stone, or it can be obtained in large quantities by farming Beelzebufo (frog) or harvesting beaver dams. Once you have the required materials, you can craft polymer at a fabricator or chemistry bench.
For solo players, farming organic polymer from Kairuku is often the best option due to its simplicity and high yield. However, you must be prepared for the cold environment, so bring fur armor or a otter for insulation. For tribes, dividing tasks can optimize polymer farming. One player can focus on gathering obsidian with an Ankylosaurus, while another farms cementing paste using a Beelzebufo or by raiding beaver dams. This teamwork ensures a steady supply of both types of polymer.
A common mistake is underestimating the spoilage rate of organic polymer. Without proper storage, it can spoil within minutes, wasting your efforts. Always carry preserving salts or use a preserving bin to extend its lifespan. Another mistake is not bringing the right tools or mounts for farming. For example, using a metal pick instead of an Ankylosaurus for obsidian will yield significantly less material. Always use the most efficient tools and creatures for the task.
Advanced techniques include breeding and imprinting high-level Ankylosaurus for obsidian farming, as imprinted creatures have increased stats and efficiency. For organic polymer, consider taming a high-level Mantis and equipping it with a high-damage weapon like a club or sword. Mantis can harvest organic polymer from corpses at an exceptional rate, making them ideal for large-scale farming. Additionally, using a whip can help gather resources faster from the ground, especially when farming Kairuku or other small creatures.
Resource requirements and preparation vary depending on the method. For organic polymer, you need warm clothing, a strong carnivore or chainsaw, and preserving salts. For obsidian-based polymer, you need an Ankylosaurus, a Beelzebufo or other cementing paste source, and access to a fabricator or chemistry bench. Always prepare by stocking up on food, water, and tools before heading out to farm.
In specific scenarios, such as on the Aberration map, organic polymer is more accessible due to the abundance of Karkinos and Roll Rats, which drop organic polymer when harvested. On Scorched Earth, obsidian is scarce, so organic polymer from Mantis or Deathworms is the primary source. On Extinction, you can farm corrupted nodes for corrupted nodules, which can be converted into polymer at a city terminal.
In conclusion, the best way to farm polymer depends on your situation. Organic polymer is quick and efficient for immediate needs, while obsidian-based polymer is better for long-term projects. Use the right tools, mounts, and strategies to maximize efficiency, and always plan ahead to avoid spoilage or resource shortages. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, proper preparation and teamwork will ensure a steady supply of polymer for all your advanced base-building needs.
Organic polymer is the most efficient way to farm polymer early to mid-game. It is harvested from specific creatures like Kairuku (penguins), Mantis, and Hesperornis. Kairuku are the easiest source, found in cold biomes like the snow regions of The Island or Ragnarok. To farm organic polymer from Kairuku, you will need a strong carnivore like a Sabertooth, Direwolf, or Thylacoleo. These creatures can quickly kill Kairuku and yield a large amount of organic polymer. A chainsaw can also be used for even higher yields, but it requires fuel and is less efficient for solo players without a strong mount. Organic polymer spoils quickly, so it is best to use it immediately or store it in a preserving bin with preserving salts to extend its lifespan.
Obsidian-based polymer is more durable and does not spoil, making it ideal for long-term storage and large-scale projects. To craft obsidian-based polymer, you need obsidian and cementing paste. Obsidian is found in mountainous regions or volcanic areas on most maps. It can be harvested using a metal pick or an Ankylosaurus, which is the most efficient method. Cementing paste is crafted from chitin or keratin and stone, or it can be obtained in large quantities by farming Beelzebufo (frog) or harvesting beaver dams. Once you have the required materials, you can craft polymer at a fabricator or chemistry bench.
For solo players, farming organic polymer from Kairuku is often the best option due to its simplicity and high yield. However, you must be prepared for the cold environment, so bring fur armor or a otter for insulation. For tribes, dividing tasks can optimize polymer farming. One player can focus on gathering obsidian with an Ankylosaurus, while another farms cementing paste using a Beelzebufo or by raiding beaver dams. This teamwork ensures a steady supply of both types of polymer.
A common mistake is underestimating the spoilage rate of organic polymer. Without proper storage, it can spoil within minutes, wasting your efforts. Always carry preserving salts or use a preserving bin to extend its lifespan. Another mistake is not bringing the right tools or mounts for farming. For example, using a metal pick instead of an Ankylosaurus for obsidian will yield significantly less material. Always use the most efficient tools and creatures for the task.
Advanced techniques include breeding and imprinting high-level Ankylosaurus for obsidian farming, as imprinted creatures have increased stats and efficiency. For organic polymer, consider taming a high-level Mantis and equipping it with a high-damage weapon like a club or sword. Mantis can harvest organic polymer from corpses at an exceptional rate, making them ideal for large-scale farming. Additionally, using a whip can help gather resources faster from the ground, especially when farming Kairuku or other small creatures.
Resource requirements and preparation vary depending on the method. For organic polymer, you need warm clothing, a strong carnivore or chainsaw, and preserving salts. For obsidian-based polymer, you need an Ankylosaurus, a Beelzebufo or other cementing paste source, and access to a fabricator or chemistry bench. Always prepare by stocking up on food, water, and tools before heading out to farm.
In specific scenarios, such as on the Aberration map, organic polymer is more accessible due to the abundance of Karkinos and Roll Rats, which drop organic polymer when harvested. On Scorched Earth, obsidian is scarce, so organic polymer from Mantis or Deathworms is the primary source. On Extinction, you can farm corrupted nodes for corrupted nodules, which can be converted into polymer at a city terminal.
In conclusion, the best way to farm polymer depends on your situation. Organic polymer is quick and efficient for immediate needs, while obsidian-based polymer is better for long-term projects. Use the right tools, mounts, and strategies to maximize efficiency, and always plan ahead to avoid spoilage or resource shortages. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, proper preparation and teamwork will ensure a steady supply of polymer for all your advanced base-building needs.