What are the best ways to farm organic polymer for base building in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Farming organic polymer in ARK: Survival Evolved is essential for crafting advanced items and structures, as it serves as a substitute for regular polymer in many recipes. Organic polymer is a resource that can be obtained from specific creatures and sources, and it is highly perishable, meaning it spoils quickly if not used or stored properly. Below is a detailed guide on how to efficiently farm organic polymer, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

Organic polymer is primarily obtained by harvesting certain creatures, such as Kairuku, Mantis, Hesperornis, and Deathworms. Kairuku, found in the colder regions of the map, are the most common and efficient source of organic polymer. When killed, they yield a significant amount of this resource. Mantis, found in the desert biomes, also drop organic polymer when harvested, but they are more dangerous and harder to find. Hesperornis, which can be found near water sources, drop organic polymer when killed, but they are less efficient than Kairuku. Deathworms, found in the desert on Scorched Earth or Ragnarok, drop large amounts of organic polymer but are extremely dangerous and require strong tames or weapons to defeat.

To farm organic polymer efficiently, start by locating a Kairuku spawn area, such as the snowy regions on The Island or Ragnarok. Bring a high-damage weapon or a tamed creature with good harvesting capabilities, such as a Therizinosaurus or a chainsaw. Kairuku are passive creatures, so they will not attack you, making them easy targets. Kill the Kairuku and use your harvesting tool or creature to gather the organic polymer. A Therizinosaurus with points invested in power harvesting is particularly effective, as it can yield large amounts of polymer from each Kairuku.

One important consideration is the spoilage time of organic polymer. It spoils quickly, so it is best to farm it only when you are ready to use it immediately. If you need to store it for later use, consider crafting a preserving bin or refrigerator to extend its lifespan. However, even with these storage solutions, organic polymer will eventually spoil, so plan your farming trips accordingly.

For solo players, farming organic polymer can be time-consuming, but it is manageable with the right preparation. Bring a strong mount, such as a Rex or Spino, to protect yourself from other predators in the area. If you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your tribe members to maximize efficiency. One player can focus on killing the Kairuku while another uses a high-harvesting creature to gather the polymer. This teamwork can significantly speed up the process.

Advanced techniques include using a tamed Pelagornis or other flying mount to quickly travel between Kairuku spawns, reducing downtime. Additionally, using a chainsaw or a high-level Therizinosaurus with the right harvesting stats can yield more polymer per kill, making your farming trips more efficient. If you are on a map with Hesperornis, consider taming one and using it to lay golden eggs, which can be used to craft organic polymer in a cooking pot.

Common mistakes to avoid include farming organic polymer without a plan for immediate use, leading to spoilage. Another mistake is venturing into dangerous areas, such as the desert for Mantis or Deathworms, without proper preparation. Always bring strong tames, weapons, and armor to protect yourself from hostile creatures. Additionally, avoid overharvesting in one area, as this can deplete the spawns and force you to wait for respawns or move to a new location.

In summary, farming organic polymer in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning and preparation. Focus on Kairuku for the most efficient farming, use high-harvesting tools or creatures, and be mindful of the spoilage timer. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, coordination and the right equipment can make the process much smoother. By following these strategies and avoiding common mistakes, you can efficiently gather organic polymer for your base-building needs.