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 polymer is a key resource used in crafting high-tier items like advanced structures, weapons, and tools. There are two primary ways to obtain polymer: harvesting organic polymer from creatures or crafting it using obsidian and cementing paste. Each method has its own mechanics, strategies, and considerations, so letÔÇÖs break them down in detail.
The first method involves harvesting organic polymer from specific creatures. The most efficient sources of organic polymer are Kairuku (penguins), Mantis, and Hesperornis. Kairuku, found in cold biomes like the snow regions of The Island or Ragnarok, are the easiest to farm. They yield a significant amount of organic polymer when harvested with a chainsaw or a high-damage tool like a metal hatchet. Mantis, found in the desert regions of Scorched Earth or Ragnarok, also drop organic polymer, but they are more dangerous and require careful handling. Hesperornis, found near water sources, can be harvested for organic polymer as well, though they are less efficient than Kairuku. When farming organic polymer, itÔÇÖs important to note that it spoils over time, so youÔÇÖll need to use preserving bins or refrigerators to extend its lifespan. Alternatively, you can craft it into regular polymer at a fabricator, which does not spoil.
The second method involves crafting polymer using obsidian and cementing paste. Obsidian is a resource found in mountainous regions or volcanic areas, and it can be harvested with a metal pickaxe or an Ankylosaurus. Cementing paste is crafted from chitin or keratin and stone in a mortar and pestle, or it can be obtained by harvesting beaver dams or taming a Beelzebufo (frog) to gather it from insects. Once you have both resources, you can craft polymer in a fabricator. This method is more time-consuming but provides a stable and renewable source of polymer that doesnÔÇÖt spoil.
For efficient farming, preparation is key. If youÔÇÖre farming organic polymer, equip yourself with a chainsaw or high-damage tools, and bring a tamed creature like a Sabertooth or Direwolf to help with harvesting. If youÔÇÖre crafting polymer, ensure you have a steady supply of obsidian and cementing paste. Taming an Ankylosaurus for obsidian farming and a Beelzebufo for cementing paste can significantly speed up the process. Additionally, having a fabricator and a reliable power source is essential for crafting polymer.
One common mistake is not preserving organic polymer properly. Since it spoils quickly, always carry preserving salts or store it in a preserving bin or refrigerator. Another mistake is underestimating the dangers of farming in certain areas. For example, Mantis are aggressive and can deal significant damage, so bring a strong mount or weapons for protection. When farming Kairuku, be cautious of nearby predators like wolves or yetis in snowy regions.
Advanced techniques include setting up a dedicated farming route or base near resource-rich areas. For example, building a small outpost near a Kairuku spawn can make organic polymer farming more efficient. You can also use a Quetzal or Argentavis to transport large amounts of resources quickly. For crafting polymer, consider setting up a dedicated crafting station with multiple fabricators to speed up production.
Tribe considerations are important as well. In a tribe,ÕêåÕÀÑÕÉêõ¢£ can make farming more efficient. For example, one player can focus on gathering obsidian while another collects cementing paste. Solo players should prioritize taming creatures like the Ankylosaurus and Beelzebufo to automate resource gathering.
In summary, farming polymer in ARK requires careful planning and resource management. Whether you choose to harvest organic polymer or craft it, preparation and efficient strategies are key. By understanding the mechanics, avoiding common mistakes, and utilizing advanced techniques, you can ensure a steady supply of polymer for your advanced base-building needs.
The first method involves harvesting organic polymer from specific creatures. The most efficient sources of organic polymer are Kairuku (penguins), Mantis, and Hesperornis. Kairuku, found in cold biomes like the snow regions of The Island or Ragnarok, are the easiest to farm. They yield a significant amount of organic polymer when harvested with a chainsaw or a high-damage tool like a metal hatchet. Mantis, found in the desert regions of Scorched Earth or Ragnarok, also drop organic polymer, but they are more dangerous and require careful handling. Hesperornis, found near water sources, can be harvested for organic polymer as well, though they are less efficient than Kairuku. When farming organic polymer, itÔÇÖs important to note that it spoils over time, so youÔÇÖll need to use preserving bins or refrigerators to extend its lifespan. Alternatively, you can craft it into regular polymer at a fabricator, which does not spoil.
The second method involves crafting polymer using obsidian and cementing paste. Obsidian is a resource found in mountainous regions or volcanic areas, and it can be harvested with a metal pickaxe or an Ankylosaurus. Cementing paste is crafted from chitin or keratin and stone in a mortar and pestle, or it can be obtained by harvesting beaver dams or taming a Beelzebufo (frog) to gather it from insects. Once you have both resources, you can craft polymer in a fabricator. This method is more time-consuming but provides a stable and renewable source of polymer that doesnÔÇÖt spoil.
For efficient farming, preparation is key. If youÔÇÖre farming organic polymer, equip yourself with a chainsaw or high-damage tools, and bring a tamed creature like a Sabertooth or Direwolf to help with harvesting. If youÔÇÖre crafting polymer, ensure you have a steady supply of obsidian and cementing paste. Taming an Ankylosaurus for obsidian farming and a Beelzebufo for cementing paste can significantly speed up the process. Additionally, having a fabricator and a reliable power source is essential for crafting polymer.
One common mistake is not preserving organic polymer properly. Since it spoils quickly, always carry preserving salts or store it in a preserving bin or refrigerator. Another mistake is underestimating the dangers of farming in certain areas. For example, Mantis are aggressive and can deal significant damage, so bring a strong mount or weapons for protection. When farming Kairuku, be cautious of nearby predators like wolves or yetis in snowy regions.
Advanced techniques include setting up a dedicated farming route or base near resource-rich areas. For example, building a small outpost near a Kairuku spawn can make organic polymer farming more efficient. You can also use a Quetzal or Argentavis to transport large amounts of resources quickly. For crafting polymer, consider setting up a dedicated crafting station with multiple fabricators to speed up production.
Tribe considerations are important as well. In a tribe,ÕêåÕÀÑÕÉêõ¢£ can make farming more efficient. For example, one player can focus on gathering obsidian while another collects cementing paste. Solo players should prioritize taming creatures like the Ankylosaurus and Beelzebufo to automate resource gathering.
In summary, farming polymer in ARK requires careful planning and resource management. Whether you choose to harvest organic polymer or craft it, preparation and efficient strategies are key. By understanding the mechanics, avoiding common mistakes, and utilizing advanced techniques, you can ensure a steady supply of polymer for your advanced base-building needs.