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

Cementing Paste is one of the most important resources in ARK: Survival Evolved for base building, as it is required for crafting advanced structures like stone and metal buildings, as well as items such as saddles and weapons. Farming Cementing Paste efficiently is crucial for progressing in the game, especially when building large or fortified bases. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to farm Cementing Paste effectively, covering mechanics, strategies, and tips.

Cementing Paste is crafted using two primary methods: combining Chitin/Keratin and Stone in a Mortar and Pestle or Chemistry Bench, or by harvesting it directly from certain creatures and locations. The most common way to obtain Cementing Paste is by gathering Chitin or Keratin from insects, scorpions, and other creatures, then combining it with Stone. However, there are more efficient methods, such as farming it from beaver dams or using tamed creatures like the Achatina or Megatherium.

One of the easiest ways to farm Cementing Paste is by raiding beaver dams. Beaver dams are found near rivers and lakes, particularly in areas like The IslandÔÇÖs Redwood Forest or The CenterÔÇÖs rivers. These dams contain large amounts of Cementing Paste, along with other resources like Wood and Rare Flowers. To farm from beaver dams, approach the dam and take the Cementing Paste from its inventory. Be cautious, as the beavers will become aggressive if you take items from their dams. ItÔÇÖs best to clear the area of beavers first or use a fast mount like a Raptor or Argentavis to escape quickly. After looting, destroy the dam to allow a new one to spawn in the same location later.

Another efficient method is taming an Achatina, a snail-like creature that passively produces Cementing Paste and Organic Polymer over time. Achatina can be found in swampy areas and are relatively easy to tame using Sweet Vegetable Cake. Once tamed, place the Achatina in your base, and it will produce Cementing Paste in its inventory, which you can collect periodically. This method is ideal for solo players or small tribes, as it provides a steady supply of Cementing Paste without requiring constant farming.

For players with access to a Megatherium, this creature is excellent for farming Chitin, which can then be turned into Cementing Paste. Megatherium gain a temporary buff called "Insect Killer" after killing insects, which increases their damage and harvesting efficiency. Use a Megatherium to clear out caves or areas with high insect populations, such as the Swamp Cave on The Island, to gather large amounts of Chitin quickly. Combine the Chitin with Stone in a Mortar and Pestle or Chemistry Bench to create Cementing Paste.

When farming Cementing Paste, itÔÇÖs important to prepare adequately. Bring a high-weight mount like a Argentavis or Paracer to carry large amounts of resources, especially when raiding beaver dams. If youÔÇÖre using a Chemistry Bench to craft Cementing Paste, ensure you have a reliable source of power, such as a Generator or Electrical Outlet, as the Chemistry Bench requires electricity to operate. Additionally, always carry a backup weapon or mount in case you encounter hostile creatures while farming.

A common mistake players make is overharvesting beaver dams without destroying them afterward. If you donÔÇÖt destroy the dam, a new one wonÔÇÖt spawn in the same location, reducing the efficiency of your farming route. Another mistake is neglecting to tame creatures like the Achatina or Megatherium, which can significantly reduce the time and effort required to gather Cementing Paste.

For advanced players, consider setting up a dedicated farming base near a beaver dam spawn area. This allows you to monitor and raid dams more frequently. You can also use a Quetzal or Argentavis to transport large amounts of resources back to your main base. If youÔÇÖre part of a tribe, assign specific roles to members, such as one person focusing on taming Achatina while another raids beaver dams or clears caves for Chitin.

In summary, farming Cementing Paste in ARK: Survival Evolved requires a combination of resource gathering, creature taming, and strategic planning. Whether youÔÇÖre raiding beaver dams, taming Achatina, or using a Megatherium to farm Chitin, each method has its advantages and considerations. By preparing adequately, avoiding common mistakes, and optimizing your farming routes, you can ensure a steady supply of Cementing Paste for all your base-building needs.