What are the best ways to gather keratin for advanced base building in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Keratin is a crucial resource in ARK: Survival Evolved, especially for advanced base building. It is used to craft items like saddles, armor, and certain structures, making it a valuable material to gather efficiently. To collect keratin, you need to harvest it from specific creatures or sources. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on the best ways to gather keratin, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

Keratin is primarily obtained by harvesting the bodies of certain creatures, such as Triceratops, Carbonemys, Ankylosaurus, and Sabertooths. These creatures drop keratin when killed and harvested. The most efficient way to gather keratin is by using a tamed creature with high melee damage, such as a Sabertooth or a Therizinosaurus, as they can harvest large amounts of keratin quickly. Alternatively, you can use tools like a metal hatchet or pickaxe, but these are less efficient compared to using a tamed creature.

To start gathering keratin, you need to locate the creatures that drop it. Triceratops and Carbonemys are common in many areas, especially near rivers and forests. Sabertooths are often found in mountainous or snowy regions, while Ankylosaurus can be found in rocky or hilly areas. Once you locate these creatures, you can either kill them or tame them for later use. Taming a Sabertooth or Therizinosaurus is highly recommended, as they can harvest keratin more effectively than tools.

When using a tamed creature to harvest keratin, make sure to level up its melee damage. Higher melee damage increases the amount of keratin harvested per creature. For example, a high-level Sabertooth with boosted melee damage can yield hundreds of keratin from a single Triceratops. Additionally, using a Therizinosaurus with the "Power Harvest" ability can further increase the amount of keratin collected.

One common mistake is not preparing adequately before heading out to gather keratin. Always bring a tamed creature with high melee damage, and ensure you have enough food and supplies to sustain yourself during the gathering process. ItÔÇÖs also important to be aware of your surroundings, as many keratin-dropping creatures are found in dangerous areas with predators. Bringing a strong mount or a pack of tamed creatures can help protect you from threats.

For advanced players, optimizing keratin gathering involves creating a dedicated harvesting setup. This includes taming multiple high-level Sabertooths or Therizinosaurus and assigning them to specific roles, such as harvesting or guarding. You can also set up a base near a keratin-rich area to reduce travel time. Using a Quetzal or Argentavis to transport large amounts of keratin back to your base is another advanced technique, as these flying creatures can carry heavy loads.

Resource requirements for keratin gathering are relatively simple. You need a tamed creature with high melee damage, such as a Sabertooth or Therizinosaurus, and basic tools like a metal hatchet or pickaxe as a backup. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, focus on taming a single high-level creature for harvesting. In a tribe, you can divide tasks, with some members taming and leveling creatures while others focus on gathering and transporting keratin.

Specific examples of keratin-rich areas include the Redwood Forest, where Sabertooths and Triceratops are abundant, and the Snow Biome, where you can find large numbers of Sabertooths and Ankylosaurus. In these areas, you can set up temporary outposts to store keratin before transporting it back to your main base. Using a combination of tamed creatures and strategic planning, you can gather keratin efficiently and ensure a steady supply for your advanced base-building needs.

In summary, gathering keratin in ARK: Survival Evolved requires a combination of preparation, strategy, and efficient use of tamed creatures. By focusing on high-melee damage harvesters, optimizing your setup, and avoiding common mistakes, you can collect large amounts of keratin to support your base-building projects. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, these techniques will help you gather keratin effectively and progress in the game.