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 for crafting high-tier items like advanced structures, weapons, and tools. Polymer is used in many late-game recipes, so having a reliable method to gather it is crucial. There are two main ways to obtain polymer: harvesting organic polymer from creatures or crafting it using obsidian and cementing paste. Each method has its own advantages and challenges, and the best approach depends on your current progress, available resources, and whether you are playing solo or in a tribe.
The first method involves harvesting organic polymer from specific creatures. The most efficient sources are Kairuku (penguins), Mantis, and Hesperornis. Kairuku, found in cold regions like the snow biome, are the easiest to farm. They drop a significant amount of organic polymer when killed, and they are relatively passive, making them easy targets. To maximize efficiency, use a chainsaw or a high-damage weapon like a sword to harvest their bodies. A tamed Therizinosaurus with the right harvesting stats can also yield a large amount of organic polymer. Mantis, found in the desert biome, are another good source, but they are more dangerous and require careful handling. Hesperornis, found near water, drop organic polymer when killed, but they are harder to find and less efficient than Kairuku.
The second method involves crafting polymer using obsidian and cementing paste. Obsidian is a resource found in mountainous regions, often near volcanic areas. It can be harvested using a metal pick or a high-level Ankylosaurus. Cementing paste is crafted from chitin or keratin and stone, or it can be obtained by harvesting beaver dams or using a tamed Achatina snail. Once you have both obsidian and cementing paste, you can craft polymer at a fabricator or chemistry bench. This method is more resource-intensive but provides a stable and renewable source of polymer, especially if you have access to a tamed Ankylosaurus and a reliable way to gather cementing paste.
When farming organic polymer, it is important to note that it spoils over time. To prevent spoilage, store it in a preserving bin or refrigerator. Alternatively, you can craft it into regular polymer, which does not spoil. However, this requires additional resources and crafting stations. If you are playing solo, focus on farming Kairuku or using a tamed Therizinosaurus for organic polymer, as these methods are less resource-intensive and easier to manage alone. In a tribe, you can divide tasks, with some members gathering obsidian and others farming cementing paste, to streamline the process.
One common mistake is underestimating the amount of polymer needed for advanced base building. Polymer is used in large quantities for structures like tek walls, turrets, and advanced crafting stations, so it is important to stockpile it early. Another mistake is not protecting your polymer from spoilage or theft. Always store it in secure containers or craft it into regular polymer as soon as possible. Additionally, avoid overharvesting Kairuku populations, as this can make it harder to find them in the future. Instead, rotate between different farming locations to allow populations to respawn.
Advanced techniques include using a tamed Argentavis or Quetzal to transport large amounts of obsidian or organic polymer. These flying creatures have high weight capacity and can carry heavy loads, making them ideal for resource gathering. You can also set up a base near a Kairuku spawn point to minimize travel time. For tribes, consider building a dedicated polymer farm with tamed Achatina snails, which passively produce cementing paste over time. This can provide a steady supply of polymer without the need for constant farming.
In summary, the best way to farm polymer depends on your playstyle and available resources. For organic polymer, focus on Kairuku or Mantis, and use a chainsaw or Therizinosaurus for efficient harvesting. For crafted polymer, gather obsidian and cementing paste, and use a fabricator or chemistry bench to produce it. Store your polymer properly to prevent spoilage, and plan ahead to ensure you have enough for your building needs. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, efficient resource management and strategic planning are key to successful polymer farming in ARK: Survival Evolved.
The first method involves harvesting organic polymer from specific creatures. The most efficient sources are Kairuku (penguins), Mantis, and Hesperornis. Kairuku, found in cold regions like the snow biome, are the easiest to farm. They drop a significant amount of organic polymer when killed, and they are relatively passive, making them easy targets. To maximize efficiency, use a chainsaw or a high-damage weapon like a sword to harvest their bodies. A tamed Therizinosaurus with the right harvesting stats can also yield a large amount of organic polymer. Mantis, found in the desert biome, are another good source, but they are more dangerous and require careful handling. Hesperornis, found near water, drop organic polymer when killed, but they are harder to find and less efficient than Kairuku.
The second method involves crafting polymer using obsidian and cementing paste. Obsidian is a resource found in mountainous regions, often near volcanic areas. It can be harvested using a metal pick or a high-level Ankylosaurus. Cementing paste is crafted from chitin or keratin and stone, or it can be obtained by harvesting beaver dams or using a tamed Achatina snail. Once you have both obsidian and cementing paste, you can craft polymer at a fabricator or chemistry bench. This method is more resource-intensive but provides a stable and renewable source of polymer, especially if you have access to a tamed Ankylosaurus and a reliable way to gather cementing paste.
When farming organic polymer, it is important to note that it spoils over time. To prevent spoilage, store it in a preserving bin or refrigerator. Alternatively, you can craft it into regular polymer, which does not spoil. However, this requires additional resources and crafting stations. If you are playing solo, focus on farming Kairuku or using a tamed Therizinosaurus for organic polymer, as these methods are less resource-intensive and easier to manage alone. In a tribe, you can divide tasks, with some members gathering obsidian and others farming cementing paste, to streamline the process.
One common mistake is underestimating the amount of polymer needed for advanced base building. Polymer is used in large quantities for structures like tek walls, turrets, and advanced crafting stations, so it is important to stockpile it early. Another mistake is not protecting your polymer from spoilage or theft. Always store it in secure containers or craft it into regular polymer as soon as possible. Additionally, avoid overharvesting Kairuku populations, as this can make it harder to find them in the future. Instead, rotate between different farming locations to allow populations to respawn.
Advanced techniques include using a tamed Argentavis or Quetzal to transport large amounts of obsidian or organic polymer. These flying creatures have high weight capacity and can carry heavy loads, making them ideal for resource gathering. You can also set up a base near a Kairuku spawn point to minimize travel time. For tribes, consider building a dedicated polymer farm with tamed Achatina snails, which passively produce cementing paste over time. This can provide a steady supply of polymer without the need for constant farming.
In summary, the best way to farm polymer depends on your playstyle and available resources. For organic polymer, focus on Kairuku or Mantis, and use a chainsaw or Therizinosaurus for efficient harvesting. For crafted polymer, gather obsidian and cementing paste, and use a fabricator or chemistry bench to produce it. Store your polymer properly to prevent spoilage, and plan ahead to ensure you have enough for your building needs. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, efficient resource management and strategic planning are key to successful polymer farming in ARK: Survival Evolved.