What are the best ways to gather chitin for advanced base building in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Gathering chitin in ARK: Survival Evolved is essential for advanced base building, as it is a key resource used in crafting items like cementing paste, which is required for metal structures, saddles, and other high-tier equipment. Chitin is primarily obtained by harvesting the exoskeletons of certain creatures, such as trilobites, scorpions, spiders, mantises, and arthropluera. Below is a detailed guide on the best ways to gather chitin efficiently, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.
To start, you need to understand the mechanics of chitin gathering. Chitin is obtained by killing and harvesting specific creatures using tools or tamed dinosaurs. The most efficient tools for harvesting chitin are the metal hatchet and the chainsaw, as they yield the highest amounts. However, tamed creatures like the Sabertooth, Megatherium, and Direwolf are even more effective, as they can gather large quantities of chitin quickly. The Megatherium, in particular, is highly recommended because it gains a temporary buff called "Insect Killer" after killing an insect, which significantly increases its damage and harvesting efficiency for a short time.
For solo players, the best strategy is to tame a Sabertooth or Direwolf early on. These creatures are relatively easy to tame and can be used to gather chitin from scorpions and spiders in caves or desert biomes. If you are playing in a tribe, consider taming a Megatherium, as it is the most efficient chitin gatherer in the game. Once you have a suitable creature, head to areas where chitin-rich creatures spawn. Caves are the best locations for chitin farming, as they are densely populated with scorpions, spiders, and arthropluera. The Swamp Cave on The Island map is particularly lucrative, but it requires a gas mask or scuba gear due to the toxic gas inside.
Preparation is key when farming chitin. Bring plenty of healing items, such as cooked meat or medical brews, to keep your tamed creature healthy during combat. If you are venturing into caves, ensure you have the necessary gear, such as a gas mask, armor, and weapons, to handle the hostile environment. Additionally, bring a few storage containers or a high-weight creature like a pack animal to carry the chitin, as it can quickly fill your inventory.
One common mistake players make is using the wrong tools or creatures for chitin farming. For example, using a pickaxe instead of a hatchet will yield keratin instead of chitin, which is less useful for advanced crafting. Another mistake is underestimating the dangers of caves. Always scout the area and clear out threats before focusing on harvesting. Additionally, avoid overloading your tamed creature with chitin, as it can slow you down and make you vulnerable to attacks.
Advanced techniques for chitin farming include using a Megatherium with the Insect Killer buff to clear entire caves quickly. You can also set up a small outpost near a cave entrance to store chitin and other resources, reducing the need for frequent trips back to your main base. If you are playing on a server with mods, consider using mods that increase chitin drop rates or add new creatures that drop chitin.
Resource requirements for chitin farming are relatively low, but you will need a strong tamed creature, appropriate tools, and protective gear. For tribes, coordinating chitin farming runs with multiple members can significantly increase efficiency. For example, one player can focus on combat while another handles harvesting and storage.
In summary, the best ways to gather chitin in ARK: Survival Evolved involve using efficient tools or tamed creatures, targeting chitin-rich areas like caves, and preparing adequately for the dangers of farming. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, following these strategies will ensure a steady supply of chitin for advanced base building and crafting.
To start, you need to understand the mechanics of chitin gathering. Chitin is obtained by killing and harvesting specific creatures using tools or tamed dinosaurs. The most efficient tools for harvesting chitin are the metal hatchet and the chainsaw, as they yield the highest amounts. However, tamed creatures like the Sabertooth, Megatherium, and Direwolf are even more effective, as they can gather large quantities of chitin quickly. The Megatherium, in particular, is highly recommended because it gains a temporary buff called "Insect Killer" after killing an insect, which significantly increases its damage and harvesting efficiency for a short time.
For solo players, the best strategy is to tame a Sabertooth or Direwolf early on. These creatures are relatively easy to tame and can be used to gather chitin from scorpions and spiders in caves or desert biomes. If you are playing in a tribe, consider taming a Megatherium, as it is the most efficient chitin gatherer in the game. Once you have a suitable creature, head to areas where chitin-rich creatures spawn. Caves are the best locations for chitin farming, as they are densely populated with scorpions, spiders, and arthropluera. The Swamp Cave on The Island map is particularly lucrative, but it requires a gas mask or scuba gear due to the toxic gas inside.
Preparation is key when farming chitin. Bring plenty of healing items, such as cooked meat or medical brews, to keep your tamed creature healthy during combat. If you are venturing into caves, ensure you have the necessary gear, such as a gas mask, armor, and weapons, to handle the hostile environment. Additionally, bring a few storage containers or a high-weight creature like a pack animal to carry the chitin, as it can quickly fill your inventory.
One common mistake players make is using the wrong tools or creatures for chitin farming. For example, using a pickaxe instead of a hatchet will yield keratin instead of chitin, which is less useful for advanced crafting. Another mistake is underestimating the dangers of caves. Always scout the area and clear out threats before focusing on harvesting. Additionally, avoid overloading your tamed creature with chitin, as it can slow you down and make you vulnerable to attacks.
Advanced techniques for chitin farming include using a Megatherium with the Insect Killer buff to clear entire caves quickly. You can also set up a small outpost near a cave entrance to store chitin and other resources, reducing the need for frequent trips back to your main base. If you are playing on a server with mods, consider using mods that increase chitin drop rates or add new creatures that drop chitin.
Resource requirements for chitin farming are relatively low, but you will need a strong tamed creature, appropriate tools, and protective gear. For tribes, coordinating chitin farming runs with multiple members can significantly increase efficiency. For example, one player can focus on combat while another handles harvesting and storage.
In summary, the best ways to gather chitin in ARK: Survival Evolved involve using efficient tools or tamed creatures, targeting chitin-rich areas like caves, and preparing adequately for the dangers of farming. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, following these strategies will ensure a steady supply of chitin for advanced base building and crafting.