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 used in crafting high-tier items like electronics, saddles, and advanced structures. Polymer is primarily obtained from two sources: organic polymer and obsidian. Organic polymer is a renewable resource that can be harvested from certain creatures, while obsidian is a non-renewable resource that must be mined and converted into polymer using a fabricator. Below is a detailed guide on how to efficiently farm polymer, including strategies, tips, and considerations.

Organic polymer is the easiest and most renewable way to obtain polymer. It can be harvested from creatures like Kairuku, Mantis, Hesperornis, and Deathworms. Kairuku, found in the snowy regions of maps like The Island and Ragnarok, are the most efficient source. To farm organic polymer from Kairuku, you will need a high-damage weapon like a metal hatchet or chainsaw. Approach the Kairuku and kill them, then use your tool to harvest their bodies. Each Kairuku can yield a significant amount of organic polymer, making them ideal for farming. However, organic polymer spoils quickly, so it is best to use it immediately or store it in a preserving bin with preserving salts to extend its lifespan.

For obsidian-based polymer, you will need to gather obsidian and craft it into polymer using a fabricator. Obsidian is found in mountainous regions and volcanic areas on most maps. Use a metal pickaxe or an Ankylosaurus to mine obsidian efficiently. Once you have gathered enough obsidian, place it in a fabricator along with cementing paste to craft polymer. Cementing paste can be obtained by combining chitin or keratin with stone in a mortar and pestle or by harvesting it from beaver dams. This method is more resource-intensive but provides a stable and non-spoiling source of polymer.

When farming polymer, preparation is key. For organic polymer, ensure you have the right tools and a preserving bin ready to store the harvested material. For obsidian-based polymer, make sure you have a fabricator, cementing paste, and a reliable method for transporting heavy resources like obsidian. Tamed creatures like the Argentavis or Ankylosaurus can help carry large amounts of obsidian, making the process more efficient.

One common mistake is underestimating the spoilage rate of organic polymer. If you are farming large quantities, it is easy to lose a significant portion to spoilage. Always have preserving bins and salts ready to mitigate this issue. Another mistake is not using the right tools for harvesting. A metal hatchet or chainsaw will yield far more organic polymer than a stone tool, so always upgrade your equipment before starting your farm.

Advanced techniques include using tamed creatures to optimize your farming. For example, a high-level Mantis with a good metal pickaxe can harvest obsidian and organic polymer more efficiently than a player. Additionally, setting up a base near polymer-rich areas, such as the snowy biome for Kairuku or a mountain for obsidian, can save time and resources. If you are part of a tribe, coordinate with your members to divide tasks, such as one person gathering obsidian while another farms organic polymer.

Resource requirements for polymer farming include tools like metal hatchets, chainsaws, and pickaxes, as well as preserving bins and fabricators. For obsidian-based polymer, you will also need cementing paste, which requires chitin or keratin and stone. Stockpile these resources in advance to streamline the process.

Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, the strategies remain largely the same, but tribes can benefit from division of labor. Solo players should focus on efficiency, using tamed creatures to carry and harvest resources. Tribes can assign specific roles, such as one member handling obsidian mining while another focuses on organic polymer farming.

In specific scenarios, such as on the Ragnarok map, you can find both Kairuku and obsidian in close proximity, making it an ideal location for polymer farming. On The Island, the snowy biome near the mountains is a great spot for Kairuku, while obsidian can be found in the volcano and other mountainous areas.

By following these strategies and tips, you can efficiently farm polymer for advanced base building in ARK: Survival Evolved. Proper preparation, resource management, and the use of tamed creatures will ensure a steady supply of this crucial resource.