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 to craft advanced structures like stone and metal buildings. It is also used in crafting saddles, weapons, and other essential items. 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.

Cementing Paste is primarily crafted from two resources: Chitin/Keratin and Stone. The most common method is to combine 4 Chitin/Keratin and 8 Stone in a Mortar and Pestle or Chemistry Bench. Chitin and Keratin are obtained by harvesting insects, scorpions, trilobites, and certain dinosaurs like Ankylosaurus or Sabertooth. Stone is easily gathered by mining rocks with a pickaxe or using a dinosaur like the Doedicurus, which is highly efficient for stone collection.

One of the best ways to farm Cementing Paste is by taming a Beelzebufo, also known as the Frog. The Beelzebufo has a unique ability to produce Cementing Paste directly by eating insects like Titanomyrma (ants) or Meganeura (dragonflies). When you kill these insects with the Frog, it automatically converts their bodies into Cementing Paste. This method is highly efficient, especially in swamp areas where insects are abundant. A high-level Beelzebufo can produce hundreds of Cementing Paste in a short amount of time.

Another effective method is to raid beaver dams. Beaver dams are found near rivers and lakes, often guarded by Castoroides (beavers). These dams contain large amounts of Cementing Paste, along with other valuable resources like wood and rare flowers. To farm Cementing Paste this way, approach the dam carefully, as the beavers can become aggressive. Take the Cementing Paste and other resources, but avoid taking the wood, as this will destroy the dam. Leaving the wood allows the dam to respawn later, making it a renewable resource. Be cautious of other players or predators in the area, as beaver dams are often contested.

For players who prefer a more passive approach, taming a Megatherium (giant sloth) can be a great option. The Megatherium gains a temporary buff called "Insect Killer" after killing insects, which significantly increases its damage and harvesting efficiency. This makes it an excellent choice for farming Chitin from insects like Araneo (spiders) and Pulmonoscorpius (scorpions) in caves. Once you have a large amount of Chitin, you can combine it with Stone in a Chemistry Bench to produce Cementing Paste in bulk.

When farming Cementing Paste, itÔÇÖs important to prepare properly. Bring a high-damage weapon or a tamed dinosaur for harvesting Chitin/Keratin, and use a Doedicurus for gathering Stone. If youÔÇÖre using a Beelzebufo, make sure to level up its melee damage to increase the amount of Cementing Paste it produces. For raiding beaver dams, bring a fast mount like a Raptor or Argentavis to escape quickly if needed. Always carry a few preserving bins or a refrigerator to store your Cementing Paste, as it spoils over time.

A common mistake is overharvesting beaver dams by taking all the resources, including wood. This destroys the dam and prevents it from respawning, reducing your long-term farming efficiency. Another mistake is not bringing enough storage or forgetting to use a Chemistry Bench, which produces Cementing Paste more efficiently than a Mortar and Pestle. Additionally, players often underestimate the importance of taming dinosaurs like the Beelzebufo or Megatherium, which can significantly speed up the farming process.

For advanced players, consider setting up a dedicated farming base near a swamp or river. This allows you to quickly access insects or beaver dams without traveling long distances. You can also use a Quetzal or Argentavis to transport heavy resources like Stone or Chitin back to your base. If youÔÇÖre in a tribe, assign roles to different members, such as one person gathering Chitin while another collects Stone. This division of labor can greatly increase your overall efficiency.

In solo play, focus on taming a Beelzebufo or Megatherium early on, as these creatures make farming Cementing Paste much easier. For tribes, coordinate with your members to maximize resource gathering and storage. Always keep an eye on your surroundings, as farming Cementing Paste often involves venturing into dangerous areas like swamps or caves.

In summary, the best ways to farm Cementing Paste include using a Beelzebufo to convert insects, raiding beaver dams, and harvesting Chitin with a Megatherium. Proper preparation, efficient resource management, and the use of tamed dinosaurs are key to maximizing your Cementing Paste production. Avoid common mistakes like overharvesting beaver dams, and consider advanced strategies like setting up a farming base or coordinating with your tribe. With these methods, youÔÇÖll have a steady supply of Cementing Paste for all your base-building needs.