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 crafting advanced items like cementing paste, which is used in high-tier base building. Chitin is primarily obtained by harvesting the remains of certain creatures, such as trilobites, scorpions, spiders, and mantises. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to efficiently gather chitin for advanced base building.

To start, you need to understand the mechanics of chitin gathering. Chitin is a resource that drops from specific creatures when you harvest their bodies. The amount of chitin you get depends on the creature and the tool you use. The best tools for harvesting chitin are the hatchet and the chainsaw. The hatchet is more accessible early in the game, while the chainsaw is a late-game tool that yields significantly more chitin. Additionally, certain tamed creatures, like the Sabertooth, Megatherium, and Direwolf, are excellent for gathering chitin due to their high harvesting efficiency.

For early-game players, the easiest way to gather chitin is by hunting trilobites. Trilobites are small, passive creatures found along beaches and shallow waters. They are easy to kill and provide a decent amount of chitin. Use a hatchet to harvest their bodies for the best results. However, trilobites are not very common, so this method is more suitable for small-scale chitin gathering.

As you progress, you can target more dangerous creatures like scorpions and spiders. These creatures are found in caves and certain biomes, such as the Redwood Forest and the Swamp. Scorpions and spiders drop more chitin than trilobites, but they are aggressive and can poison you. To safely farm chitin from these creatures, itÔÇÖs recommended to use a tamed creature like the Sabertooth or Direwolf. These creatures have high damage output and can quickly kill scorpions and spiders. Additionally, they have a natural resistance to poison, making them ideal for this task.

One of the most efficient ways to gather chitin is by using a Megatherium. This large sloth-like creature has a special ability called "Insect Killer," which increases its damage and harvesting efficiency when killing insects. When a Megatherium kills a scorpion, spider, or mantis, it will yield a massive amount of chitin. This makes the Megatherium the best creature for chitin farming, especially in areas with high insect density, like caves.

Caves are excellent locations for chitin farming due to the high concentration of scorpions, spiders, and other chitin-rich creatures. However, caves are also dangerous, as they are filled with hostile creatures and environmental hazards. Before entering a cave, make sure you are well-prepared. Bring a strong tamed creature, like a Sabertooth or Megatherium, and equip yourself with armor, weapons, and healing items. ItÔÇÖs also a good idea to bring a few bolas to immobilize smaller creatures like spiders.

Another advanced technique for chitin farming is using the chainsaw. The chainsaw is a late-game tool that can be crafted using engrams unlocked at level 55. It requires gasoline to operate and is highly effective at harvesting chitin from dead creatures. When using the chainsaw, you can gather large amounts of chitin in a short amount of time. However, the chainsaw is loud and can attract nearby creatures, so use it cautiously.

Resource management is crucial when farming chitin. Make sure you have enough inventory space to carry the chitin you gather. If youÔÇÖre using a tamed creature, ensure it has enough weight capacity to carry the chitin. Additionally, consider bringing a preserving bin or a refrigerator to store any spoiled meat or other perishable items you might collect while farming.

For solo players, chitin farming can be challenging, especially in dangerous areas like caves. ItÔÇÖs important to plan your farming trips carefully and avoid overextending yourself. Bring backup supplies and consider setting up a small outpost near the farming area to store your resources and restock.

In a tribe, chitin farming can be more efficient. Tribe members can work together to clear out caves and protect each other from hostile creatures. Additionally, tribe members can share the workload by having one person focus on killing creatures while another harvests the bodies. This division of labor can significantly increase your chitin yield.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the dangers of caves and overloading your inventory. Always be prepared for unexpected encounters and make sure you have a way to escape if things go wrong. Additionally, avoid using low-damage weapons or tools when farming chitin, as this will reduce your efficiency.

In summary, the best ways to gather chitin in ARK: Survival Evolved involve using the right tools and creatures, targeting high-yield creatures like scorpions and spiders, and farming in resource-rich areas like caves. By following these strategies and avoiding common mistakes, you can efficiently gather chitin for advanced base building and crafting.