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-based polymer. Organic polymer is gathered from creatures like Kairuku, Mantis, and Hesperornis, while obsidian-based polymer is crafted using obsidian and cementing paste. Below is a detailed guide on how to efficiently farm polymer, covering mechanics, strategies, and tips.
To start with organic polymer, the most efficient method is hunting Kairuku, penguin-like creatures found in the colder regions of the map, such as the snowy biome on The Island or Ragnarok. Kairuku drop a significant amount of organic polymer when harvested with a chainsaw, hatchet, or a tamed creature with high melee damage, such as a Therizinosaurus. A Therizinosaurus is particularly effective because it can be leveled to increase its harvesting efficiency for organic polymer. When using a Therizinosaurus, ensure it has points invested in power harvesting and use its primary attack to maximize yield. Kairuku are passive creatures, so they are easy to hunt, but be cautious of predators in the area, such as wolves or sabertooths.
Another source of organic polymer is the Mantis, found in the desert biomes of maps like Scorched Earth or Ragnarok. Mantis can be harvested for organic polymer using a chainsaw or a high-damage creature. However, Mantis are aggressive and can be dangerous, so it is recommended to bring a strong tamed creature or ranged weapons to deal with them safely. Hesperornis, a bird found near water sources, also drops organic polymer when harvested. These birds are passive but will flee when attacked, so use a ranged weapon or a fast mount to hunt them efficiently.
For obsidian-based polymer, you will need to gather obsidian and cementing paste. Obsidian is found in mountainous regions and can be harvested using a metal pickaxe or a Ankylosaurus. An Ankylosaurus is highly recommended for farming obsidian due to its weight reduction and high harvesting efficiency. Cementing paste can be obtained by crafting it in a mortar and pestle or chemistry bench using chitin/keratin and stone, or by harvesting it from beaver dams. Beaver dams are a quick source of cementing paste but require caution, as harvesting from them will aggro nearby beavers. Always clear the area of beavers before looting their dams to avoid conflict.
Once you have gathered the necessary resources, craft polymer in a fabricator. Organic polymer can be used directly in place of crafted polymer, but it spoils over time, so it is best used immediately. To maximize efficiency, consider setting up a base near a resource-rich area, such as the snowy biome for Kairuku or a mountain for obsidian. This reduces travel time and allows for quicker resource gathering. Additionally, using a Quetzal or Argentavis to transport heavy resources like obsidian can save time and effort.
Common mistakes to avoid include not using the right tools or creatures for harvesting, which can significantly reduce your yield. For example, using a metal pickaxe instead of a chainsaw or Therizinosaurus for organic polymer will result in less polymer per kill. Another mistake is not preparing for the dangers of the environment, such as cold temperatures in snowy biomes or aggressive creatures in desert biomes. Always bring appropriate gear, such as fur armor for cold regions, and a strong mount for protection.
Advanced techniques include breeding and imprinting a Therizinosaurus for maximum harvesting efficiency. A high-level, imprinted Therizinosaurus with points in melee damage can yield thousands of organic polymer in a single farming run. Additionally, using a whip to gather resources from the ground quickly can save time, especially when farming Kairuku or Hesperornis. For tribes, coordinating resource gathering with multiple members can speed up the process, with one person focusing on hunting creatures while another gathers obsidian and cementing paste.
In summary, farming polymer in ARK requires a combination of efficient resource gathering, proper tools and creatures, and careful preparation. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, focusing on high-yield methods like hunting Kairuku with a Therizinosaurus or farming obsidian with an Ankylosaurus will ensure a steady supply of polymer for advanced base building. Always be mindful of your surroundings and use the right strategies to maximize your efficiency and safety.
To start with organic polymer, the most efficient method is hunting Kairuku, penguin-like creatures found in the colder regions of the map, such as the snowy biome on The Island or Ragnarok. Kairuku drop a significant amount of organic polymer when harvested with a chainsaw, hatchet, or a tamed creature with high melee damage, such as a Therizinosaurus. A Therizinosaurus is particularly effective because it can be leveled to increase its harvesting efficiency for organic polymer. When using a Therizinosaurus, ensure it has points invested in power harvesting and use its primary attack to maximize yield. Kairuku are passive creatures, so they are easy to hunt, but be cautious of predators in the area, such as wolves or sabertooths.
Another source of organic polymer is the Mantis, found in the desert biomes of maps like Scorched Earth or Ragnarok. Mantis can be harvested for organic polymer using a chainsaw or a high-damage creature. However, Mantis are aggressive and can be dangerous, so it is recommended to bring a strong tamed creature or ranged weapons to deal with them safely. Hesperornis, a bird found near water sources, also drops organic polymer when harvested. These birds are passive but will flee when attacked, so use a ranged weapon or a fast mount to hunt them efficiently.
For obsidian-based polymer, you will need to gather obsidian and cementing paste. Obsidian is found in mountainous regions and can be harvested using a metal pickaxe or a Ankylosaurus. An Ankylosaurus is highly recommended for farming obsidian due to its weight reduction and high harvesting efficiency. Cementing paste can be obtained by crafting it in a mortar and pestle or chemistry bench using chitin/keratin and stone, or by harvesting it from beaver dams. Beaver dams are a quick source of cementing paste but require caution, as harvesting from them will aggro nearby beavers. Always clear the area of beavers before looting their dams to avoid conflict.
Once you have gathered the necessary resources, craft polymer in a fabricator. Organic polymer can be used directly in place of crafted polymer, but it spoils over time, so it is best used immediately. To maximize efficiency, consider setting up a base near a resource-rich area, such as the snowy biome for Kairuku or a mountain for obsidian. This reduces travel time and allows for quicker resource gathering. Additionally, using a Quetzal or Argentavis to transport heavy resources like obsidian can save time and effort.
Common mistakes to avoid include not using the right tools or creatures for harvesting, which can significantly reduce your yield. For example, using a metal pickaxe instead of a chainsaw or Therizinosaurus for organic polymer will result in less polymer per kill. Another mistake is not preparing for the dangers of the environment, such as cold temperatures in snowy biomes or aggressive creatures in desert biomes. Always bring appropriate gear, such as fur armor for cold regions, and a strong mount for protection.
Advanced techniques include breeding and imprinting a Therizinosaurus for maximum harvesting efficiency. A high-level, imprinted Therizinosaurus with points in melee damage can yield thousands of organic polymer in a single farming run. Additionally, using a whip to gather resources from the ground quickly can save time, especially when farming Kairuku or Hesperornis. For tribes, coordinating resource gathering with multiple members can speed up the process, with one person focusing on hunting creatures while another gathers obsidian and cementing paste.
In summary, farming polymer in ARK requires a combination of efficient resource gathering, proper tools and creatures, and careful preparation. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, focusing on high-yield methods like hunting Kairuku with a Therizinosaurus or farming obsidian with an Ankylosaurus will ensure a steady supply of polymer for advanced base building. Always be mindful of your surroundings and use the right strategies to maximize your efficiency and safety.