What are the best ways to gather polymer for advanced base building in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Polymer is a crucial resource in ARK: Survival Evolved, especially for advanced base building and crafting high-tier items like weapons, armor, and structures. It is used in many late-game recipes, making it essential for players who want to progress. There are several ways to gather polymer, each with its own mechanics, strategies, and considerations. Below is a detailed guide on the best ways to gather polymer, including step-by-step instructions, tips, and advanced techniques.
One of the most common ways to gather polymer is by harvesting organic polymer from certain creatures. Organic polymer can be obtained by killing and harvesting Kairuku (penguins), Mantis, or Hesperornis. Kairuku, found in cold biomes like the snow regions of The Island or Ragnarok, are the easiest source. To gather organic polymer from Kairuku, you will need a tool like a metal hatchet or a chainsaw. A chainsaw is particularly efficient, as it yields a large amount of polymer per kill. However, organic polymer spoils quickly, so it is best used immediately or stored in a preserving bin or refrigerator to extend its lifespan. Organic polymer can also be converted into regular polymer using a fabricator, but this is less efficient than farming regular polymer directly.
Another reliable method for gathering polymer is by harvesting obsidian and crafting it into polymer using a fabricator. Obsidian is found in mountainous regions or volcanic areas on most maps. You will need a metal pickaxe or an Ankylosaurus to gather obsidian efficiently. Once you have collected obsidian, combine it with cementing paste in a fabricator to create polymer. Cementing paste can be crafted from chitin or keratin and stone, or harvested from beaver dams, which are found near rivers and lakes. This method is more time-consuming but provides a stable and renewable source of polymer, especially for solo players or small tribes.
For players with access to the ocean, harvesting polymer from dead Trilobites or Eurypterids is another option. These creatures can be found in shallow waters and drop organic polymer when harvested. However, this method is less efficient than farming Kairuku or obsidian, as the drop rates are lower. Additionally, Eurypterids are dangerous and can inflict torpor, so it is recommended to bring a strong mount like a Baryonyx or a Basilosaurus for protection.
Advanced players can also farm polymer by killing and harvesting corrupted creatures in the Extinction map. These creatures drop corrupted nodules, which can be converted into polymer using a fabricator. This method is highly efficient but requires access to the Extinction map and the ability to handle dangerous corrupted creatures. A strong mount like a Giga or a Rex is recommended for this task.
When gathering polymer, it is important to consider your resource management. Organic polymer spoils quickly, so plan your crafting sessions accordingly. If you are using obsidian, ensure you have a steady supply of cementing paste, as it is a key ingredient. For tribes,ÕêåÕÀÑÕÉêõ¢£ can make the process more efficient. For example, one player can focus on gathering obsidian while another collects cementing paste from beaver dams. Solo players should prioritize efficiency by using the best tools and mounts available.
Common mistakes to avoid include overharvesting organic polymer without a plan to use it before it spoils, or neglecting to bring the right tools for the job. For example, using a stone pickaxe to gather obsidian is far less efficient than using a metal pickaxe or an Ankylosaurus. Additionally, failing to protect yourself while farming in dangerous areas, such as the snow biome or the ocean, can lead to unnecessary deaths and resource loss.
Advanced techniques include using a Tek Dedicated Storage to store large amounts of polymer, as it does not spoil and can hold a significant quantity. Additionally, using a Quetzal or an Argentavis to transport large amounts of obsidian or organic polymer can save time and effort. For tribes, setting up a dedicated polymer farming outpost near a resource-rich area, such as a snow biome or a mountain, can streamline the process.
In summary, gathering polymer in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning and resource management. Whether you choose to farm organic polymer from Kairuku, craft polymer from obsidian, or harvest corrupted nodules, each method has its own advantages and challenges. By using the right tools, mounts, and strategies, you can efficiently gather the polymer needed for advanced base building and crafting.
One of the most common ways to gather polymer is by harvesting organic polymer from certain creatures. Organic polymer can be obtained by killing and harvesting Kairuku (penguins), Mantis, or Hesperornis. Kairuku, found in cold biomes like the snow regions of The Island or Ragnarok, are the easiest source. To gather organic polymer from Kairuku, you will need a tool like a metal hatchet or a chainsaw. A chainsaw is particularly efficient, as it yields a large amount of polymer per kill. However, organic polymer spoils quickly, so it is best used immediately or stored in a preserving bin or refrigerator to extend its lifespan. Organic polymer can also be converted into regular polymer using a fabricator, but this is less efficient than farming regular polymer directly.
Another reliable method for gathering polymer is by harvesting obsidian and crafting it into polymer using a fabricator. Obsidian is found in mountainous regions or volcanic areas on most maps. You will need a metal pickaxe or an Ankylosaurus to gather obsidian efficiently. Once you have collected obsidian, combine it with cementing paste in a fabricator to create polymer. Cementing paste can be crafted from chitin or keratin and stone, or harvested from beaver dams, which are found near rivers and lakes. This method is more time-consuming but provides a stable and renewable source of polymer, especially for solo players or small tribes.
For players with access to the ocean, harvesting polymer from dead Trilobites or Eurypterids is another option. These creatures can be found in shallow waters and drop organic polymer when harvested. However, this method is less efficient than farming Kairuku or obsidian, as the drop rates are lower. Additionally, Eurypterids are dangerous and can inflict torpor, so it is recommended to bring a strong mount like a Baryonyx or a Basilosaurus for protection.
Advanced players can also farm polymer by killing and harvesting corrupted creatures in the Extinction map. These creatures drop corrupted nodules, which can be converted into polymer using a fabricator. This method is highly efficient but requires access to the Extinction map and the ability to handle dangerous corrupted creatures. A strong mount like a Giga or a Rex is recommended for this task.
When gathering polymer, it is important to consider your resource management. Organic polymer spoils quickly, so plan your crafting sessions accordingly. If you are using obsidian, ensure you have a steady supply of cementing paste, as it is a key ingredient. For tribes,ÕêåÕÀÑÕÉêõ¢£ can make the process more efficient. For example, one player can focus on gathering obsidian while another collects cementing paste from beaver dams. Solo players should prioritize efficiency by using the best tools and mounts available.
Common mistakes to avoid include overharvesting organic polymer without a plan to use it before it spoils, or neglecting to bring the right tools for the job. For example, using a stone pickaxe to gather obsidian is far less efficient than using a metal pickaxe or an Ankylosaurus. Additionally, failing to protect yourself while farming in dangerous areas, such as the snow biome or the ocean, can lead to unnecessary deaths and resource loss.
Advanced techniques include using a Tek Dedicated Storage to store large amounts of polymer, as it does not spoil and can hold a significant quantity. Additionally, using a Quetzal or an Argentavis to transport large amounts of obsidian or organic polymer can save time and effort. For tribes, setting up a dedicated polymer farming outpost near a resource-rich area, such as a snow biome or a mountain, can streamline the process.
In summary, gathering polymer in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning and resource management. Whether you choose to farm organic polymer from Kairuku, craft polymer from obsidian, or harvest corrupted nodules, each method has its own advantages and challenges. By using the right tools, mounts, and strategies, you can efficiently gather the polymer needed for advanced base building and crafting.