What are the best ways to gather 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 for crafting advanced structures like metal buildings, vaults, and various other high-tier items. Gathering Cementing Paste efficiently is crucial for progressing in the game, especially when building large or fortified bases. There are several methods to obtain Cementing Paste, each with its own mechanics, strategies, and considerations.

One of the most common ways to gather Cementing Paste is by harvesting it from beaver dams. Beavers, or Castoroides, build dams in specific locations on the map, usually near rivers or lakes. These dams contain large amounts of Cementing Paste, along with other resources like wood and rare flowers. To gather Cementing Paste from beaver dams, you need to approach the dam and access its inventory. However, be aware that taking resources from a beaver dam will aggro nearby beavers, so itÔÇÖs important to either clear the area of beavers beforehand or be prepared to fight or flee. After looting the dam, you can either destroy it or leave it intact. Destroying the dam will cause the beavers to rebuild it later, allowing you to farm it again. Leaving it intact will also allow it to respawn over time, but this method is slower. Beavers are territorial and will attack if you get too close, so having a tamed dinosaur like a Rex or Carno to protect you can be helpful.

Another method to obtain Cementing Paste is by crafting it using Chitin or Keratin and Stone. This method is more labor-intensive but can be done anywhere, making it a reliable option if you donÔÇÖt have access to beaver dams. To craft Cementing Paste, you need a Mortar and Pestle or a Chemistry Bench. The Mortar and Pestle is an early-game crafting station that requires Stone, Wood, and Fiber to craft. The Chemistry Bench is a more advanced station that requires a Fabricator, Cementing Paste, and other resources to build. Using the Chemistry Bench is more efficient, as it produces Cementing Paste at a 2:1 ratio compared to the Mortar and PestleÔÇÖs 4:1 ratio. Chitin and Keratin can be obtained by harvesting insects, scorpions, or certain dinosaurs like Triceratops and Ankylosaurus. Stone is easily gathered by mining rocks with a pickaxe or a tamed Ankylosaurus. This method is particularly useful in the early to mid-game when you donÔÇÖt have access to beaver dams or need Cementing Paste in smaller quantities.

A third method involves taming a Achatina, a snail-like creature that produces Cementing Paste passively. Achatina can be found in swampy areas and are relatively easy to tame using Sweet Vegetable Cake. Once tamed, Achatina will produce Achatina Paste, which can be used as Cementing Paste, at a slow but steady rate. They also produce Organic Polymer, making them a valuable addition to any base. Achatina do not require much maintenance, but they do need to be kept in a safe and enclosed area to prevent them from wandering off or being attacked by predators. This method is ideal for players who prefer a more passive approach to resource gathering and want a steady supply of Cementing Paste without having to farm it manually.

For advanced players, using a tamed Megatherium to farm Cementing Paste from insects is an efficient method. Megatherium, also known as the Giant Sloth, receives a buff called "Insect Killer" after killing an insect, which increases its damage and harvesting efficiency. This buff allows the Megatherium to gather large amounts of Chitin from insects like Titanomyrma and Araneo, which can then be used to craft Cementing Paste. This method is particularly effective in caves, where insects are abundant. However, caves are dangerous and require preparation, such as bringing strong tames, armor, and weapons. Megatherium is also a large creature, so navigating tight cave spaces can be challenging.

When gathering Cementing Paste, itÔÇÖs important to consider your current progression and available resources. Early-game players may rely more on crafting Cementing Paste using Chitin and Stone, while mid to late-game players can take advantage of beaver dams or tamed Achatina. Always be prepared for combat when farming beaver dams, as beavers can be aggressive. Additionally, managing your inventory and storage is crucial, as Cementing Paste is heavy and can quickly fill up your carrying capacity. Using tames with high weight capacity, such as a Argentavis or a Paraceratherium, can help transport large amounts of Cementing Paste back to your base.

Common mistakes to avoid include looting beaver dams without clearing the area of beavers first, which can lead to being overwhelmed by multiple aggressive creatures. Another mistake is not having enough storage or weight capacity when farming Cementing Paste, which can result in wasted resources. ItÔÇÖs also important to avoid overharvesting beaver dams without giving them time to respawn, as this can deplete your local resource supply.

In conclusion, gathering Cementing Paste in ARK: Survival Evolved requires a combination of resource management, preparation, and strategy. Whether you choose to farm beaver dams, craft it using Chitin and Stone, or use tamed creatures like Achatina or Megatherium, each method has its own advantages and challenges. By understanding the mechanics and optimizing your approach, you can ensure a steady supply of Cementing Paste for all your base-building needs.