What are the best ways to gather chitin and keratin in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Gathering chitin and keratin in ARK: Survival Evolved is essential for crafting items like cementing paste, armor, and saddles. These resources are primarily obtained from creatures with exoskeletons or shells, such as trilobites, scorpions, spiders, ants, and certain dinosaurs like the Ankylosaurus or Sabertooth. Below is a detailed guide on how to efficiently gather these resources, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.
To start, chitin and keratin are harvested from specific creatures using tools or tamed dinosaurs. The most common tools for gathering these resources are the hatchet and pickaxe. A hatchet yields more chitin, while a pickaxe provides more keratin. However, using tamed dinosaurs like the Sabertooth, Megatherium, or Ankylosaurus is far more efficient. The Megatherium, in particular, is the best option for chitin due to its Insect Killer buff, which significantly increases chitin yield when killing insects like ants or scorpions.
For early-game players, the best way to gather chitin and keratin is to hunt trilobites along beaches or shallow waters. Trilobites are passive creatures that drop both resources when killed. Use a hatchet or pickaxe to harvest them, but be cautious of nearby predators. Scorpions and spiders, found in caves or certain biomes, are also good sources. However, these creatures are aggressive, so bring weapons or a tamed dinosaur for protection.
In the mid to late game, taming a Megatherium or Sabertooth is highly recommended. The Megatherium excels in chitin gathering, especially in the Swamp Cave on The Island, which is filled with insects. The Sabertooth is a versatile option for both chitin and keratin, as it can quickly kill creatures like scorpions and spiders. The Ankylosaurus can also gather chitin and keratin from dead creatures, though it is slower compared to the Sabertooth or Megatherium.
Preparation is key when gathering these resources. Bring adequate weapons, armor, and healing items, especially when venturing into caves or dangerous areas. If using tamed dinosaurs, ensure they are well-leveled and equipped with a saddle for protection. For solo players, taming a strong mount like the Sabertooth or Megatherium is crucial for survival and efficiency. In a tribe, coordinating with teammates to cover more ground or defend against threats can speed up the process.
One common mistake is underestimating the dangers of caves or insect swarms. Always scout the area and prepare for combat. Another mistake is using the wrong tool or dinosaur for harvesting. For example, using a pickaxe on a trilobite will yield more keratin, but if you need chitin, a hatchet or Megatherium is better. Additionally, avoid overloading your inventory or dinosaur with too many resources, as this can slow you down or leave you vulnerable.
Advanced techniques include using a chainsaw, which is highly effective for gathering both chitin and keratin from dead creatures. However, chainsaws require gasoline and are late-game items. Another optimization is farming the Swamp Cave with a Megatherium. This cave is rich in insects, and the Megatherium's buff will maximize chitin yield. Be sure to bring gas masks or scuba gear to counter the cave's toxic gas.
Resource requirements vary depending on your method. For early-game players, basic tools like a hatchet or pickaxe are sufficient. Mid to late-game players should focus on taming and leveling dinosaurs like the Megatherium or Sabertooth. Gas masks, scuba gear, and weapons are essential for cave exploration. Tribes can benefit from assigning roles, such as one player gathering while another defends or transports resources.
In summary, gathering chitin and keratin requires careful planning and the right tools or dinosaurs. Early-game players should focus on trilobites and basic tools, while mid to late-game players can optimize their yield with tamed dinosaurs like the Megatherium or Sabertooth. Always prepare for combat, especially in caves, and avoid common mistakes like using the wrong tool or overloading your inventory. With these strategies, you can efficiently gather the resources needed for crafting and progression in ARK: Survival Evolved.
To start, chitin and keratin are harvested from specific creatures using tools or tamed dinosaurs. The most common tools for gathering these resources are the hatchet and pickaxe. A hatchet yields more chitin, while a pickaxe provides more keratin. However, using tamed dinosaurs like the Sabertooth, Megatherium, or Ankylosaurus is far more efficient. The Megatherium, in particular, is the best option for chitin due to its Insect Killer buff, which significantly increases chitin yield when killing insects like ants or scorpions.
For early-game players, the best way to gather chitin and keratin is to hunt trilobites along beaches or shallow waters. Trilobites are passive creatures that drop both resources when killed. Use a hatchet or pickaxe to harvest them, but be cautious of nearby predators. Scorpions and spiders, found in caves or certain biomes, are also good sources. However, these creatures are aggressive, so bring weapons or a tamed dinosaur for protection.
In the mid to late game, taming a Megatherium or Sabertooth is highly recommended. The Megatherium excels in chitin gathering, especially in the Swamp Cave on The Island, which is filled with insects. The Sabertooth is a versatile option for both chitin and keratin, as it can quickly kill creatures like scorpions and spiders. The Ankylosaurus can also gather chitin and keratin from dead creatures, though it is slower compared to the Sabertooth or Megatherium.
Preparation is key when gathering these resources. Bring adequate weapons, armor, and healing items, especially when venturing into caves or dangerous areas. If using tamed dinosaurs, ensure they are well-leveled and equipped with a saddle for protection. For solo players, taming a strong mount like the Sabertooth or Megatherium is crucial for survival and efficiency. In a tribe, coordinating with teammates to cover more ground or defend against threats can speed up the process.
One common mistake is underestimating the dangers of caves or insect swarms. Always scout the area and prepare for combat. Another mistake is using the wrong tool or dinosaur for harvesting. For example, using a pickaxe on a trilobite will yield more keratin, but if you need chitin, a hatchet or Megatherium is better. Additionally, avoid overloading your inventory or dinosaur with too many resources, as this can slow you down or leave you vulnerable.
Advanced techniques include using a chainsaw, which is highly effective for gathering both chitin and keratin from dead creatures. However, chainsaws require gasoline and are late-game items. Another optimization is farming the Swamp Cave with a Megatherium. This cave is rich in insects, and the Megatherium's buff will maximize chitin yield. Be sure to bring gas masks or scuba gear to counter the cave's toxic gas.
Resource requirements vary depending on your method. For early-game players, basic tools like a hatchet or pickaxe are sufficient. Mid to late-game players should focus on taming and leveling dinosaurs like the Megatherium or Sabertooth. Gas masks, scuba gear, and weapons are essential for cave exploration. Tribes can benefit from assigning roles, such as one player gathering while another defends or transports resources.
In summary, gathering chitin and keratin requires careful planning and the right tools or dinosaurs. Early-game players should focus on trilobites and basic tools, while mid to late-game players can optimize their yield with tamed dinosaurs like the Megatherium or Sabertooth. Always prepare for combat, especially in caves, and avoid common mistakes like using the wrong tool or overloading your inventory. With these strategies, you can efficiently gather the resources needed for crafting and progression in ARK: Survival Evolved.