What are the best ways to gather polymer in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Polymer is one of the most valuable resources in ARK: Survival Evolved, used in crafting advanced items like weapons, armor, and structures. Gathering polymer efficiently requires understanding the different sources and methods available, as well as preparing the right tools and tames to maximize your yield. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on the best ways to gather polymer in ARK.
Polymer can be obtained from two primary sources: organic polymer and obsidian-based polymer. Organic polymer is gathered from certain creatures, while obsidian-based polymer is crafted using obsidian and cementing paste. Each method has its own advantages and challenges, so choosing the right approach depends on your current progression and available resources.
Organic polymer is the easier and more accessible option early in the game. It can be harvested from creatures like Kairuku (penguins), Mantis, and Hesperornis. Kairuku are the most common source and can be found in cold regions like the snowy biome on The Island or the icebergs on Ragnarok. To gather organic polymer from Kairuku, you can use a metal hatchet or a tamed creature with high melee damage, such as a Therizinosaurus or a Direwolf. Killing Kairuku with these tools or tames will yield a significant amount of organic polymer. However, organic polymer spoils quickly, so itÔÇÖs best to use it immediately or store it in a preserving bin with preserving salts to extend its lifespan.
Mantis and Hesperornis are less common but also provide organic polymer. Mantis can be found in desert biomes and require a strong tame like a Rex or Spino to defeat. Hesperornis, found near water sources, drop organic polymer when killed, but they are harder to hunt due to their ability to dive underwater. Using a tamed Baryonyx or Spino can make hunting Hesperornis easier.
Obsidian-based polymer is more durable and doesnÔÇÖt spoil, making it ideal for long-term storage. To craft polymer, you need obsidian and cementing paste. Obsidian is found in mountainous regions and can be harvested with a metal pickaxe or a tamed Ankylosaurus. Cementing paste is crafted from chitin or keratin and stone, or it can be gathered from beaver dams or by taming a Beelzebufo (frog) to produce it passively. Once you have obsidian and cementing paste, you can craft polymer at a fabricator or industrial forge.
For efficient polymer gathering, taming the right creatures is crucial. A Therizinosaurus is one of the best tames for harvesting organic polymer from Kairuku and Mantis due to its high melee damage and harvesting efficiency. An Ankylosaurus is essential for gathering obsidian, as it can carry large amounts and harvest obsidian quickly. A Beelzebufo is highly recommended for cementing paste, as it can produce large amounts by eating insects.
Preparation is key to successful polymer gathering. Before heading out, ensure you have the necessary tools, such as a metal hatchet or pickaxe, and a strong tame for combat and harvesting. Bring preserving salts if youÔÇÖre collecting organic polymer, as it spoils quickly. For obsidian-based polymer, make sure you have enough cementing paste and access to a fabricator or industrial forge.
Common mistakes to avoid include not using preserving salts for organic polymer, which can lead to spoilage and wasted effort. Another mistake is not bringing a strong enough tame for harvesting or combat, which can result in inefficient gathering or death. Additionally, failing to plan your route for obsidian gathering can waste time and resources.
Advanced techniques include setting up a base near polymer-rich areas, such as the snowy biome for Kairuku or a mountain for obsidian. This reduces travel time and allows for more efficient gathering. Using a Quetzal or Argentavis to transport heavy resources like obsidian can also save time and effort. For tribes,ÕêåÕÀÑÕÉêõ¢£ can optimize polymer gathering, with some members focusing on hunting Kairuku while others gather obsidian and cementing paste.
In summary, gathering polymer in ARK requires a combination of preparation, the right tools and tames, and efficient resource management. Whether you focus on organic polymer or obsidian-based polymer, understanding the mechanics and optimizing your approach will ensure you have a steady supply of this valuable resource.
Polymer can be obtained from two primary sources: organic polymer and obsidian-based polymer. Organic polymer is gathered from certain creatures, while obsidian-based polymer is crafted using obsidian and cementing paste. Each method has its own advantages and challenges, so choosing the right approach depends on your current progression and available resources.
Organic polymer is the easier and more accessible option early in the game. It can be harvested from creatures like Kairuku (penguins), Mantis, and Hesperornis. Kairuku are the most common source and can be found in cold regions like the snowy biome on The Island or the icebergs on Ragnarok. To gather organic polymer from Kairuku, you can use a metal hatchet or a tamed creature with high melee damage, such as a Therizinosaurus or a Direwolf. Killing Kairuku with these tools or tames will yield a significant amount of organic polymer. However, organic polymer spoils quickly, so itÔÇÖs best to use it immediately or store it in a preserving bin with preserving salts to extend its lifespan.
Mantis and Hesperornis are less common but also provide organic polymer. Mantis can be found in desert biomes and require a strong tame like a Rex or Spino to defeat. Hesperornis, found near water sources, drop organic polymer when killed, but they are harder to hunt due to their ability to dive underwater. Using a tamed Baryonyx or Spino can make hunting Hesperornis easier.
Obsidian-based polymer is more durable and doesnÔÇÖt spoil, making it ideal for long-term storage. To craft polymer, you need obsidian and cementing paste. Obsidian is found in mountainous regions and can be harvested with a metal pickaxe or a tamed Ankylosaurus. Cementing paste is crafted from chitin or keratin and stone, or it can be gathered from beaver dams or by taming a Beelzebufo (frog) to produce it passively. Once you have obsidian and cementing paste, you can craft polymer at a fabricator or industrial forge.
For efficient polymer gathering, taming the right creatures is crucial. A Therizinosaurus is one of the best tames for harvesting organic polymer from Kairuku and Mantis due to its high melee damage and harvesting efficiency. An Ankylosaurus is essential for gathering obsidian, as it can carry large amounts and harvest obsidian quickly. A Beelzebufo is highly recommended for cementing paste, as it can produce large amounts by eating insects.
Preparation is key to successful polymer gathering. Before heading out, ensure you have the necessary tools, such as a metal hatchet or pickaxe, and a strong tame for combat and harvesting. Bring preserving salts if youÔÇÖre collecting organic polymer, as it spoils quickly. For obsidian-based polymer, make sure you have enough cementing paste and access to a fabricator or industrial forge.
Common mistakes to avoid include not using preserving salts for organic polymer, which can lead to spoilage and wasted effort. Another mistake is not bringing a strong enough tame for harvesting or combat, which can result in inefficient gathering or death. Additionally, failing to plan your route for obsidian gathering can waste time and resources.
Advanced techniques include setting up a base near polymer-rich areas, such as the snowy biome for Kairuku or a mountain for obsidian. This reduces travel time and allows for more efficient gathering. Using a Quetzal or Argentavis to transport heavy resources like obsidian can also save time and effort. For tribes,ÕêåÕÀÑÕÉêõ¢£ can optimize polymer gathering, with some members focusing on hunting Kairuku while others gather obsidian and cementing paste.
In summary, gathering polymer in ARK requires a combination of preparation, the right tools and tames, and efficient resource management. Whether you focus on organic polymer or obsidian-based polymer, understanding the mechanics and optimizing your approach will ensure you have a steady supply of this valuable resource.