What are the best ways to gather organic polymer in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Organic Polymer is a crucial resource in ARK: Survival Evolved, used for crafting advanced items like Ghillie Armor, Polymer-based weapons, and Tek-tier structures. Unlike regular Polymer, which is crafted from Obsidian and Cementing Paste, Organic Polymer is gathered directly from certain creatures or resources. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on the best ways to gather Organic Polymer, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

Organic Polymer can be obtained by harvesting specific creatures or resources. The most efficient sources are Kairuku (penguins), Mantis, Hesperornis, and Achatina. Each source has its own mechanics and strategies for optimal gathering.

Kairuku are small penguin-like creatures found in cold regions like the snow biome. They are the most efficient source of Organic Polymer. To gather Polymer from Kairuku, you need to kill them and harvest their bodies using a tool or a tamed creature with high harvesting efficiency. Tools like a Metal Hatchet or Chainsaw work well, but tamed creatures like the Therizinosaurus or Pelagornis are even better due to their high harvesting multipliers. A Therizinosaurus with points invested in Power Harvesting can yield a significant amount of Polymer per Kairuku. When harvesting, aim for the body to maximize the yield. Kairuku are passive and will not attack, making them easy targets, but they are often found in groups, so be prepared to deal with multiple at once.

Mantis are another excellent source of Organic Polymer. They are found in the desert and can be harvested using similar tools or creatures. Mantis are aggressive, so youÔÇÖll need to be cautious when approaching them. Using a ranged weapon or a tamed creature to kill them is recommended. Once dead, harvest their bodies with a Metal Hatchet or a Therizinosaurus for the best results. Mantis also drop Chitin, which is useful for crafting Cementing Paste, making them a dual-purpose resource.

Hesperornis are bird-like creatures found near water sources. They drop Organic Polymer when killed and harvested. Hesperornis are passive but will flee when attacked, so itÔÇÖs best to use a ranged weapon or a fast tamed creature to kill them. Harvesting their bodies with a Metal Hatchet or a Therizinosaurus will yield a decent amount of Polymer. Hesperornis also drop Raw Prime Meat, which is useful for taming carnivores.

Achatina are snail-like creatures that produce Organic Polymer passively. They can be tamed and kept in your base, where they will slowly produce Polymer over time. Achatina are not aggressive and can be tamed using Sweet Vegetable Cake. Once tamed, they will produce Polymer and Achatina Paste, which can be used as a substitute for Cementing Paste. While Achatina are not the fastest source of Polymer, they provide a steady supply without the need for constant hunting.

When gathering Organic Polymer, itÔÇÖs important to consider spoilage. Organic Polymer spoils quickly, so itÔÇÖs best to gather it only when youÔÇÖre ready to use it. To extend its lifespan, you can store it in a Preserving Bin or Refrigerator, but even then, it will eventually spoil. If you need a more permanent solution, you can convert Organic Polymer into regular Polymer using a Fabricator, though this requires additional resources like Obsidian and Cementing Paste.

For solo players, focusing on Kairuku or Achatina is often the best strategy. Kairuku provide a quick and efficient source of Polymer, while Achatina offer a steady, passive supply. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, you can divide tasks, with some members hunting Kairuku or Mantis while others manage Achatina farms. This allows for more efficient resource gathering and ensures a steady supply of Polymer for the tribeÔÇÖs needs.

Common mistakes to avoid include harvesting Polymer with inefficient tools or creatures, which can result in lower yields. Always use the best tools or tamed creatures available to maximize your harvest. Another mistake is gathering too much Polymer at once without a plan for its use, leading to spoilage. Plan your crafting needs and gather Polymer accordingly.

Advanced techniques include using a Quetzal or Argentavis to transport large amounts of Polymer quickly. These flying creatures can carry heavy loads and are ideal for transporting Polymer from hunting grounds to your base. Additionally, using a Cryopod to store and deploy tamed creatures like the Therizinosaurus can save time and effort when hunting for Polymer.

In summary, the best ways to gather Organic Polymer in ARK: Survival Evolved involve hunting Kairuku, Mantis, or Hesperornis, or taming Achatina for a passive supply. Use efficient tools or tamed creatures to maximize your harvest, and manage spoilage by gathering only what you need. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, these strategies will ensure you have a steady supply of Organic Polymer for your advanced crafting needs.