What is the best way to gather polymer and organic polymer in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Gathering polymer and organic polymer in ARK: Survival Evolved is essential for crafting advanced items and structures, such as weapons, armor, and saddles. Polymer is a high-tier resource used in many late-game recipes, while organic polymer serves as a temporary substitute that can be used in place of regular polymer but spoils over time. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to efficiently gather both resources.

Polymer is primarily obtained from two sources: killing and harvesting certain creatures or crafting it using obsidian and cementing paste. Organic polymer, on the other hand, is gathered by harvesting specific creatures or breaking down certain items. The most efficient way to gather organic polymer is by killing and harvesting creatures like Kairuku (penguins), Mantis, or Hesperornis. Kairuku, found in cold regions like the snowy biome, provide a large amount of organic polymer when harvested with a metal hatchet or chainsaw. Mantis, found in the desert or caves, also drop organic polymer when killed, but they are more dangerous and require careful handling. Hesperornis, found near water, can be harvested for organic polymer as well, though they are less efficient than Kairuku.

To gather polymer, you can either craft it or harvest it from creatures like the Karkinos (giant crab) or the Deathworm. Crafting polymer requires obsidian and cementing paste, which are both resource-intensive to gather. Obsidian is found in mountainous regions or volcanic areas, and cementing paste is crafted from chitin or keratin and stone in a mortar and pestle or obtained from beaver dams. Once you have the materials, polymer can be crafted in a fabricator. Alternatively, killing and harvesting creatures like the Karkinos or Deathworm can yield polymer directly, though these creatures are challenging to defeat and require strong tames or weapons.

For organic polymer, the best strategy is to tame a high-damage creature like a Rex or a Therizinosaurus and use it to kill Kairuku in the snowy biome. A chainsaw is the most efficient tool for harvesting organic polymer from Kairuku, but a metal hatchet works well too. If you donÔÇÖt have access to a chainsaw, a high-level Therizinosaurus with points invested in power harvesting can also gather large amounts of organic polymer. When harvesting, make sure to bring preserving bins or a refrigerator to store the organic polymer, as it spoils quickly. Organic polymer can also be obtained by breaking down items like ghillie armor or riot gear in a grinder, though this method is less efficient than harvesting creatures.

One common mistake is not preparing adequately for the cold when harvesting Kairuku. The snowy biome is extremely cold, and without proper insulation or fur armor, you risk freezing to death. Bring a high-level otter or wear fur armor to survive the cold. Another mistake is not bringing enough storage or preserving bins for organic polymer, which can spoil quickly if not stored properly. Always bring preserving bins or a refrigerator to extend the lifespan of organic polymer.

Advanced techniques include using a tamed Argentavis or other flying mount to transport harvested organic polymer quickly to your base. This minimizes spoilage and allows you to gather more efficiently. Additionally, using a tamed Ankylosaurus or Doedicurus to gather obsidian and stone for crafting polymer can save time and effort. For tribes, coordinating resource gathering with multiple members can significantly increase efficiency. One player can focus on harvesting Kairuku while another gathers obsidian and cementing paste for polymer.

In solo play, itÔÇÖs important to prioritize safety and efficiency. Taming a high-level Therizinosaurus or Rex for combat and harvesting can make gathering organic polymer much easier. For polymer, focus on crafting it in a fabricator rather than relying on dangerous creatures like Karkinos or Deathworms. Always prepare for the environment, whether itÔÇÖs the cold of the snowy biome or the heat of the desert, and bring appropriate gear and tames.

In summary, gathering polymer and organic polymer requires careful planning and preparation. Use high-damage tames and tools like chainsaws or metal hatchets to harvest organic polymer from Kairuku, and craft polymer using obsidian and cementing paste. Store organic polymer in preserving bins or refrigerators to prevent spoilage, and always prepare for the environmental challenges of the areas youÔÇÖre harvesting in. With the right strategy and preparation, you can efficiently gather these essential resources for advanced crafting in ARK: Survival Evolved.