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

Organic Polymer is a valuable resource in ARK: Survival Evolved, used primarily 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 sources in the game. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on the best ways to gather Organic Polymer efficiently.

The primary sources of Organic Polymer are creatures like Kairuku, Mantis, Hesperornis, and Achatina. Kairuku, found in the snowy regions of maps like The Island and Ragnarok, are the most efficient source. They drop a significant amount of Organic Polymer when harvested. Mantis, found in the desert regions of maps like Scorched Earth and Ragnarok, also drop Organic Polymer when killed. Hesperornis, found near water sources, drop Organic Polymer when harvested after being killed. Achatina, a passive snail-like creature, produces Achatina Paste, which can be used as a substitute for Organic Polymer in many recipes.

To gather Organic Polymer from Kairuku, youÔÇÖll need to travel to the snowy biome. This area is dangerous due to the cold and the presence of predators like Wolves and Yetis. Prepare by crafting Fur Armor or using a high-level otter to keep warm. Bring a strong melee weapon or a tamed carnivore like a Sabertooth or Direwolf to kill the Kairuku quickly. Once killed, use a metal hatchet or a chainsaw to harvest the corpse for maximum Organic Polymer yield. Each Kairuku can provide between 20 to 50 Organic Polymer, depending on your harvesting tool and creature level.

For Mantis, youÔÇÖll need to venture into the desert. Mantis are aggressive and can be dangerous, especially in groups. Use a ranged weapon like a crossbow or a tamed creature like a Rex or Wyvern to kill them safely. Harvest their bodies with a metal hatchet or chainsaw for the best results. Mantis drop less Organic Polymer than Kairuku, but they are still a reliable source.

Hesperornis can be found near lakes and rivers. They are skittish and will flee if approached, so use a ranged weapon or a fast tamed creature to kill them. Once killed, harvest their bodies with a metal hatchet or chainsaw. Hesperornis drop a moderate amount of Organic Polymer, making them a decent source if youÔÇÖre near water.

Achatina are passive creatures that can be tamed and kept in your base. They produce Achatina Paste over time, which can be used as a substitute for Organic Polymer in many recipes. While not as efficient as harvesting Kairuku or Mantis, Achatina provide a steady, passive source of Polymer without the need for constant hunting.

When gathering Organic Polymer, itÔÇÖs important to note that it spoils quickly. Organic Polymer has a spoil timer of 30 minutes, so youÔÇÖll need to use it or store it in a preserving bin or refrigerator to extend its lifespan. If youÔÇÖre gathering large amounts, consider bringing a preserving bin or refrigerator with you to store the Polymer before it spoils.

A common mistake is not preparing adequately for the environment where youÔÇÖre gathering Organic Polymer. The snowy biome, for example, requires warm clothing or a tamed otter to survive the cold. The desert biome requires heat-resistant gear or a tamed creature to protect you from the heat and predators. Always bring appropriate gear and tamed creatures to ensure your safety while gathering.

Advanced techniques include using a chainsaw for harvesting, as it provides the highest yield of Organic Polymer from corpses. Additionally, using a tamed Pelagornis or Argentavis to carry your harvested Polymer back to your base can save time and effort. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to gather Polymer more efficiently. One player can focus on killing the creatures while another harvests and stores the Polymer.

In solo play, efficiency is key. Focus on gathering Polymer from Kairuku in the snowy biome, as they provide the highest yield. Use a tamed creature to help you kill and harvest quickly, and bring a preserving bin to store the Polymer before it spoils. If youÔÇÖre near water, consider taming a few Achatina for a passive source of Polymer.

In summary, the best way to gather Organic Polymer in ARK: Survival Evolved is to hunt Kairuku in the snowy biome using a metal hatchet or chainsaw. Prepare for the cold environment with appropriate gear and tamed creatures, and use preserving bins or refrigerators to store the Polymer before it spoils. For a passive source, tame Achatina in your base. With these strategies, youÔÇÖll be able to gather Organic Polymer efficiently and use it to craft advanced items and structures.