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 resources 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, as well as certain resource nodes like Corrupted Nodes in Extinction. Each source has its own mechanics and strategies for optimal gathering. LetÔÇÖs break it down step by step.

First, Kairuku, the penguin-like creatures found in the snowy regions of maps like The Island and Ragnarok, are one of the best sources of Organic Polymer. To farm Polymer from Kairuku, youÔÇÖll need a strong melee weapon or a tamed carnivore like a Sabertooth or Direwolf. Approach the Kairuku and kill them, then harvest their bodies using a metal hatchet or a chainsaw for maximum yield. A single Kairuku can provide around 20-30 Organic Polymer, making them a reliable source if youÔÇÖre in the right biome. Be prepared for the cold weather by wearing Fur Armor or using a tamed creature with high insulation.

Second, Mantis, found in the desert regions of maps like Scorched Earth and Ragnarok, also drop Organic Polymer when killed. Mantis are aggressive and can deal significant damage, so itÔÇÖs recommended to use a ranged weapon like a crossbow or a tamed creature like a Rex or Wyvern to take them down. Harvesting their bodies with a metal hatchet or chainsaw will yield a decent amount of Organic Polymer. Be cautious of their attacks, as they can quickly overwhelm unprepared players.

Third, Hesperornis, the waterfowl found near lakes and rivers, drop Organic Polymer when killed. These creatures are relatively easy to hunt, but they will flee if attacked, so itÔÇÖs best to use a ranged weapon or a fast tamed creature like a Raptor to chase them down. Harvesting their bodies with a metal hatchet or chainsaw will yield a moderate amount of Organic Polymer. Be mindful of other predators in the area, as Hesperornis often share habitats with dangerous creatures like Sarcos or Spinos.

Fourth, Achatina, the giant snails found in swampy areas, passively produce Organic Polymer over time. Taming an Achatina is highly recommended, as they can be placed in your base and will continuously generate Organic Polymer without needing to be killed. To tame an Achatina, youÔÇÖll need Sweet Vegetable Cake, which is crafted from crops like Longrass, Savoroot, and Rockarrot. Once tamed, the Achatina will produce Organic Polymer in its inventory, which you can collect periodically. This method is ideal for long-term Polymer farming, especially for solo players or small tribes.

In Extinction, Corrupted Nodes are another source of Organic Polymer. These nodes are found in the wasteland areas and can be harvested using a pickaxe or a chainsaw. However, be cautious of the Corrupted Creatures that spawn nearby, as they are highly aggressive. Using a tamed creature like a Giga or Reaper King can help you clear the area and safely harvest the nodes.

When gathering Organic Polymer, itÔÇÖs important to note that it spoils quickly, so itÔÇÖs best to use it immediately or store it in a preserving bin or refrigerator to extend its lifespan. Additionally, Organic Polymer cannot be stacked like regular Polymer, so managing inventory space is crucial.

For advanced players, using a chainsaw is the most efficient tool for harvesting Organic Polymer from creatures. Chainsaws yield significantly more Polymer than other tools, but they require gasoline to operate, so make sure to stock up on fuel before heading out. Another optimization is to use a tamed Pelagornis or Argentavis to carry harvested Polymer back to your base, as they have high weight capacity and can reduce the number of trips needed.

In terms of tribe considerations, coordinating with your tribe members to farm Polymer in different areas can speed up the process. For example, one player can focus on hunting Kairuku while another tames Achatina, ensuring a steady supply of Polymer for the entire tribe. Solo players should prioritize taming Achatina and using chainsaws for efficient harvesting.

Common mistakes to avoid include venturing into dangerous areas unprepared, such as the snow biome without proper insulation or the desert without enough water. Additionally, forgetting to bring preserving bins or refrigerators can lead to spoilage, wasting valuable Polymer. Always plan your trips carefully and bring the necessary tools and supplies.

In summary, the best way to gather Organic Polymer in ARK: Survival Evolved involves targeting specific creatures like Kairuku, Mantis, Hesperornis, and Achatina, as well as harvesting Corrupted Nodes in Extinction. Using efficient tools like chainsaws, managing inventory space, and preserving the Polymer are key to maximizing your yield. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, careful planning and preparation will ensure a steady supply of this essential resource.