What is the best way to gather cementing paste in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Cementing Paste is one of the most valuable resources in ARK: Survival Evolved, as it is essential for crafting advanced structures, weapons, and tools. It is used in large quantities for building metal structures, crafting saddles, and creating high-tier items. Gathering Cementing Paste efficiently requires understanding the game mechanics and utilizing the right strategies, tools, and creatures.
The primary ways to obtain Cementing Paste are by harvesting it from specific creatures, crafting it using resources, or looting it from certain structures. The most common methods include farming Chitin or Keratin, gathering Achatina Paste, or raiding Beaver Dams. Each method has its own advantages and challenges, and the best approach depends on your current progression, available resources, and whether you are playing solo or in a tribe.
One of the most straightforward ways to gather Cementing Paste is by crafting it using Chitin or Keratin and Stone. Chitin and Keratin are obtained by harvesting dead insects, scorpions, trilobites, and certain dinosaurs like Ankylosaurus or Sabertooth. Stone is abundant and can be gathered from rocks using a pickaxe or a tamed Ankylosaurus. To craft Cementing Paste, you need a Mortar and Pestle or a Chemistry Bench. The Mortar and Pestle is an early-game tool that requires 4 Chitin or Keratin and 8 Stone to produce 1 Cementing Paste. The Chemistry Bench, unlocked at higher levels, is more efficient and produces 2 Cementing Paste for the same amount of resources.
A more efficient method is to tame and use a Beelzebufo, also known as the Frog. The Beelzebufo has a unique ability to gather Cementing Paste directly from insects like Meganeura and Titanomyrma. When you attack these insects with the Frog, it automatically converts their bodies into Cementing Paste, often yielding large amounts in a short time. This method is particularly effective in swamp biomes, where these insects are abundant. Additionally, the Beelzebufo can jump long distances, making it a fast and versatile mount for gathering.
Another excellent source of Cementing Paste is Achatina, a snail-like creature found in swamp and jungle areas. Achatina passively produces Achatina Paste, which can be used as Cementing Paste. Taming an Achatina requires Sweet Vegetable Cake, which is made from crops, sap, and honey. Once tamed, the Achatina will produce Achatina Paste over time, which can be collected from its inventory. This method is ideal for passive resource generation, especially for solo players or small tribes who want a steady supply without constant farming.
Beaver Dams are another valuable source of Cementing Paste. These dams are found near rivers and lakes and contain large amounts of Cementing Paste, along with other resources like Wood and Rare Flowers. However, approaching a Beaver Dam will aggro nearby Castoroides (Beavers), so it is important to clear the area or use a fast mount to avoid combat. After looting the dam, you can either destroy it or leave it intact. Destroying the dam will cause the Beavers to rebuild it, allowing you to farm it again later. Leaving it intact will let the Beavers continue gathering resources, but other players or creatures may loot it before you return.
When gathering Cementing Paste, it is important to prepare properly. Bring a strong mount for protection, especially in dangerous areas like swamps or caves. A high-level Sabertooth or Direwolf is excellent for harvesting Chitin in caves, while a Beelzebufo or Ankylosaurus is ideal for swamp and surface farming. Always carry a backup weapon and healing items in case of unexpected threats. If you are farming Beaver Dams, consider bringing a flyer like an Argentavis or Pteranodon to quickly escape if needed.
Common mistakes to avoid include overharvesting Beaver Dams without clearing the area first, which can lead to being overwhelmed by Beavers. Another mistake is neglecting to use tamed creatures for resource gathering, as they are far more efficient than manual harvesting. Additionally, solo players should avoid farming in high-traffic PvP areas unless they are well-prepared for combat.
Advanced techniques include setting up a base near a swamp or river to farm Cementing Paste more efficiently. For example, building near a swamp allows easy access to Achatina and Beelzebufo farming, while a river base provides proximity to Beaver Dams. Tribes can assign specific roles, such as having one member focus on taming and farming Achatina while another handles Chitin gathering in caves. Using a Chemistry Bench instead of a Mortar and Pestle can save time and resources in the long run, especially for large-scale projects.
In summary, gathering Cementing Paste in ARK requires a combination of resource management, creature taming, and strategic planning. Whether you are crafting it from Chitin and Stone, farming it with a Beelzebufo, or looting Beaver Dams, the key is to use the right tools and creatures for the job. Solo players can benefit from passive methods like Achatina farming, while tribes can optimize their efforts by dividing tasks and using advanced crafting stations. With proper preparation and strategy, you can ensure a steady supply of Cementing Paste to support your survival and progression in the game.
The primary ways to obtain Cementing Paste are by harvesting it from specific creatures, crafting it using resources, or looting it from certain structures. The most common methods include farming Chitin or Keratin, gathering Achatina Paste, or raiding Beaver Dams. Each method has its own advantages and challenges, and the best approach depends on your current progression, available resources, and whether you are playing solo or in a tribe.
One of the most straightforward ways to gather Cementing Paste is by crafting it using Chitin or Keratin and Stone. Chitin and Keratin are obtained by harvesting dead insects, scorpions, trilobites, and certain dinosaurs like Ankylosaurus or Sabertooth. Stone is abundant and can be gathered from rocks using a pickaxe or a tamed Ankylosaurus. To craft Cementing Paste, you need a Mortar and Pestle or a Chemistry Bench. The Mortar and Pestle is an early-game tool that requires 4 Chitin or Keratin and 8 Stone to produce 1 Cementing Paste. The Chemistry Bench, unlocked at higher levels, is more efficient and produces 2 Cementing Paste for the same amount of resources.
A more efficient method is to tame and use a Beelzebufo, also known as the Frog. The Beelzebufo has a unique ability to gather Cementing Paste directly from insects like Meganeura and Titanomyrma. When you attack these insects with the Frog, it automatically converts their bodies into Cementing Paste, often yielding large amounts in a short time. This method is particularly effective in swamp biomes, where these insects are abundant. Additionally, the Beelzebufo can jump long distances, making it a fast and versatile mount for gathering.
Another excellent source of Cementing Paste is Achatina, a snail-like creature found in swamp and jungle areas. Achatina passively produces Achatina Paste, which can be used as Cementing Paste. Taming an Achatina requires Sweet Vegetable Cake, which is made from crops, sap, and honey. Once tamed, the Achatina will produce Achatina Paste over time, which can be collected from its inventory. This method is ideal for passive resource generation, especially for solo players or small tribes who want a steady supply without constant farming.
Beaver Dams are another valuable source of Cementing Paste. These dams are found near rivers and lakes and contain large amounts of Cementing Paste, along with other resources like Wood and Rare Flowers. However, approaching a Beaver Dam will aggro nearby Castoroides (Beavers), so it is important to clear the area or use a fast mount to avoid combat. After looting the dam, you can either destroy it or leave it intact. Destroying the dam will cause the Beavers to rebuild it, allowing you to farm it again later. Leaving it intact will let the Beavers continue gathering resources, but other players or creatures may loot it before you return.
When gathering Cementing Paste, it is important to prepare properly. Bring a strong mount for protection, especially in dangerous areas like swamps or caves. A high-level Sabertooth or Direwolf is excellent for harvesting Chitin in caves, while a Beelzebufo or Ankylosaurus is ideal for swamp and surface farming. Always carry a backup weapon and healing items in case of unexpected threats. If you are farming Beaver Dams, consider bringing a flyer like an Argentavis or Pteranodon to quickly escape if needed.
Common mistakes to avoid include overharvesting Beaver Dams without clearing the area first, which can lead to being overwhelmed by Beavers. Another mistake is neglecting to use tamed creatures for resource gathering, as they are far more efficient than manual harvesting. Additionally, solo players should avoid farming in high-traffic PvP areas unless they are well-prepared for combat.
Advanced techniques include setting up a base near a swamp or river to farm Cementing Paste more efficiently. For example, building near a swamp allows easy access to Achatina and Beelzebufo farming, while a river base provides proximity to Beaver Dams. Tribes can assign specific roles, such as having one member focus on taming and farming Achatina while another handles Chitin gathering in caves. Using a Chemistry Bench instead of a Mortar and Pestle can save time and resources in the long run, especially for large-scale projects.
In summary, gathering Cementing Paste in ARK requires a combination of resource management, creature taming, and strategic planning. Whether you are crafting it from Chitin and Stone, farming it with a Beelzebufo, or looting Beaver Dams, the key is to use the right tools and creatures for the job. Solo players can benefit from passive methods like Achatina farming, while tribes can optimize their efforts by dividing tasks and using advanced crafting stations. With proper preparation and strategy, you can ensure a steady supply of Cementing Paste to support your survival and progression in the game.