What is the best way to farm polymer in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Farming polymer in ARK: Survival Evolved is essential for crafting advanced items like weapons, armor, and structures. Polymer is a high-tier resource used in many late-game recipes, and obtaining it efficiently can significantly boost your progression. There are two primary ways to farm polymer: harvesting organic polymer from creatures or crafting it from obsidian and cementing paste. Below is a detailed guide on how to farm polymer effectively, covering mechanics, strategies, and tips.
Organic polymer is the easiest and most efficient way to obtain polymer early to mid-game. It can be harvested from specific creatures like Kairuku, Mantis, and Hesperornis. Kairuku, found in the colder regions of the map, are the best source of organic polymer. Using a chainsaw or a high-damage tool like a metal hatchet, you can harvest large amounts of organic polymer from their corpses. Mantis, found in the desert biomes, also drop organic polymer when killed, but they are more dangerous and harder to find. Hesperornis, found near water, drop organic polymer when killed, but they are less efficient than Kairuku. Organic polymer is a perishable resource, meaning it spoils over time, so itÔÇÖs best to use it quickly or store it in a preserving bin or refrigerator to extend its lifespan.
Crafted polymer is the alternative method, requiring obsidian and cementing paste. Obsidian is found in mountainous regions and can be harvested with a metal pickaxe or an Ankylosaurus. Cementing paste is crafted from chitin or keratin and stone in a mortar and pestle or by using a Beelzebufo to produce it directly from insects. Once you have the required materials, you can craft polymer in a fabricator. This method is more resource-intensive but provides a non-perishable form of polymer, making it ideal for long-term storage.
To farm organic polymer efficiently, start by locating Kairuku in the snowy biome. Bring a high-damage tool like a chainsaw or metal hatchet, as well as warm clothing or a tamed otter to survive the cold. Kill the Kairuku and harvest their bodies immediately. A chainsaw yields the most polymer, but a metal hatchet is a good alternative if you donÔÇÖt have one. Be cautious of predators like wolves and yetis in the area. If youÔÇÖre farming Mantis, bring strong weapons and armor, as they are aggressive and can deal significant damage. For Hesperornis, use a ranged weapon to avoid their attacks and harvest their bodies quickly.
For crafted polymer, gather obsidian from mountains using an Ankylosaurus for maximum efficiency. Cementing paste can be obtained by farming chitin from insects like Trilobites, Araneo, or Scorpions, or by using a Beelzebufo to produce it directly. Once you have the materials, craft the polymer in a fabricator. This method is more time-consuming but ensures a steady supply of polymer without worrying about spoilage.
Important tips include using preserving bins or refrigerators to store organic polymer, as it spoils quickly. For crafted polymer, always keep a stockpile of obsidian and cementing paste to avoid running out. Taming creatures like the Ankylosaurus for obsidian farming and the Beelzebufo for cementing paste can save time and effort. Additionally, consider building a base near resource-rich areas to minimize travel time.
Common mistakes to avoid include not preparing adequately for the cold when farming Kairuku, as hypothermia can be deadly. Another mistake is underestimating the danger of Mantis or other predators in the area. Always bring appropriate gear and tames for protection. For crafted polymer, avoid wasting resources by overharvesting obsidian or chitin without a plan for storage and usage.
Advanced techniques include using a Quetzal or Argentavis to transport large amounts of obsidian or organic polymer efficiently. For tribes, assigning roles like one player gathering obsidian while another farms cementing paste can optimize the process. Solo players should focus on taming creatures that aid in resource gathering, such as the Ankylosaurus and Beelzebufo, to streamline the process.
In summary, farming polymer in ARK requires careful planning and resource management. Whether you choose to farm organic polymer from creatures or craft it from obsidian and cementing paste, understanding the mechanics and preparing adequately will ensure success. Use tames to maximize efficiency, store perishable resources properly, and always be prepared for the dangers of the environment. With these strategies, youÔÇÖll have a steady supply of polymer to fuel your late-game progression.
Organic polymer is the easiest and most efficient way to obtain polymer early to mid-game. It can be harvested from specific creatures like Kairuku, Mantis, and Hesperornis. Kairuku, found in the colder regions of the map, are the best source of organic polymer. Using a chainsaw or a high-damage tool like a metal hatchet, you can harvest large amounts of organic polymer from their corpses. Mantis, found in the desert biomes, also drop organic polymer when killed, but they are more dangerous and harder to find. Hesperornis, found near water, drop organic polymer when killed, but they are less efficient than Kairuku. Organic polymer is a perishable resource, meaning it spoils over time, so itÔÇÖs best to use it quickly or store it in a preserving bin or refrigerator to extend its lifespan.
Crafted polymer is the alternative method, requiring obsidian and cementing paste. Obsidian is found in mountainous regions and can be harvested with a metal pickaxe or an Ankylosaurus. Cementing paste is crafted from chitin or keratin and stone in a mortar and pestle or by using a Beelzebufo to produce it directly from insects. Once you have the required materials, you can craft polymer in a fabricator. This method is more resource-intensive but provides a non-perishable form of polymer, making it ideal for long-term storage.
To farm organic polymer efficiently, start by locating Kairuku in the snowy biome. Bring a high-damage tool like a chainsaw or metal hatchet, as well as warm clothing or a tamed otter to survive the cold. Kill the Kairuku and harvest their bodies immediately. A chainsaw yields the most polymer, but a metal hatchet is a good alternative if you donÔÇÖt have one. Be cautious of predators like wolves and yetis in the area. If youÔÇÖre farming Mantis, bring strong weapons and armor, as they are aggressive and can deal significant damage. For Hesperornis, use a ranged weapon to avoid their attacks and harvest their bodies quickly.
For crafted polymer, gather obsidian from mountains using an Ankylosaurus for maximum efficiency. Cementing paste can be obtained by farming chitin from insects like Trilobites, Araneo, or Scorpions, or by using a Beelzebufo to produce it directly. Once you have the materials, craft the polymer in a fabricator. This method is more time-consuming but ensures a steady supply of polymer without worrying about spoilage.
Important tips include using preserving bins or refrigerators to store organic polymer, as it spoils quickly. For crafted polymer, always keep a stockpile of obsidian and cementing paste to avoid running out. Taming creatures like the Ankylosaurus for obsidian farming and the Beelzebufo for cementing paste can save time and effort. Additionally, consider building a base near resource-rich areas to minimize travel time.
Common mistakes to avoid include not preparing adequately for the cold when farming Kairuku, as hypothermia can be deadly. Another mistake is underestimating the danger of Mantis or other predators in the area. Always bring appropriate gear and tames for protection. For crafted polymer, avoid wasting resources by overharvesting obsidian or chitin without a plan for storage and usage.
Advanced techniques include using a Quetzal or Argentavis to transport large amounts of obsidian or organic polymer efficiently. For tribes, assigning roles like one player gathering obsidian while another farms cementing paste can optimize the process. Solo players should focus on taming creatures that aid in resource gathering, such as the Ankylosaurus and Beelzebufo, to streamline the process.
In summary, farming polymer in ARK requires careful planning and resource management. Whether you choose to farm organic polymer from creatures or craft it from obsidian and cementing paste, understanding the mechanics and preparing adequately will ensure success. Use tames to maximize efficiency, store perishable resources properly, and always be prepared for the dangers of the environment. With these strategies, youÔÇÖll have a steady supply of polymer to fuel your late-game progression.