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 items like the Fabricator. Gathering Cementing Paste efficiently requires understanding the game mechanics and utilizing the right strategies, whether you are playing solo or in a tribe.

The primary ways to gather Cementing Paste are by harvesting it from certain creatures, crafting it using resources, or looting it from specific locations. The most common methods involve using Chitin or Keratin combined with Stone in a Mortar and Pestle or Chemistry Bench, or by harvesting it directly from Beavers, Achatina, or certain caves. Each method has its own advantages and challenges, so choosing the right approach depends on your current progress, available resources, and the map you are playing on.

One of the most straightforward ways to gather Cementing Paste is by harvesting it from Beavers. Beavers can be found near rivers and lakes, and they often build dams that contain large amounts of Cementing Paste, Wood, and other resources. To gather Cementing Paste from beaver dams, approach the dam carefully, as Beavers can become aggressive if they feel threatened. Once you access the dam, you can take the Cementing Paste and other resources. However, be aware that taking all the items from the dam will cause it to disappear, so it is best to leave at least one item to allow the dam to respawn later. This method is highly efficient and does not require any special tools or tames, making it ideal for early to mid-game players.

Another effective method is crafting Cementing Paste using Chitin or Keratin and Stone. Chitin can be obtained by harvesting insects like Trilobites, Araneo, or Scorpions, while Keratin comes from creatures like Triceratops, Carbonemys, or Ankylosaurus. Once you have enough Chitin or Keratin, combine it with Stone in a Mortar and Pestle or Chemistry Bench to create Cementing Paste. This method is reliable but can be time-consuming, as it requires gathering large amounts of Chitin or Keratin. To optimize this process, consider taming creatures like the Sabertooth or Megatherium, which are excellent at harvesting Chitin. The Megatherium, in particular, gains a buff when killing insects, making it one of the best creatures for gathering Chitin.

For advanced players, Achatina snails are a fantastic source of Cementing Paste. These passive creatures produce Achatina Paste, which can be used as Cementing Paste, over time. To utilize this method, you will need to tame Achatina by feeding them Sweet Vegetable Cake. Once tamed, place them in a secure area, and they will passively produce Achatina Paste. This method is highly efficient for long-term resource generation, especially for tribes with established bases. However, taming Achatina requires access to Sweet Vegetable Cake, which can be challenging to craft early in the game.

Caves are another excellent source of Cementing Paste, as they often contain large amounts of Chitin and sometimes even Cementing Paste itself. However, caves are dangerous and filled with aggressive creatures, so proper preparation is essential. Bring strong tames like a high-level Carnotaurus or Sabertooth, along with weapons and armor. Some caves also contain Beaver dams, which can provide a significant amount of Cementing Paste in one trip. Be cautious of environmental hazards like lava or tight spaces that can trap you or your tames.

When gathering Cementing Paste, it is important to manage your inventory and resources efficiently. Cementing Paste is heavy, so consider using tames with high weight capacity, such as a Paraceratherium or Argentavis, to transport large amounts. If you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to divide tasks, such as one player gathering Chitin while another collects Stone. This teamwork can significantly speed up the process.

Common mistakes to avoid include overharvesting beaver dams without leaving any items, which prevents them from respawning, and venturing into caves without proper preparation. Additionally, avoid wasting resources by crafting Cementing Paste in small batches. Instead, gather enough materials to craft large quantities at once, especially if you have access to a Chemistry Bench, which is more efficient than a Mortar and Pestle.

Advanced techniques include using a Doedicurus to gather Stone quickly and a Megatherium to farm Chitin efficiently. For tribes, setting up a dedicated Achatina farm can provide a steady supply of Cementing Paste without the need for constant resource gathering. Additionally, consider using a Quetzal or Argentavis to transport large amounts of resources from remote locations like caves or beaver dams.

In summary, gathering Cementing Paste in ARK: Survival Evolved requires a combination of resource management, creature taming, and strategic planning. Whether you are harvesting from beaver dams, crafting with Chitin and Stone, or utilizing Achatina, each method has its own benefits and challenges. By understanding the mechanics and optimizing your approach, you can ensure a steady supply of Cementing Paste to support your survival and progression in the game.