What is the best way to gather chitin or keratin in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Gathering chitin and keratin in ARK: Survival Evolved is essential for crafting items like cementing paste, armor, and saddles. Both resources are primarily obtained from killing and harvesting certain creatures, but the methods and efficiency can vary depending on your tools, tames, and strategy. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you maximize your chitin and keratin collection.

Chitin and keratin are harvested from creatures like trilobites, scorpions, spiders, ants, and certain dinosaurs such as the Ankylosaurus and Sabertooth. Chitin is more commonly found in arthropods, while keratin is often obtained from creatures with hard shells or horns, like the Triceratops or Carbonemys. The key to efficient gathering is using the right tools and tames. Early-game players can use a hatchet or pickaxe to harvest these resources, but the yield is relatively low. A hatchet is better for chitin, while a pickaxe is better for keratin. However, the most efficient way to gather these resources is by using tamed creatures with high melee damage, such as the Sabertooth, Megatherium, or Direwolf.

The Megatherium is one of the best creatures for gathering chitin. When it kills an insect, it gains a temporary buff called "Insect Killer," which significantly increases its damage and harvesting efficiency. This makes it ideal for farming chitin from creatures like scorpions, spiders, and ants. The Sabertooth and Direwolf are also excellent choices, as they have high damage and can quickly kill and harvest arthropods. For keratin, creatures like the Ankylosaurus or Therizinosaurus are effective, as they can harvest large amounts from creatures like the Triceratops or Carbonemys.

To start gathering chitin or keratin, youÔÇÖll need to prepare by taming one of these creatures. For early-game players, a Sabertooth or Direwolf is a good starting point. These creatures are relatively easy to tame and can be found in many regions. Use a bola to immobilize them, then knock them out with tranq arrows or a slingshot. Once tamed, equip them with a saddle and level up their melee damage to improve their harvesting efficiency. For mid to late-game players, a Megatherium or Therizinosaurus is a better option, as they can gather resources much faster.

When gathering chitin, focus on areas with high concentrations of arthropods. Caves are excellent locations, as they are filled with scorpions, spiders, and other insects. However, caves can be dangerous, so make sure to bring a strong mount and plenty of healing items. The Swamp Biome is another good location, as it has many insects and is easier to navigate than caves. For keratin, look for creatures like the Triceratops, Carbonemys, or Ankylosaurus in open areas like the Redwoods or the IslandÔÇÖs central regions.

One common mistake is not using the right tool or tame for the job. Using a pickaxe to harvest chitin or a hatchet to harvest keratin will result in lower yields. Another mistake is not leveling up your tamesÔÇÖ melee damage, which directly affects how much chitin or keratin you can gather. Additionally, players often overlook the importance of preparation, such as bringing healing items or backup weapons when farming in dangerous areas.

Advanced techniques include using a chainsaw, which can harvest large amounts of chitin and keratin from corpses. However, the chainsaw requires gasoline and is a late-game item. Another optimization is to use a tamed Argentavis or Quetzal to transport your harvesting tame to resource-rich areas, saving time and effort. For tribes, coordinating with multiple players to cover more ground or defend against threats can significantly increase efficiency. Solo players should focus on taming a strong mount and farming in safer areas to avoid unnecessary risks.

In summary, gathering chitin and keratin in ARK requires the right tools, tames, and strategy. Use a hatchet for chitin and a pickaxe for keratin, or tame creatures like the Megatherium, Sabertooth, or Ankylosaurus for better results. Focus on areas with high concentrations of arthropods or keratin-rich creatures, and always prepare for potential dangers. Avoid common mistakes like using the wrong tool or neglecting to level up your tames. With these tips, youÔÇÖll be able to gather chitin and keratin efficiently and progress further in the game.