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 armor, saddles, and other advanced equipment. Both resources are primarily obtained from creatures with exoskeletons or hard shells, such as trilobites, scorpions, spiders, and certain insects. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to efficiently gather these resources, including strategies, tips, and considerations for both solo players and tribes.

To start, chitin and keratin are dropped by specific creatures when killed. Chitin is more commonly found in creatures like trilobites, scorpions, spiders, and arthropluera, while keratin is typically obtained from creatures like turtles, carbonemys, and stegosaurus. Both resources can be harvested using tools like hatchets, pickaxes, or tamed creatures with high melee damage. However, the efficiency of gathering depends on the tool or creature used. For example, a metal hatchet is better for harvesting chitin, while a pickaxe is more effective for keratin. Tamed creatures like the Sabertooth or Megatherium are excellent for gathering large amounts of chitin, especially from insects and spiders.

For early-game players, the best way to gather chitin is by hunting trilobites found along beaches or shallow waters. Trilobites are passive creatures that drop chitin when killed, and they are easy to take down with basic tools like a stone hatchet or spear. However, they are not very common, so you may need to explore multiple beaches to find them. Scorpions, found in caves or desert biomes, are another good source of chitin. They are more dangerous than trilobites, so itÔÇÖs recommended to use ranged weapons like bows or crossbows to avoid their venomous attacks. For keratin, hunting turtles or carbonemys is a reliable method. These creatures are slow and easy to kill, but they have high health, so using a strong weapon or tamed dinosaur is advisable.

As you progress, taming creatures specifically for resource gathering can significantly improve your efficiency. The Sabertooth is one of the best early-game tames for gathering chitin, as it has a high melee damage multiplier for harvesting from insects and spiders. The Megatherium, a large sloth-like creature, is even better for chitin farming, especially in the Swamp Cave or other areas with high insect density. When a Megatherium kills an insect, it enters a "Bug Killer" buff state, which increases its damage and harvesting rates, making it a powerhouse for chitin collection. For keratin, creatures like the Direwolf or Therizinosaurus are excellent choices due to their high damage output and harvesting efficiency.

When gathering chitin or keratin, itÔÇÖs important to prepare adequately. Bring weapons, armor, and healing items to protect yourself from hostile creatures, especially in caves or dangerous biomes. If youÔÇÖre using tamed dinosaurs, ensure they are well-fed and have sufficient health to handle combat. For solo players, itÔÇÖs crucial to avoid overextending in dangerous areas. Stick to safer zones like beaches or forests until you have stronger equipment and tames. Tribes can coordinate to cover more ground and protect each other, making it easier to farm resources in high-risk areas like caves.

One common mistake is using the wrong tool for harvesting. For example, using a pickaxe on a scorpion will yield less chitin compared to a hatchet. Always use the appropriate tool or creature for the resource youÔÇÖre targeting. Another mistake is underestimating the dangers of caves or insect swarms. Always scout the area and be prepared for ambushes or unexpected threats. Advanced players can optimize their farming routes by focusing on high-density areas like the Swamp Cave, which is filled with insects and spiders that drop large amounts of chitin. Using a Megatherium in this cave can yield thousands of chitin in a single run.

Resource requirements for chitin and keratin farming include weapons, tools, and tamed creatures. Early-game players can start with basic tools like stone hatchets and bows, while mid-to-late-game players should invest in metal tools and strong tames like the Megatherium or Therizinosaurus. For tribes, assigning roles can streamline the process, such as having one player focus on combat while another handles resource gathering.

In summary, gathering chitin and keratin in ARK requires a combination of the right tools, tames, and strategies. Early-game players should focus on trilobites and turtles, while mid-to-late-game players can optimize their farming with powerful tames like the Megatherium. Always prepare for combat, use the correct tools, and avoid dangerous areas until youÔÇÖre adequately equipped. With these tips, youÔÇÖll be able to efficiently gather the resources needed for crafting and progression.