What is the best way to gather polymer in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Polymer is one of the most valuable resources in ARK: Survival Evolved, used for crafting advanced items like weapons, armor, and structures. Gathering polymer efficiently requires understanding the different sources and methods available, as well as preparing the right tools and tames to maximize your yield. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to gather polymer effectively.
Polymer can be obtained from two primary sources: organic polymer and obsidian-based polymer. Organic polymer is a renewable resource that can be harvested from certain creatures, while obsidian-based polymer is crafted using obsidian and cementing paste. Each method has its own advantages and challenges, so choosing the right approach depends on your current progression and available resources.
Organic polymer is the easier and more accessible option for early to mid-game players. It can be harvested from creatures like Kairuku, Mantis, Hesperornis, and Deathworms. Kairuku, found in the colder regions of the map, are the most efficient source. To gather organic polymer from Kairuku, youÔÇÖll need a tool like a metal hatchet or a chainsaw. A chainsaw is the most effective tool for this task, as it yields the highest amount of polymer per kill. Simply approach a Kairuku, kill it, and use the tool to harvest its body. Each Kairuku can provide a significant amount of organic polymer, making it a great option for solo players or small tribes.
Mantis and Hesperornis are other sources of organic polymer, though they are less efficient than Kairuku. Mantis can be found in the desert biomes and require a strong weapon or tame to defeat. Hesperornis, found near water, drop organic polymer when killed, but they are more challenging to hunt due to their mobility. Deathworms, found in the desert on certain maps, also drop organic polymer, but they are extremely dangerous and require high-level gear and tames to defeat.
Organic polymer has a downside: it spoils over time and cannot be stored in preserving bins or refrigerators. To mitigate this, you can craft it into polymer, which does not spoil, but this requires obsidian and cementing paste. This leads us to the second method of obtaining polymer: crafting it from obsidian and cementing paste.
To craft polymer, youÔÇÖll need obsidian and cementing paste. Obsidian is a resource found in mountainous regions and volcanic areas. It can be harvested using a metal pick or an Ankylosaurus. An Ankylosaurus is highly recommended for this task, as it can gather large amounts of obsidian quickly. Cementing paste can be crafted using chitin or keratin and stone in a mortar and pestle or obtained by harvesting beaver dams, which contain large amounts of cementing paste. Be cautious when raiding beaver dams, as the beavers will become aggressive.
Once you have obsidian and cementing paste, you can craft polymer in a fabricator. This method is more resource-intensive but provides a stable, non-spoiling source of polymer. ItÔÇÖs ideal for late-game players or tribes with established resource-gathering operations.
When gathering polymer, there are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind. First, always prioritize safety. Many polymer sources are located in dangerous areas, so bring strong tames and gear to protect yourself. Second, plan your trips carefully. Organic polymer spoils quickly, so only gather what you can use immediately. For crafting polymer, ensure you have enough obsidian and cementing paste before starting the process.
Common mistakes to avoid include overharvesting organic polymer without a plan to use it, as it will spoil and go to waste. Another mistake is venturing into dangerous areas unprepared, which can lead to losing your tames or resources. Always scout the area and bring backup if necessary.
Advanced techniques include using tames like the Argentavis or Quetzal to transport large amounts of obsidian efficiently. For organic polymer, consider breeding Kairuku or Mantis to create a sustainable source. Additionally, using a chemistry bench can speed up the crafting process for polymer.
Resource requirements and preparation vary depending on the method you choose. For organic polymer, youÔÇÖll need a metal hatchet or chainsaw and a way to safely reach the creatures. For crafting polymer, youÔÇÖll need a fabricator, obsidian, and cementing paste, as well as tames like the Ankylosaurus for efficient gathering.
Tribe and solo considerations also play a role. In a tribe,ÕêåÕÀÑÕÉêõ¢£ can make gathering polymer much easier. One player can focus on harvesting obsidian while another gathers cementing paste. Solo players should prioritize efficiency and safety, using tames to maximize their yield and minimize risk.
Specific examples include farming Kairuku on the western shores of the Island map or harvesting obsidian from the volcano. Each map has its own hotspots for polymer sources, so explore and find the best locations for your needs.
In conclusion, gathering polymer in ARK requires a combination of preparation, strategy, and resource management. Whether you choose to harvest organic polymer or craft it from obsidian and cementing paste, understanding the mechanics and optimizing your approach will ensure you have a steady supply of this essential resource.
Polymer can be obtained from two primary sources: organic polymer and obsidian-based polymer. Organic polymer is a renewable resource that can be harvested from certain creatures, while obsidian-based polymer is crafted using obsidian and cementing paste. Each method has its own advantages and challenges, so choosing the right approach depends on your current progression and available resources.
Organic polymer is the easier and more accessible option for early to mid-game players. It can be harvested from creatures like Kairuku, Mantis, Hesperornis, and Deathworms. Kairuku, found in the colder regions of the map, are the most efficient source. To gather organic polymer from Kairuku, youÔÇÖll need a tool like a metal hatchet or a chainsaw. A chainsaw is the most effective tool for this task, as it yields the highest amount of polymer per kill. Simply approach a Kairuku, kill it, and use the tool to harvest its body. Each Kairuku can provide a significant amount of organic polymer, making it a great option for solo players or small tribes.
Mantis and Hesperornis are other sources of organic polymer, though they are less efficient than Kairuku. Mantis can be found in the desert biomes and require a strong weapon or tame to defeat. Hesperornis, found near water, drop organic polymer when killed, but they are more challenging to hunt due to their mobility. Deathworms, found in the desert on certain maps, also drop organic polymer, but they are extremely dangerous and require high-level gear and tames to defeat.
Organic polymer has a downside: it spoils over time and cannot be stored in preserving bins or refrigerators. To mitigate this, you can craft it into polymer, which does not spoil, but this requires obsidian and cementing paste. This leads us to the second method of obtaining polymer: crafting it from obsidian and cementing paste.
To craft polymer, youÔÇÖll need obsidian and cementing paste. Obsidian is a resource found in mountainous regions and volcanic areas. It can be harvested using a metal pick or an Ankylosaurus. An Ankylosaurus is highly recommended for this task, as it can gather large amounts of obsidian quickly. Cementing paste can be crafted using chitin or keratin and stone in a mortar and pestle or obtained by harvesting beaver dams, which contain large amounts of cementing paste. Be cautious when raiding beaver dams, as the beavers will become aggressive.
Once you have obsidian and cementing paste, you can craft polymer in a fabricator. This method is more resource-intensive but provides a stable, non-spoiling source of polymer. ItÔÇÖs ideal for late-game players or tribes with established resource-gathering operations.
When gathering polymer, there are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind. First, always prioritize safety. Many polymer sources are located in dangerous areas, so bring strong tames and gear to protect yourself. Second, plan your trips carefully. Organic polymer spoils quickly, so only gather what you can use immediately. For crafting polymer, ensure you have enough obsidian and cementing paste before starting the process.
Common mistakes to avoid include overharvesting organic polymer without a plan to use it, as it will spoil and go to waste. Another mistake is venturing into dangerous areas unprepared, which can lead to losing your tames or resources. Always scout the area and bring backup if necessary.
Advanced techniques include using tames like the Argentavis or Quetzal to transport large amounts of obsidian efficiently. For organic polymer, consider breeding Kairuku or Mantis to create a sustainable source. Additionally, using a chemistry bench can speed up the crafting process for polymer.
Resource requirements and preparation vary depending on the method you choose. For organic polymer, youÔÇÖll need a metal hatchet or chainsaw and a way to safely reach the creatures. For crafting polymer, youÔÇÖll need a fabricator, obsidian, and cementing paste, as well as tames like the Ankylosaurus for efficient gathering.
Tribe and solo considerations also play a role. In a tribe,ÕêåÕÀÑÕÉêõ¢£ can make gathering polymer much easier. One player can focus on harvesting obsidian while another gathers cementing paste. Solo players should prioritize efficiency and safety, using tames to maximize their yield and minimize risk.
Specific examples include farming Kairuku on the western shores of the Island map or harvesting obsidian from the volcano. Each map has its own hotspots for polymer sources, so explore and find the best locations for your needs.
In conclusion, gathering polymer in ARK requires a combination of preparation, strategy, and resource management. Whether you choose to harvest organic polymer or craft it from obsidian and cementing paste, understanding the mechanics and optimizing your approach will ensure you have a steady supply of this essential resource.