What is the best way to gather polymer in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Gathering polymer in ARK: Survival Evolved is a crucial task for mid-to-late game progression, as polymer is used in crafting advanced items like weapons, armor, and structures. There are two main types of polymer in the game: organic polymer and crafted polymer. Organic polymer is gathered from certain creatures, while crafted polymer is made from obsidian and cementing paste. Below is a detailed guide on the best ways to gather polymer, including strategies, tips, and considerations.
Organic polymer is the most efficient way to gather polymer early on, as it does not require advanced crafting stations. The best sources of organic polymer are Kairuku (penguins), Mantis, and Hesperornis. Kairuku are found in cold regions like the western shores of The Island or the snowy areas of Ragnarok. They are passive creatures, making them easy to kill. Using a high-damage weapon like a metal hatchet or a tamed carnivore such as a Sabertooth or Direwolf will yield the most organic polymer. Mantis, found in the desert biomes of Scorched Earth or Ragnarok, also drop organic polymer when killed. However, they are more dangerous and require careful handling. Hesperornis, found near water sources, drop organic polymer when killed, but they are harder to find and less efficient than Kairuku.
Crafted polymer requires obsidian and cementing paste, which are more resource-intensive to gather. Obsidian is found in mountainous regions and can be harvested using a metal pickaxe or a tamed Ankylosaurus. Cementing paste is crafted from chitin/keratin and stone in a mortar and pestle or can be gathered from beaver dams, which are found near rivers. Be cautious when raiding beaver dams, as the beavers will become aggressive. To craft polymer, combine 2 obsidian and 2 cementing paste in a fabricator. This method is more sustainable in the long term but requires significant preparation and resource gathering.
For efficient polymer farming, consider taming creatures that can help gather resources. An Ankylosaurus is ideal for mining obsidian, while a Doedicurus is excellent for gathering stone. A Megatherium is highly effective for farming chitin from insects, which can be used to make cementing paste. If you are playing in a tribe, assign roles to members to optimize resource gathering. For example, one player can focus on mining obsidian, while another gathers chitin or raids beaver dams.
When gathering organic polymer, be mindful of its spoilage timer. Organic polymer spoils quickly, so it is best to use it immediately or store it in a preserving bin with preserving salts to extend its lifespan. If you are far from your base, consider bringing a preserving bin and salts with you to keep the polymer fresh. Crafted polymer does not spoil, making it a more reliable option for long-term storage.
A common mistake is underestimating the dangers of gathering resources in certain areas. For example, obsidian is often found in mountainous regions populated by aggressive creatures like Argentavis or Carnotaurus. Always bring a strong tamed dinosaur for protection, such as a Rex or Spino, and carry medical brews or stimulants to recover from attacks. Another mistake is overharvesting beaver dams, which can cause the beavers to abandon the area. To avoid this, only take the cementing paste and leave the wood and other resources intact.
Advanced techniques include using a Quetzal with a platform saddle to transport an Ankylosaurus to high-altitude obsidian nodes, maximizing efficiency. Additionally, breeding high-level Megatheriums can yield a powerful army for farming chitin in the Swamp Cave, which is rich in insects. For tribes, setting up a dedicated crafting area with multiple fabricators and storage boxes can streamline the polymer production process.
In summary, the best way to gather polymer depends on your progression level and available resources. Organic polymer is ideal for early to mid-game, while crafted polymer is better for late-game sustainability. Use tamed dinosaurs to optimize resource gathering, and always prepare for the dangers of the environment. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, efficient resource management and preparation are key to mastering polymer farming in ARK: Survival Evolved.
Organic polymer is the most efficient way to gather polymer early on, as it does not require advanced crafting stations. The best sources of organic polymer are Kairuku (penguins), Mantis, and Hesperornis. Kairuku are found in cold regions like the western shores of The Island or the snowy areas of Ragnarok. They are passive creatures, making them easy to kill. Using a high-damage weapon like a metal hatchet or a tamed carnivore such as a Sabertooth or Direwolf will yield the most organic polymer. Mantis, found in the desert biomes of Scorched Earth or Ragnarok, also drop organic polymer when killed. However, they are more dangerous and require careful handling. Hesperornis, found near water sources, drop organic polymer when killed, but they are harder to find and less efficient than Kairuku.
Crafted polymer requires obsidian and cementing paste, which are more resource-intensive to gather. Obsidian is found in mountainous regions and can be harvested using a metal pickaxe or a tamed Ankylosaurus. Cementing paste is crafted from chitin/keratin and stone in a mortar and pestle or can be gathered from beaver dams, which are found near rivers. Be cautious when raiding beaver dams, as the beavers will become aggressive. To craft polymer, combine 2 obsidian and 2 cementing paste in a fabricator. This method is more sustainable in the long term but requires significant preparation and resource gathering.
For efficient polymer farming, consider taming creatures that can help gather resources. An Ankylosaurus is ideal for mining obsidian, while a Doedicurus is excellent for gathering stone. A Megatherium is highly effective for farming chitin from insects, which can be used to make cementing paste. If you are playing in a tribe, assign roles to members to optimize resource gathering. For example, one player can focus on mining obsidian, while another gathers chitin or raids beaver dams.
When gathering organic polymer, be mindful of its spoilage timer. Organic polymer spoils quickly, so it is best to use it immediately or store it in a preserving bin with preserving salts to extend its lifespan. If you are far from your base, consider bringing a preserving bin and salts with you to keep the polymer fresh. Crafted polymer does not spoil, making it a more reliable option for long-term storage.
A common mistake is underestimating the dangers of gathering resources in certain areas. For example, obsidian is often found in mountainous regions populated by aggressive creatures like Argentavis or Carnotaurus. Always bring a strong tamed dinosaur for protection, such as a Rex or Spino, and carry medical brews or stimulants to recover from attacks. Another mistake is overharvesting beaver dams, which can cause the beavers to abandon the area. To avoid this, only take the cementing paste and leave the wood and other resources intact.
Advanced techniques include using a Quetzal with a platform saddle to transport an Ankylosaurus to high-altitude obsidian nodes, maximizing efficiency. Additionally, breeding high-level Megatheriums can yield a powerful army for farming chitin in the Swamp Cave, which is rich in insects. For tribes, setting up a dedicated crafting area with multiple fabricators and storage boxes can streamline the polymer production process.
In summary, the best way to gather polymer depends on your progression level and available resources. Organic polymer is ideal for early to mid-game, while crafted polymer is better for late-game sustainability. Use tamed dinosaurs to optimize resource gathering, and always prepare for the dangers of the environment. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, efficient resource management and preparation are key to mastering polymer farming in ARK: Survival Evolved.