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 the best ways to gather polymer in ARK.
Polymer can be obtained from two primary sources: organic polymer and obsidian-based polymer. Organic polymer is gathered from certain creatures, while obsidian-based polymer is crafted using obsidian and cementing paste. Organic polymer is more efficient for early to mid-game players, as it doesnÔÇÖt require advanced crafting stations, but it spoils over time. Obsidian-based polymer is more durable and better suited for long-term storage and late-game crafting.
To gather organic polymer, you need to hunt specific creatures. The best sources are Kairuku (penguins), Mantis, and Hesperornis. Kairuku are found in cold biomes like the snow regions of The Island or Ragnarok. They drop a significant amount of organic polymer when harvested with a metal hatchet or a tamed creature with high melee damage, such as a Therizinosaurus or a Direwolf. Mantis, found in desert biomes like Scorched Earth or the dunes of Ragnarok, also drop organic polymer when killed. Hesperornis, found near water sources, drop organic polymer when harvested after being killed. Using a chainsaw or a high-damage tame like a Therizinosaurus will yield the most polymer from these creatures.
For obsidian-based polymer, you need to gather obsidian and cementing paste. Obsidian is found in mountainous regions or volcanic areas, often near metal nodes. Use a metal pickaxe or a tamed Ankylosaurus to gather obsidian efficiently. Cementing paste can be crafted using chitin or keratin and stone in a mortar and pestle or a chemistry bench. Alternatively, you can gather cementing paste by harvesting beaver dams or taming a Beelzebufo, which produces cementing paste when it eats insects. Once you have obsidian and cementing paste, you can craft polymer in a fabricator.
Preparation is key to gathering polymer efficiently. For organic polymer, ensure you have a high-damage tool or tame, as well as preserving bins or a preserving salt to slow down spoilage. Organic polymer spoils quickly, so itÔÇÖs best to use it immediately or store it in a preserving bin with sparkpowder. For obsidian-based polymer, make sure you have a reliable source of cementing paste and a fabricator ready for crafting. Tames like the Ankylosaurus for obsidian and the Beelzebufo for cementing paste can save you a lot of time and effort.
Common mistakes to avoid include not preparing for spoilage when gathering organic polymer. Without preserving bins or salt, you risk losing your hard-earned polymer. Another mistake is not using the right tools or tames for harvesting. Using a stone hatchet on Kairuku, for example, will yield far less polymer than a metal hatchet or a Therizinosaurus. Additionally, avoid venturing into dangerous areas like the snow biome or desert without proper gear or tames, as the hostile creatures and environmental hazards can quickly overwhelm you.
Advanced techniques include using a chainsaw for harvesting organic polymer, as it yields the highest amount. Taming a Megatherium can also be beneficial, as it gains a buff against insects, making it highly effective for gathering polymer from Mantis. For obsidian-based polymer, consider setting up a base near an obsidian-rich area to minimize travel time. Using a Quetzal or Argentavis to transport heavy resources like obsidian can also streamline the process.
Resource requirements and preparation vary depending on your method. For organic polymer, youÔÇÖll need a metal hatchet, chainsaw, or high-damage tame, as well as preserving bins or salt. For obsidian-based polymer, youÔÇÖll need a metal pickaxe or Ankylosaurus, a source of cementing paste, and a fabricator. Stock up on food, water, and armor to survive in harsh biomes while gathering these resources.
Tribe and solo considerations also play a role. In a tribe,ÕêåÕÀÑÕÉêõ¢£ can make the process more efficient. One player can focus on gathering obsidian while another collects cementing paste. Solo players should prioritize taming creatures like the Ankylosaurus and Beelzebufo to automate resource gathering. Both solo and tribe players should consider building outposts near resource-rich areas to reduce travel time.
Specific examples include farming Kairuku in the snow biome of The Island or Ragnarok. Use a Therizinosaurus or Direwolf to harvest them quickly and efficiently. For obsidian, head to the volcano on The Island or the highlands on Ragnarok, where obsidian nodes are abundant. Use an Ankylosaurus to gather obsidian and a Beelzebufo to farm cementing paste from insects.
In summary, gathering polymer in ARK requires careful planning and the right tools or tames. Whether you focus on organic polymer or obsidian-based polymer, preparation and efficiency are key. Avoid common mistakes like neglecting spoilage or using the wrong tools, and consider advanced techniques like using a chainsaw or taming specialized creatures. With the right strategy, you can gather polymer efficiently and progress through the gameÔÇÖs advanced crafting tiers.
Polymer can be obtained from two primary sources: organic polymer and obsidian-based polymer. Organic polymer is gathered from certain creatures, while obsidian-based polymer is crafted using obsidian and cementing paste. Organic polymer is more efficient for early to mid-game players, as it doesnÔÇÖt require advanced crafting stations, but it spoils over time. Obsidian-based polymer is more durable and better suited for long-term storage and late-game crafting.
To gather organic polymer, you need to hunt specific creatures. The best sources are Kairuku (penguins), Mantis, and Hesperornis. Kairuku are found in cold biomes like the snow regions of The Island or Ragnarok. They drop a significant amount of organic polymer when harvested with a metal hatchet or a tamed creature with high melee damage, such as a Therizinosaurus or a Direwolf. Mantis, found in desert biomes like Scorched Earth or the dunes of Ragnarok, also drop organic polymer when killed. Hesperornis, found near water sources, drop organic polymer when harvested after being killed. Using a chainsaw or a high-damage tame like a Therizinosaurus will yield the most polymer from these creatures.
For obsidian-based polymer, you need to gather obsidian and cementing paste. Obsidian is found in mountainous regions or volcanic areas, often near metal nodes. Use a metal pickaxe or a tamed Ankylosaurus to gather obsidian efficiently. Cementing paste can be crafted using chitin or keratin and stone in a mortar and pestle or a chemistry bench. Alternatively, you can gather cementing paste by harvesting beaver dams or taming a Beelzebufo, which produces cementing paste when it eats insects. Once you have obsidian and cementing paste, you can craft polymer in a fabricator.
Preparation is key to gathering polymer efficiently. For organic polymer, ensure you have a high-damage tool or tame, as well as preserving bins or a preserving salt to slow down spoilage. Organic polymer spoils quickly, so itÔÇÖs best to use it immediately or store it in a preserving bin with sparkpowder. For obsidian-based polymer, make sure you have a reliable source of cementing paste and a fabricator ready for crafting. Tames like the Ankylosaurus for obsidian and the Beelzebufo for cementing paste can save you a lot of time and effort.
Common mistakes to avoid include not preparing for spoilage when gathering organic polymer. Without preserving bins or salt, you risk losing your hard-earned polymer. Another mistake is not using the right tools or tames for harvesting. Using a stone hatchet on Kairuku, for example, will yield far less polymer than a metal hatchet or a Therizinosaurus. Additionally, avoid venturing into dangerous areas like the snow biome or desert without proper gear or tames, as the hostile creatures and environmental hazards can quickly overwhelm you.
Advanced techniques include using a chainsaw for harvesting organic polymer, as it yields the highest amount. Taming a Megatherium can also be beneficial, as it gains a buff against insects, making it highly effective for gathering polymer from Mantis. For obsidian-based polymer, consider setting up a base near an obsidian-rich area to minimize travel time. Using a Quetzal or Argentavis to transport heavy resources like obsidian can also streamline the process.
Resource requirements and preparation vary depending on your method. For organic polymer, youÔÇÖll need a metal hatchet, chainsaw, or high-damage tame, as well as preserving bins or salt. For obsidian-based polymer, youÔÇÖll need a metal pickaxe or Ankylosaurus, a source of cementing paste, and a fabricator. Stock up on food, water, and armor to survive in harsh biomes while gathering these resources.
Tribe and solo considerations also play a role. In a tribe,ÕêåÕÀÑÕÉêõ¢£ can make the process more efficient. One player can focus on gathering obsidian while another collects cementing paste. Solo players should prioritize taming creatures like the Ankylosaurus and Beelzebufo to automate resource gathering. Both solo and tribe players should consider building outposts near resource-rich areas to reduce travel time.
Specific examples include farming Kairuku in the snow biome of The Island or Ragnarok. Use a Therizinosaurus or Direwolf to harvest them quickly and efficiently. For obsidian, head to the volcano on The Island or the highlands on Ragnarok, where obsidian nodes are abundant. Use an Ankylosaurus to gather obsidian and a Beelzebufo to farm cementing paste from insects.
In summary, gathering polymer in ARK requires careful planning and the right tools or tames. Whether you focus on organic polymer or obsidian-based polymer, preparation and efficiency are key. Avoid common mistakes like neglecting spoilage or using the wrong tools, and consider advanced techniques like using a chainsaw or taming specialized creatures. With the right strategy, you can gather polymer efficiently and progress through the gameÔÇÖs advanced crafting tiers.