What is the best way to gather cementing paste in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Cementing Paste is one of the most valuable resources in ARK: Survival Evolved, as it is essential for crafting advanced structures, weapons, and tools. It is used in large quantities for building metal structures, crafting saddles, and creating items like the Fabricator. Gathering Cementing Paste efficiently requires understanding the game's mechanics and utilizing the right strategies, tools, and creatures.

The primary ways to obtain Cementing Paste are by harvesting it from certain creatures, crafting it using resources, or looting it from specific locations. The most common methods include farming Chitin or Keratin from insects and creatures like Trilobites, Araneos, and Scorpions, then combining it with Stone in a Mortar and Pestle or Chemistry Bench to create Cementing Paste. Another method is to gather it directly from Beaver Dams, which contain large amounts of Cementing Paste along with other resources like Wood and Rare Flowers. Additionally, Achatina snails passively produce Cementing Paste over time, making them a reliable source for long-term farming.

To gather Cementing Paste efficiently, you should first focus on taming creatures that can help you farm Chitin or Keratin. A Sabertooth or Megatherium is ideal for this task, as they have high damage output and can quickly kill insects and other creatures that drop Chitin. The Megatherium is particularly effective because it gains a temporary buff after killing insects, increasing its damage and movement speed. Once you have a capable creature, head to areas with high insect populations, such as caves or swamp biomes. Caves are especially rich in Chitin, as they are home to Araneos, Scorpions, and other creatures that drop large amounts of this resource.

After gathering enough Chitin or Keratin, you will need to combine it with Stone in a Mortar and Pestle or Chemistry Bench. The Chemistry Bench is more efficient, as it produces more Cementing Paste per resource and works faster. To craft Cementing Paste, place the Chitin or Keratin and Stone into the crafting station and start the process. Each unit of Chitin or Keratin combined with two units of Stone produces one Cementing Paste. If you are using a Chemistry Bench, the process is faster, and you will need fewer resources overall.

Another effective method is to locate Beaver Dams, which are found near rivers and lakes. These dams contain large amounts of Cementing Paste, but you must be cautious when looting them, as Beavers will become aggressive if you take resources from their dams. To avoid conflict, you can either kill the Beavers before looting or use a flying mount like an Argentavis to quickly grab the resources and escape. Be aware that looting a Beaver Dam will cause it to despawn after a short time, so you should only take what you need to avoid wasting resources.

For long-term Cementing Paste farming, consider taming Achatina snails. These creatures passively produce Cementing Paste and Organic Polymer over time, making them a low-maintenance source of these valuable resources. To maximize their output, place them in a secure area of your base and ensure they have access to food, such as Sweet Vegetable Cake. Achatina snails are slow and vulnerable, so protecting them from predators is essential.

When gathering Cementing Paste, it is important to manage your inventory and resources efficiently. Chitin and Keratin are heavy, so using a creature with high weight capacity, such as a Mammoth or Argentavis, can help you transport large amounts of these materials. Additionally, always carry a Mortar and Pestle or have access to a Chemistry Bench to convert Chitin or Keratin into Cementing Paste on the go. This will save you time and allow you to gather more resources in a single trip.

Common mistakes to avoid include overharvesting Beaver Dams, which can lead to resource depletion and aggressive Beavers, and neglecting to protect Achatina snails from predators. Additionally, relying solely on one method of gathering Cementing Paste can limit your efficiency. Combining multiple strategies, such as farming Chitin, looting Beaver Dams, and using Achatina snails, will ensure a steady supply of this resource.

Advanced techniques include using a Doedicurus to gather Stone more efficiently, as this creature can harvest large amounts of Stone quickly. Pairing a Doedicurus with a Megatherium for Chitin farming creates a highly efficient resource-gathering team. Additionally, setting up a base near a river or lake with multiple Beaver Dams can provide a consistent source of Cementing Paste, especially if you tame and breed Beavers to create your own dams.

In a tribe setting,ÕêåÕÀÑÕÉêõ¢£ can greatly improve efficiency. Assigning roles, such as one player farming Chitin while another gathers Stone, can streamline the process. Solo players should focus on taming versatile creatures like the Argentavis, which can carry heavy loads and assist in both combat and resource gathering.

In summary, gathering Cementing Paste in ARK: Survival Evolved requires a combination of strategies, including farming Chitin or Keratin, looting Beaver Dams, and utilizing Achatina snails. Efficient resource management, proper creature taming, and strategic planning are key to maintaining a steady supply of this essential resource. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure that your base-building and crafting needs are met, allowing you to thrive in the dangerous world of ARK.