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

Polymer is a crucial resource in ARK: Survival Evolved, used for crafting advanced items like weapons, armor, and structures. There are two main types of polymer: organic polymer and regular polymer. Organic polymer is a temporary resource that spoils over time, while regular polymer is crafted and does not spoil. Both are essential for mid-to-late-game progression, and gathering them efficiently requires understanding the mechanics and strategies involved.

To gather organic polymer, you need to hunt specific creatures. The most efficient sources are Kairuku (penguins), Mantis, and Hesperornis. Kairuku are found in cold regions like the snowy biomes on The Island or Ragnarok. They drop a significant amount of organic polymer when harvested. Mantis, found in desert biomes on maps like Scorched Earth or Ragnarok, also provide organic polymer when killed. Hesperornis, found near water sources, drop organic polymer when harvested after being killed. Using a chainsaw or a high-damage tool like a metal hatchet can maximize the amount of polymer you gather from these creatures.

Regular polymer is crafted in a fabricator using obsidian and cementing paste. Obsidian is found in mountainous regions or volcanic areas, while cementing paste is crafted from chitin/keratin and stone or gathered from beaver dams. To craft regular polymer, you need 2 obsidian and 2 cementing paste per unit. This method is more resource-intensive but provides a permanent solution for your polymer needs.

For organic polymer, the best strategy is to hunt Kairuku in large numbers. Equip a high-damage tool like a metal hatchet or chainsaw, and bring a tamed creature like a Direwolf or Sabertooth to help with the hunt. These creatures can quickly kill Kairuku and carry the polymer back to your base. If you are playing solo, consider using a flying mount like an Argentavis to transport the polymer quickly before it spoils. Organic polymer spoils in 30 minutes, so time management is critical. To extend its lifespan, store it in a preserving bin or refrigerator.

For regular polymer, focus on gathering obsidian and cementing paste. Obsidian is best harvested with an Ankylosaurus, as it has a weight reduction for metal and obsidian. Cementing paste can be gathered from beaver dams, which are found near rivers and lakes. Be cautious when looting beaver dams, as the beavers may become aggressive. Alternatively, you can craft cementing paste using chitin or keratin from insects or dinosaurs like Trilobites, Araneo, or Megaloceros, combined with stone in a mortar and pestle or chemistry bench.

One common mistake is underestimating the spoilage time of organic polymer. Always plan your trips to ensure you can return to your base quickly. Another mistake is not using the right tools for harvesting. A chainsaw or metal hatchet will yield more polymer than a stone tool. Additionally, avoid overloading your inventory with organic polymer, as it spoils faster when carried.

Advanced techniques include using a tamed Pelagornis or Karkinos to gather organic polymer more efficiently. Pelagornis can land on water, making it easier to hunt Hesperornis, while Karkinos can carry multiple creatures at once, allowing you to transport Kairuku back to your base for harvesting. For regular polymer, consider setting up an industrial forge near an obsidian-rich area to reduce travel time. You can also use a chemistry bench to craft cementing paste in bulk, saving time and resources.

Resource requirements for gathering polymer include high-damage tools, preserving bins or refrigerators, and tamed creatures for transportation and harvesting. Preparation involves scouting the best locations for Kairuku, Mantis, or obsidian, and ensuring you have enough storage and preserving methods to handle the polymer.

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