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 a renewable resource that can be harvested from certain creatures, while obsidian-based polymer is crafted using obsidian and cementing paste at a fabricator. Each method has its own advantages and challenges, so choosing the right approach depends on your current progression and available resources.
For organic polymer, the best creatures to target are Kairuku (penguins), Mantis, and Hesperornis. Kairuku are found in cold regions like the snowy biomes on The Island or Ragnarok. They provide a large amount of organic polymer when harvested, but they are fragile and can be difficult to find in large numbers. Mantis, found in the desert biomes of Scorched Earth or Ragnarok, also drop organic polymer when killed. Hesperornis, found near water sources, drop organic polymer when harvested after being killed. To maximize your yield, use a chainsaw or a tamed creature with high harvesting efficiency, such as a Therizinosaurus or a Pelagornis. These tools and tames can significantly increase the amount of organic polymer you gather.
Organic polymer spoils quickly, so itÔÇÖs important to use it immediately or store it in a preserving bin or refrigerator to extend its lifespan. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, focus on gathering only what you need for your current crafting projects to avoid waste. In a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to gather and use organic polymer efficiently, ensuring that everyone contributes to the effort.
For obsidian-based polymer, youÔÇÖll need to gather obsidian and cementing paste. Obsidian is found in mountainous regions and volcanic areas, often near metal nodes. Use a metal pick or a high-level Ankylosaurus to harvest obsidian efficiently. Cementing paste can be crafted using chitin or keratin and stone in a mortar and pestle, or it can be harvested from beaver dams, which are found near rivers and lakes. Be cautious when raiding beaver dams, as the beavers will become aggressive if you take their resources.
Once you have obsidian and cementing paste, craft polymer at a fabricator. This method is more time-consuming but provides a stable and renewable source of polymer, as obsidian and cementing paste do not spoil. This makes it ideal for long-term projects or large-scale crafting.
A common mistake is relying too heavily on organic polymer without considering its spoilage. Players often gather large amounts only to lose it before they can use it. To avoid this, plan your crafting projects in advance and gather organic polymer only when youÔÇÖre ready to use it. Another mistake is neglecting to tame creatures like the Ankylosaurus or Therizinosaurus, which can significantly speed up resource gathering. These tames are essential for efficient polymer farming, especially in the late game.
Advanced techniques include setting up a base near polymer-rich areas, such as snowy biomes for Kairuku or mountainous regions for obsidian. This reduces travel time and allows you to gather resources more frequently. In a tribe, assign specific roles to members, such as one person gathering obsidian while another focuses on cementing paste. This division of labor can greatly increase efficiency.
Preparation is key to successful polymer gathering. Ensure you have the right tools, such as a metal pick, chainsaw, or tames with high harvesting stats. Bring preserving bins or refrigerators if youÔÇÖre collecting organic polymer, and always carry enough supplies to defend yourself against hostile creatures.
In summary, the best way to gather polymer in ARK involves a combination of harvesting organic polymer from creatures like Kairuku and Mantis, and crafting obsidian-based polymer using obsidian and cementing paste. Use efficient tools and tames, plan your crafting projects, and avoid common mistakes like spoilage and poor preparation. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, these strategies will help you gather polymer effectively and progress through the game.
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 at a fabricator. Each method has its own advantages and challenges, so choosing the right approach depends on your current progression and available resources.
For organic polymer, the best creatures to target are Kairuku (penguins), Mantis, and Hesperornis. Kairuku are found in cold regions like the snowy biomes on The Island or Ragnarok. They provide a large amount of organic polymer when harvested, but they are fragile and can be difficult to find in large numbers. Mantis, found in the desert biomes of Scorched Earth or Ragnarok, also drop organic polymer when killed. Hesperornis, found near water sources, drop organic polymer when harvested after being killed. To maximize your yield, use a chainsaw or a tamed creature with high harvesting efficiency, such as a Therizinosaurus or a Pelagornis. These tools and tames can significantly increase the amount of organic polymer you gather.
Organic polymer spoils quickly, so itÔÇÖs important to use it immediately or store it in a preserving bin or refrigerator to extend its lifespan. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, focus on gathering only what you need for your current crafting projects to avoid waste. In a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to gather and use organic polymer efficiently, ensuring that everyone contributes to the effort.
For obsidian-based polymer, youÔÇÖll need to gather obsidian and cementing paste. Obsidian is found in mountainous regions and volcanic areas, often near metal nodes. Use a metal pick or a high-level Ankylosaurus to harvest obsidian efficiently. Cementing paste can be crafted using chitin or keratin and stone in a mortar and pestle, or it can be harvested from beaver dams, which are found near rivers and lakes. Be cautious when raiding beaver dams, as the beavers will become aggressive if you take their resources.
Once you have obsidian and cementing paste, craft polymer at a fabricator. This method is more time-consuming but provides a stable and renewable source of polymer, as obsidian and cementing paste do not spoil. This makes it ideal for long-term projects or large-scale crafting.
A common mistake is relying too heavily on organic polymer without considering its spoilage. Players often gather large amounts only to lose it before they can use it. To avoid this, plan your crafting projects in advance and gather organic polymer only when youÔÇÖre ready to use it. Another mistake is neglecting to tame creatures like the Ankylosaurus or Therizinosaurus, which can significantly speed up resource gathering. These tames are essential for efficient polymer farming, especially in the late game.
Advanced techniques include setting up a base near polymer-rich areas, such as snowy biomes for Kairuku or mountainous regions for obsidian. This reduces travel time and allows you to gather resources more frequently. In a tribe, assign specific roles to members, such as one person gathering obsidian while another focuses on cementing paste. This division of labor can greatly increase efficiency.
Preparation is key to successful polymer gathering. Ensure you have the right tools, such as a metal pick, chainsaw, or tames with high harvesting stats. Bring preserving bins or refrigerators if youÔÇÖre collecting organic polymer, and always carry enough supplies to defend yourself against hostile creatures.
In summary, the best way to gather polymer in ARK involves a combination of harvesting organic polymer from creatures like Kairuku and Mantis, and crafting obsidian-based polymer using obsidian and cementing paste. Use efficient tools and tames, plan your crafting projects, and avoid common mistakes like spoilage and poor preparation. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, these strategies will help you gather polymer effectively and progress through the game.