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 high-tier items. Gathering Cementing Paste efficiently requires a combination of resource gathering, taming specific dinosaurs, and understanding the game's mechanics. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to gather Cementing Paste effectively.

Cementing Paste can be obtained in several ways, but the most common methods involve gathering Chitin or Keratin and combining them with Stone in a Mortar and Pestle or Chemistry Bench. Chitin and Keratin are primarily obtained from killing insects, scorpions, and certain dinosaurs like Trilobites, Araneo, and Arthropluera. Stone is a basic resource that can be gathered by hitting rocks with a pickaxe or using a tamed dinosaur like a Doedicurus. Once you have Chitin/Keratin and Stone, you can craft Cementing Paste at a ratio of 4 Chitin/Keratin and 8 Stone per 1 Cementing Paste.

One of the most efficient ways to gather Cementing Paste is by taming a Beelzebufo, also known as the Frog. The Beelzebufo has a unique ability to gather Cementing Paste directly from insects like Meganeura and Titanomyrma. When you kill these insects with the Frog, it automatically converts their bodies into Cementing Paste, often yielding large amounts in a short time. To use this method, tame a high-level Beelzebufo and take it to areas with high insect populations, such as swamps or caves. The FrogÔÇÖs high mobility and ability to jump make it ideal for navigating these dangerous areas.

Another effective method is farming Cementing Paste from Beaver Dams. Beavers build dams in rivers and lakes, and these dams contain large quantities of Cementing Paste, along with other resources like Wood and Rare Flowers. To gather Cementing Paste from Beaver Dams, approach the dam carefully, as Beavers can become aggressive if you take their resources. ItÔÇÖs best to use a flying mount like an Argentavis or Pteranodon to quickly grab the Cementing Paste and escape before the Beavers attack. Be aware that taking resources from a Beaver Dam will cause it to despawn, so use this method sparingly to avoid depleting the areaÔÇÖs resources.

For players who prefer a more passive approach, taming a Megatherium is an excellent option. The Megatherium is a large sloth-like creature that gains a temporary buff called "Insect Killer" after killing insects. This buff significantly increases its damage and gathering efficiency, making it ideal for farming Chitin from insects. Once you have a Megatherium, take it to caves or areas with high insect populations to gather large amounts of Chitin, which can then be converted into Cementing Paste.

When gathering Cementing Paste, itÔÇÖs important to prepare adequately. Bring a strong tamed dinosaur for protection, especially in dangerous areas like swamps or caves. Equip yourself with weapons and armor to defend against hostile creatures, and carry plenty of food and water to sustain yourself during long gathering sessions. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to maximize efficiency. For example, one player can focus on gathering Chitin while another collects Stone, allowing you to craft Cementing Paste more quickly.

A common mistake players make is underestimating the dangers of gathering Cementing Paste. Areas with high insect populations, such as swamps and caves, are often filled with aggressive creatures that can overwhelm unprepared players. Always scout the area beforehand and ensure you have a strong tamed dinosaur for protection. Another mistake is overharvesting Beaver Dams, which can lead to resource depletion and make it harder to find Cementing Paste in the future. To avoid this, only take what you need and leave the rest for other players or future visits.

Advanced techniques for gathering Cementing Paste include using a Chemistry Bench to craft it more efficiently. The Chemistry Bench reduces the resource cost of crafting Cementing Paste, requiring only 2 Chitin/Keratin and 4 Stone per 1 Cementing Paste. This makes it a valuable tool for players who have access to advanced crafting stations. Additionally, using a tamed Doedicurus to gather Stone and a Megatherium to gather Chitin can significantly speed up the process, allowing you to produce large quantities of Cementing Paste in a short time.

In conclusion, gathering Cementing Paste in ARK: Survival Evolved requires a combination of resource gathering, taming specific dinosaurs, and careful planning. Whether you choose to use a Beelzebufo, farm Beaver Dams, or rely on a Megatherium, understanding the mechanics and preparing adequately will ensure you gather Cementing Paste efficiently. By avoiding common mistakes and using advanced techniques, you can stockpile this valuable resource and progress smoothly in the game.