What are the best ways to farm polymer in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Farming polymer in ARK: Survival Evolved is essential for crafting advanced items like weapons, armor, and structures. Polymer is a high-tier resource used in many late-game recipes, and there are several ways to obtain it, depending on your map and progression level. The two primary sources of polymer are organic polymer and regular polymer. Organic polymer is a natural resource that can be harvested from certain creatures or plants, while regular polymer is crafted using obsidian and cementing paste. Below, I will explain the best ways to farm polymer, including detailed mechanics, strategies, and tips.
Organic polymer is the easiest and most efficient way to obtain polymer early to mid-game. It can be harvested from specific creatures like Kairuku (penguins), Mantis, and Hesperornis. Kairuku are found in cold regions like the snowy biome on The Island or Ragnarok. They are passive creatures, making them easy to kill. Using a chainsaw or a high-damage weapon like a metal hatchet will yield the most organic polymer. Mantis, found in the desert biomes of Scorched Earth or Ragnarok, also drop organic polymer when killed. However, they are more dangerous and require better gear to handle. Hesperornis, found near water sources, drop organic polymer when killed, but they are harder to find and less efficient than Kairuku.
For regular polymer, you will need to craft it using obsidian and cementing paste. Obsidian is found in mountainous regions or volcanic areas on most maps. It can be harvested using a metal pickaxe or an Ankylosaurus, which is the most efficient method. Cementing paste is crafted from chitin or keratin and stone, or it can be harvested from beaver dams or by taming a Beelzebufo (frog) to produce it passively. Once you have both resources, you can craft polymer at a fabricator or chemistry bench.
One of the most efficient ways to farm organic polymer is by taming a Pelagornis or a Megatherium. Pelagornis can harvest organic polymer from Kairuku more efficiently than tools, while Megatherium gains a buff after killing insects, increasing its harvesting efficiency for organic polymer. This makes Megatherium ideal for farming polymer from Mantis or other insect-like creatures. Additionally, using a chainsaw on Kairuku or Mantis can yield large amounts of organic polymer quickly, but it requires fuel and is less sustainable than using tamed creatures.
When farming polymer, it is important to consider spoilage. Organic polymer spoils quickly, so it is best to use it immediately or store it in a preserving bin or refrigerator to extend its lifespan. Regular polymer does not spoil, making it a more reliable long-term resource. However, crafting regular polymer requires more effort and resources, so it is often better to use organic polymer for immediate needs and regular polymer for long-term storage.
A common mistake players make is not preparing adequately for polymer farming. For example, venturing into the snowy biome without proper cold-weather gear or weapons can lead to death and lost resources. Always bring appropriate gear, such as fur armor, and a strong weapon or tamed creature to handle the environment and any hostile creatures. Another mistake is overharvesting organic polymer without a plan to use it before it spoils. Always have a clear goal for the polymer you farm, whether it is crafting specific items or storing it properly.
Advanced techniques for polymer farming include using a Gacha, a creature from the Extinction map that can produce resources, including polymer, when fed the right items. Gachas can be a passive source of polymer if managed correctly. Additionally, setting up a base near polymer-rich areas, such as the snowy biome or volcanic regions, can reduce travel time and increase efficiency. For tribes, assigning specific roles, such as one player gathering obsidian while another farms cementing paste, can streamline the process and maximize output.
In summary, the best ways to farm polymer in ARK: Survival Evolved depend on your map, progression, and available resources. Organic polymer is easier to obtain early on from creatures like Kairuku, Mantis, and Hesperornis, while regular polymer requires more effort but is more stable. Using tamed creatures like Ankylosaurus, Pelagornis, or Megatherium can significantly increase efficiency. Always prepare for the environment and manage spoilage to avoid wasting resources. With proper planning and strategy, polymer farming can become a smooth and rewarding part of your ARK experience.
Organic polymer is the easiest and most efficient way to obtain polymer early to mid-game. It can be harvested from specific creatures like Kairuku (penguins), Mantis, and Hesperornis. Kairuku are found in cold regions like the snowy biome on The Island or Ragnarok. They are passive creatures, making them easy to kill. Using a chainsaw or a high-damage weapon like a metal hatchet will yield the most organic polymer. Mantis, found in the desert biomes of Scorched Earth or Ragnarok, also drop organic polymer when killed. However, they are more dangerous and require better gear to handle. Hesperornis, found near water sources, drop organic polymer when killed, but they are harder to find and less efficient than Kairuku.
For regular polymer, you will need to craft it using obsidian and cementing paste. Obsidian is found in mountainous regions or volcanic areas on most maps. It can be harvested using a metal pickaxe or an Ankylosaurus, which is the most efficient method. Cementing paste is crafted from chitin or keratin and stone, or it can be harvested from beaver dams or by taming a Beelzebufo (frog) to produce it passively. Once you have both resources, you can craft polymer at a fabricator or chemistry bench.
One of the most efficient ways to farm organic polymer is by taming a Pelagornis or a Megatherium. Pelagornis can harvest organic polymer from Kairuku more efficiently than tools, while Megatherium gains a buff after killing insects, increasing its harvesting efficiency for organic polymer. This makes Megatherium ideal for farming polymer from Mantis or other insect-like creatures. Additionally, using a chainsaw on Kairuku or Mantis can yield large amounts of organic polymer quickly, but it requires fuel and is less sustainable than using tamed creatures.
When farming polymer, it is important to consider spoilage. Organic polymer spoils quickly, so it is best to use it immediately or store it in a preserving bin or refrigerator to extend its lifespan. Regular polymer does not spoil, making it a more reliable long-term resource. However, crafting regular polymer requires more effort and resources, so it is often better to use organic polymer for immediate needs and regular polymer for long-term storage.
A common mistake players make is not preparing adequately for polymer farming. For example, venturing into the snowy biome without proper cold-weather gear or weapons can lead to death and lost resources. Always bring appropriate gear, such as fur armor, and a strong weapon or tamed creature to handle the environment and any hostile creatures. Another mistake is overharvesting organic polymer without a plan to use it before it spoils. Always have a clear goal for the polymer you farm, whether it is crafting specific items or storing it properly.
Advanced techniques for polymer farming include using a Gacha, a creature from the Extinction map that can produce resources, including polymer, when fed the right items. Gachas can be a passive source of polymer if managed correctly. Additionally, setting up a base near polymer-rich areas, such as the snowy biome or volcanic regions, can reduce travel time and increase efficiency. For tribes, assigning specific roles, such as one player gathering obsidian while another farms cementing paste, can streamline the process and maximize output.
In summary, the best ways to farm polymer in ARK: Survival Evolved depend on your map, progression, and available resources. Organic polymer is easier to obtain early on from creatures like Kairuku, Mantis, and Hesperornis, while regular polymer requires more effort but is more stable. Using tamed creatures like Ankylosaurus, Pelagornis, or Megatherium can significantly increase efficiency. Always prepare for the environment and manage spoilage to avoid wasting resources. With proper planning and strategy, polymer farming can become a smooth and rewarding part of your ARK experience.