What are the best strategies for farming cementing paste in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Farming cementing paste in ARK: Survival Evolved is a crucial task for mid to late-game progression, as it is used in crafting advanced structures, weapons, and tools. Cementing paste is primarily crafted from two resources: chitin or keratin and stone. However, the most efficient way to gather cementing paste is by farming it directly from certain creatures or locations. Below is a detailed guide on the best strategies for farming cementing paste, covering mechanics, strategies, tips, and considerations.

Cementing paste can be obtained in several ways. The first method is crafting it in a mortar and pestle or chemistry bench using chitin or keratin and stone. Chitin and keratin are obtained by harvesting insects, scorpions, trilobites, and certain dinosaurs like Ankylosaurus or Sabertooth. Stone is easily gathered by mining rocks with a pickaxe or using a dinosaur like the Doedicurus. However, this method is time-consuming and resource-intensive, making it less efficient for large-scale farming.

The second and more efficient method is farming cementing paste directly from beaver dams or by taming creatures that produce it. Beaver dams are found near rivers and lakes, particularly in areas where Castoroides (giant beavers) spawn. These dams contain large amounts of cementing paste, along with wood and rare flowers. However, beaver dams are guarded by Castoroides, which can be aggressive if you take resources from their dams. To avoid conflict, you can either kill the beavers or use a tamed creature like a Baryonyx or Sabertooth to clear the area before looting.

Another effective method is taming a Achatina, a snail-like creature that passively produces cementing paste and organic polymer over time. Achatina can be found in swamp biomes and are relatively easy to tame using sweet vegetable cake. Once tamed, they do not require a saddle and can be placed in your base to passively generate resources. This method is ideal for solo players or small tribes looking for a steady supply of cementing paste without constant farming.

For advanced players, using a tamed Megatherium is one of the most efficient ways to farm chitin, which can then be converted into cementing paste. Megatheriums gain a buff called "Insect Killer" after killing insects, which significantly increases their damage and harvesting efficiency. This makes them perfect for clearing caves filled with Araneo, Pulmonoscorpius, and other chitin-rich creatures. Pairing a Megatherium with a Doedicurus for stone farming can streamline the process of crafting cementing paste in large quantities.

Preparation is key when farming cementing paste. If you plan to loot beaver dams, bring a strong mount like a Baryonyx or Rex to deal with Castoroides. Additionally, carry a flyer such as an Argentavis or Pteranodon to transport resources quickly. For chitin farming, ensure your Megatherium is leveled in melee damage and has a good saddle for protection. Always carry backup tools and weapons, as caves and swamps are dangerous environments.

Common mistakes to avoid include looting beaver dams without clearing the area first, which can lead to being swarmed by Castoroides. Another mistake is overharvesting chitin without having enough stone to craft cementing paste, as both resources are needed in equal amounts. Additionally, neglecting to protect your Achatina from predators can result in losing your passive resource generator.

For tribes,ÕêåÕÀÑÕÉêõ¢£ can significantly improve efficiency. One player can focus on chitin farming with a Megatherium, while another gathers stone with a Doedicurus. A third player can manage Achatina or loot beaver dams. This division of labor ensures a steady supply of cementing paste without overburdening any single player.

In summary, the best strategies for farming cementing paste involve a combination of looting beaver dams, taming Achatina for passive production, and using specialized dinosaurs like Megatherium and Doedicurus for resource gathering. Proper preparation, teamwork, and avoiding common mistakes will ensure a steady supply of this essential resource for your survival and progression in ARK: Survival Evolved.