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. 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, 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 such as Kairuku, Mantis, Hesperornis, and Achatina. Kairuku, found in the colder regions of the Island and other maps, are the most common source. To farm organic polymer from Kairuku, you will need a tamed creature with high damage output, such as a Sabertooth, Direwolf, or even a Rex. Approach the Kairuku and kill them using your tamed creature. Each Kairuku can yield a significant amount of organic polymer, especially if you use a creature with high melee damage. Be cautious, as organic polymer spoils quickly, so it is best to farm it when you are ready to use it immediately.
Another excellent source of organic polymer is the Mantis, found in the desert regions of Scorched Earth and other maps. Mantis can be killed using a tamed creature or weapons, and they drop organic polymer when harvested. However, Mantis are more dangerous than Kairuku, so it is advisable to bring a strong mount or a ranged weapon to deal with them safely. Hesperornis, found near water sources, also drop organic polymer when killed. These birds are relatively easy to kill, but they can be tricky to find in large numbers. Lastly, Achatina, a snail-like creature, produces organic polymer passively over time. Taming a few Achatina and placing them in your base can provide a steady, albeit slow, supply of organic polymer.
For regular polymer, you will need to craft it using obsidian and cementing paste. Obsidian is a resource found in mountainous regions and volcanic areas on most maps. It can be harvested using a metal pick or an Ankylosaurus. Cementing paste is crafted using chitin or keratin and stone in a mortar and pestle or a chemistry bench. Alternatively, you can farm cementing paste by killing Beavers and harvesting their dams, which often contain large amounts of cementing paste. Once you have gathered enough obsidian and cementing paste, you can craft regular polymer in a fabricator. Regular polymer does not spoil, making it a more reliable long-term option compared to organic polymer.
When farming polymer, it is important to prepare adequately. Bring a strong mount for protection, especially when venturing into dangerous areas like the mountains or deserts. Carry enough tools and weapons to defend yourself against hostile creatures. If you are farming organic polymer, consider bringing preserving bins or a refrigerator to store the polymer temporarily, as it spoils quickly. For regular polymer, ensure you have enough obsidian and cementing paste before starting the crafting process.
One common mistake players make is not bringing enough storage or tools when farming polymer. Organic polymer spoils quickly, so it is crucial to have a plan for using or storing it immediately. Another mistake is underestimating the dangers of certain areas, such as the mountains or deserts, where hostile creatures like Rexes, Carnos, or Deathworms can pose a significant threat. Always be prepared for combat when farming in these regions.
Advanced techniques for farming polymer include using a tamed Ankylosaurus for efficient obsidian gathering and a Doedicurus for stone collection. These creatures can significantly speed up the resource-gathering process. Additionally, using a chemistry bench instead of a fabricator can reduce the crafting time for regular polymer. If you are part of a tribe, coordinate with your tribe members to divide tasks, such as one person gathering obsidian while another collects cementing paste. This teamwork can greatly increase efficiency.
In conclusion, farming polymer in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning and preparation. Whether you are harvesting organic polymer from creatures like Kairuku and Mantis or crafting regular polymer using obsidian and cementing paste, it is essential to have the right tools, mounts, and strategies in place. By following the tips and techniques outlined above, you can efficiently gather the polymer needed for advanced crafting and progression in the game.
Organic polymer is the easiest and most efficient way to obtain polymer early to mid-game. It can be harvested from specific creatures such as Kairuku, Mantis, Hesperornis, and Achatina. Kairuku, found in the colder regions of the Island and other maps, are the most common source. To farm organic polymer from Kairuku, you will need a tamed creature with high damage output, such as a Sabertooth, Direwolf, or even a Rex. Approach the Kairuku and kill them using your tamed creature. Each Kairuku can yield a significant amount of organic polymer, especially if you use a creature with high melee damage. Be cautious, as organic polymer spoils quickly, so it is best to farm it when you are ready to use it immediately.
Another excellent source of organic polymer is the Mantis, found in the desert regions of Scorched Earth and other maps. Mantis can be killed using a tamed creature or weapons, and they drop organic polymer when harvested. However, Mantis are more dangerous than Kairuku, so it is advisable to bring a strong mount or a ranged weapon to deal with them safely. Hesperornis, found near water sources, also drop organic polymer when killed. These birds are relatively easy to kill, but they can be tricky to find in large numbers. Lastly, Achatina, a snail-like creature, produces organic polymer passively over time. Taming a few Achatina and placing them in your base can provide a steady, albeit slow, supply of organic polymer.
For regular polymer, you will need to craft it using obsidian and cementing paste. Obsidian is a resource found in mountainous regions and volcanic areas on most maps. It can be harvested using a metal pick or an Ankylosaurus. Cementing paste is crafted using chitin or keratin and stone in a mortar and pestle or a chemistry bench. Alternatively, you can farm cementing paste by killing Beavers and harvesting their dams, which often contain large amounts of cementing paste. Once you have gathered enough obsidian and cementing paste, you can craft regular polymer in a fabricator. Regular polymer does not spoil, making it a more reliable long-term option compared to organic polymer.
When farming polymer, it is important to prepare adequately. Bring a strong mount for protection, especially when venturing into dangerous areas like the mountains or deserts. Carry enough tools and weapons to defend yourself against hostile creatures. If you are farming organic polymer, consider bringing preserving bins or a refrigerator to store the polymer temporarily, as it spoils quickly. For regular polymer, ensure you have enough obsidian and cementing paste before starting the crafting process.
One common mistake players make is not bringing enough storage or tools when farming polymer. Organic polymer spoils quickly, so it is crucial to have a plan for using or storing it immediately. Another mistake is underestimating the dangers of certain areas, such as the mountains or deserts, where hostile creatures like Rexes, Carnos, or Deathworms can pose a significant threat. Always be prepared for combat when farming in these regions.
Advanced techniques for farming polymer include using a tamed Ankylosaurus for efficient obsidian gathering and a Doedicurus for stone collection. These creatures can significantly speed up the resource-gathering process. Additionally, using a chemistry bench instead of a fabricator can reduce the crafting time for regular polymer. If you are part of a tribe, coordinate with your tribe members to divide tasks, such as one person gathering obsidian while another collects cementing paste. This teamwork can greatly increase efficiency.
In conclusion, farming polymer in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning and preparation. Whether you are harvesting organic polymer from creatures like Kairuku and Mantis or crafting regular polymer using obsidian and cementing paste, it is essential to have the right tools, mounts, and strategies in place. By following the tips and techniques outlined above, you can efficiently gather the polymer needed for advanced crafting and progression in the game.