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 high-tier structures, weapons, and tools. Cementing paste is primarily crafted from two resources: chitin or keratin and stone. However, the most efficient way to farm it is by gathering it directly from certain creatures or by using specific farming methods. Below is a detailed guide on how to farm cementing paste effectively, covering mechanics, strategies, and tips.

Cementing paste can be obtained in several ways. The first method is crafting it using a mortar and pestle or a chemistry bench. This requires 4 chitin or keratin and 8 stone per paste. While this method is straightforward, it is not the most efficient, as chitin and keratin are relatively scarce compared to other resources. The second method is farming it directly from certain creatures, such as the Achatina snail, which passively produces cementing paste over time. The third and most efficient method is harvesting it from beaver dams, which are found near rivers and lakes in specific maps like The Island, Ragnarok, and Valguero.

To farm cementing paste from beaver dams, you need to locate these dams in the wild. On The Island, for example, beaver dams are commonly found in the rivers of the Redwood Forest and the Hidden Lake area. When you find a beaver dam, approach it carefully, as beavers in the area may become aggressive if you take their resources. Open the damÔÇÖs inventory and transfer the cementing paste, wood, and other resources to your inventory. Be aware that taking resources from a beaver dam will cause it to despawn after a short time, so itÔÇÖs best to take everything at once. After looting, you can either wait for the dam to respawn or move to another location to find more dams.

One important tip is to use a flying mount like an Argentavis or a Pteranodon to quickly travel between beaver dam locations. This saves time and allows you to cover more ground efficiently. Additionally, bring a high-weight creature like a Mammoth or a Paracer to carry the resources, as cementing paste and wood can quickly fill your inventory. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, consider setting up a small outpost near a cluster of beaver dams to store resources and reduce travel time.

For advanced players, taming a Megatherium can significantly boost your cementing paste farming efficiency. Megatheriums have a special ability that increases their damage and harvesting rates when killing insects, making them excellent for farming chitin from creatures like Araneos, Scorpions, and Trilobites. This chitin can then be used to craft cementing paste in bulk using a chemistry bench. Another advanced technique is breeding Achatina snails, as they passively produce cementing paste and organic polymer over time. While this method requires initial effort to tame and breed the snails, it provides a steady and renewable source of cementing paste.

When farming cementing paste, there are a few common mistakes to avoid. First, do not destroy beaver dams after looting them, as this will reset the respawn timer and reduce the overall availability of dams in the area. Second, avoid engaging with beavers unless necessary, as they can be dangerous in groups. Third, always check your weight capacity before looting dams, as being over-encumbered can leave you vulnerable to predators.

Resource preparation is key to efficient farming. Bring tools like a pickaxe or hatchet to harvest additional resources like stone and wood while traveling. If youÔÇÖre crafting cementing paste, ensure you have a steady supply of chitin or keratin by farming insects or using a tamed Megatherium. For tribe play, coordinate with your teammates to cover more areas and share resources. Solo players should focus on optimizing their routes and using high-weight mounts to maximize efficiency.

In summary, farming cementing paste in ARK requires a combination of resource gathering, creature taming, and strategic planning. Whether youÔÇÖre looting beaver dams, crafting paste from chitin, or breeding Achatina snails, understanding the mechanics and optimizing your approach will ensure a steady supply of this valuable resource. By following these strategies and avoiding common mistakes, you can efficiently farm cementing paste and progress smoothly in the game.