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 can be harvested from certain creatures, while regular polymer is crafted using obsidian and cementing paste. Below is a detailed guide on the best ways to farm polymer, including strategies, tips, and considerations.

Organic polymer is the easiest form of polymer to obtain early in the game. It can be harvested from specific creatures such as Kairuku (penguins), Mantis, and Hesperornis. Kairuku are found in cold regions like the western shores of the Island map. Using a high-damage weapon or a tamed carnivore like a Sabertooth or Direwolf, you can kill Kairuku to harvest their bodies for organic polymer. A chainsaw or a metal hatchet is particularly effective for maximizing the yield. Mantis, found in the desert regions of Scorched Earth or Ragnarok, also drop organic polymer when killed. Hesperornis, which can be found near water sources, drop organic polymer when harvested after being killed. Organic polymer is a great early-game option, but it spoils over time, so it should be used quickly or stored in a preserving bin or refrigerator to extend its lifespan.

Regular polymer is crafted at a fabricator using obsidian and cementing paste. Obsidian is a resource found in mountainous regions, often near metal nodes. On the Island map, obsidian can be found in the volcano and other high-altitude areas. On other maps like Ragnarok or Valguero, obsidian is abundant in specific biomes. Cementing paste is crafted from chitin or keratin and stone, or it can be harvested from beaver dams, which are found near rivers and lakes. To farm obsidian efficiently, use a high-weight dinosaur like an Ankylosaurus or a Magmasaur. These creatures have a weight reduction for obsidian, allowing you to carry more. For cementing paste, farming beaver dams is the fastest method, but be cautious as destroying a beaver dam will aggro nearby beavers. Alternatively, you can farm chitin or keratin from creatures like Trilobites, Araneo, or Scorpions and craft cementing paste at a mortar and pestle or chemistry bench.

When farming polymer, preparation is key. Ensure you have the right tools and dinosaurs for the job. A high-damage weapon or tamed carnivore is essential for harvesting organic polymer, while a high-weight dinosaur like an Ankylosaurus is ideal for gathering obsidian. For cementing paste, consider taming a Doedicurus for stone and a Megatherium for chitin, as these creatures are highly efficient at gathering their respective resources. If you are playing solo, prioritize taming creatures that can help you gather resources more efficiently. In a tribe,ÕêåÕÀÑÕÉêõ¢£ can speed up the process, with one player focusing on obsidian and another on cementing paste.

One common mistake is not using the right tools or dinosaurs for farming. Using a low-damage weapon or an inefficient dinosaur can result in lower yields and wasted time. Another mistake is not preserving organic polymer properly. Since it spoils quickly, always store it in a preserving bin or refrigerator if you do not plan to use it immediately. Additionally, avoid farming polymer in dangerous areas without proper preparation. High-altitude regions with obsidian nodes are often home to predators like Argentavis or Rexes, so bring a strong mount or weapons for defense.

Advanced techniques for farming polymer 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 you provide them with the appropriate resources. Another advanced method is setting up a resource farming base near obsidian nodes or beaver dams. This reduces travel time and allows for more efficient farming. For tribes, consider building a dedicated crafting station near your resource farming area to streamline the process of turning raw materials into polymer.

In summary, farming polymer in ARK: Survival Evolved involves a combination of harvesting organic polymer from creatures and crafting regular polymer from obsidian and cementing paste. Preparation, using the right tools and dinosaurs, and efficient resource management are key to success. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, focus on optimizing your farming methods to ensure a steady supply of this crucial resource. By following these strategies and avoiding common mistakes, you can efficiently farm polymer and progress in the game.