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 gather large quantities of 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 using a mortar and pestle or a chemistry bench. This requires chitin or keratin, which can be harvested from insects, scorpions, or certain dinosaurs like the Ankylosaurus, and stone, which is abundant in most areas. However, this method is time-consuming and resource-intensive, especially for large-scale projects. A more efficient method is farming cementing paste directly from beaver dams or by taming creatures like the Achatina or the Megatherium.
Beaver dams are one of the best sources of cementing paste. These dams are found near rivers and lakes, particularly in areas where Castoroides (giant beavers) spawn. Each dam typically contains 100-200 cementing paste, along with other valuable resources like wood and rare flowers. To farm cementing paste from beaver dams, you need to locate a beaver dam, approach it, and take the resources. However, be careful, as the Castoroides will become aggressive if you take items from their dam. To avoid conflict, you can either kill the beavers before looting or use a flying mount to quickly grab the resources and escape. It is important to note that beaver dams respawn after a certain period, so you can revisit the same locations periodically.
Another effective method is taming an Achatina, a snail-like creature found in swamp biomes. The Achatina produces a special resource called Achatina Paste, which functions like cementing paste. Taming an Achatina requires vegetable cakes, which can be crafted using crops, sap, and honey. Once tamed, the Achatina will passively produce Achatina Paste over time, making it a reliable source of cementing paste for solo players or small tribes. However, the production rate is relatively slow, so this method is best suited for long-term resource generation rather than immediate needs.
For players looking to farm cementing paste in large quantities, taming a Megatherium is highly recommended. The Megatherium is a large sloth-like creature that gains a temporary buff called "Insect Killer" after killing an insect. This buff increases its damage and resource harvesting efficiency, making it an excellent choice for farming chitin from insects like ants, scorpions, and spiders. With a high-level Megatherium, you can quickly gather thousands of chitin, which can then be converted into cementing paste using a chemistry bench. This method is particularly effective in caves, where insects are abundant.
When preparing for cementing paste farming, it is important to have the right tools and resources. For beaver dam farming, a flying mount like an Argentavis or a Pteranodon is essential for quick escapes. For Achatina taming, you will need to gather the ingredients for vegetable cakes, including crops, sap, and honey. For Megatherium farming, you will need a strong saddle and a good supply of food to keep the creature healthy during combat. Additionally, having a chemistry bench and a large supply of stone will allow you to efficiently convert chitin or keratin into cementing paste.
One common mistake to avoid is overharvesting beaver dams without considering the consequences. Taking all the resources from a beaver dam will cause it to despawn, and new dams will not spawn until the existing ones are destroyed or decay naturally. To maximize efficiency, only take the cementing paste and leave the other resources intact. This will allow the dam to remain in place and continue to produce resources over time. Another mistake is underestimating the dangers of farming in caves or swamp biomes. These areas are filled with hostile creatures, so always bring a strong mount and adequate supplies for defense.
Advanced techniques for cementing paste farming include setting up a base near a beaver dam spawn point or creating a dedicated Achatina farm. By building a small outpost near a river or lake, you can monitor beaver dams and harvest them regularly without traveling long distances. For Achatina farming, you can tame multiple snails and place them in a secure enclosure to maximize paste production. Additionally, using a chemistry bench with a high crafting skill can significantly increase the amount of cementing paste produced from chitin or keratin.
In terms of tribe versus solo considerations, tribes have the advantage of being able to assign specific roles to members, such as one player focusing on beaver dam farming while another handles Achatina or Megatherium farming. Solo players, on the other hand, will need to manage all aspects of farming themselves, so it is important to prioritize efficiency and safety. For example, a solo player might focus on taming a Megatherium for chitin farming, as it provides a high yield with minimal risk.
Specific examples of cementing paste farming locations include the rivers on The Island map, where beaver dams are commonly found, and the Swamp Cave, which is rich in insects for chitin farming. On the Scorched Earth map, players can find beaver dams in the oasis areas, while the Aberration map offers unique challenges and opportunities for resource farming in its hazardous environments.
In conclusion, farming cementing paste in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning and execution. Whether you choose to farm beaver dams, tame Achatina, or use a Megatherium for chitin harvesting, each method has its own advantages and challenges. By following the strategies and tips outlined above, you can efficiently gather the cementing paste needed for your survival and progression in the game.
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 chitin or keratin, which can be harvested from insects, scorpions, or certain dinosaurs like the Ankylosaurus, and stone, which is abundant in most areas. However, this method is time-consuming and resource-intensive, especially for large-scale projects. A more efficient method is farming cementing paste directly from beaver dams or by taming creatures like the Achatina or the Megatherium.
Beaver dams are one of the best sources of cementing paste. These dams are found near rivers and lakes, particularly in areas where Castoroides (giant beavers) spawn. Each dam typically contains 100-200 cementing paste, along with other valuable resources like wood and rare flowers. To farm cementing paste from beaver dams, you need to locate a beaver dam, approach it, and take the resources. However, be careful, as the Castoroides will become aggressive if you take items from their dam. To avoid conflict, you can either kill the beavers before looting or use a flying mount to quickly grab the resources and escape. It is important to note that beaver dams respawn after a certain period, so you can revisit the same locations periodically.
Another effective method is taming an Achatina, a snail-like creature found in swamp biomes. The Achatina produces a special resource called Achatina Paste, which functions like cementing paste. Taming an Achatina requires vegetable cakes, which can be crafted using crops, sap, and honey. Once tamed, the Achatina will passively produce Achatina Paste over time, making it a reliable source of cementing paste for solo players or small tribes. However, the production rate is relatively slow, so this method is best suited for long-term resource generation rather than immediate needs.
For players looking to farm cementing paste in large quantities, taming a Megatherium is highly recommended. The Megatherium is a large sloth-like creature that gains a temporary buff called "Insect Killer" after killing an insect. This buff increases its damage and resource harvesting efficiency, making it an excellent choice for farming chitin from insects like ants, scorpions, and spiders. With a high-level Megatherium, you can quickly gather thousands of chitin, which can then be converted into cementing paste using a chemistry bench. This method is particularly effective in caves, where insects are abundant.
When preparing for cementing paste farming, it is important to have the right tools and resources. For beaver dam farming, a flying mount like an Argentavis or a Pteranodon is essential for quick escapes. For Achatina taming, you will need to gather the ingredients for vegetable cakes, including crops, sap, and honey. For Megatherium farming, you will need a strong saddle and a good supply of food to keep the creature healthy during combat. Additionally, having a chemistry bench and a large supply of stone will allow you to efficiently convert chitin or keratin into cementing paste.
One common mistake to avoid is overharvesting beaver dams without considering the consequences. Taking all the resources from a beaver dam will cause it to despawn, and new dams will not spawn until the existing ones are destroyed or decay naturally. To maximize efficiency, only take the cementing paste and leave the other resources intact. This will allow the dam to remain in place and continue to produce resources over time. Another mistake is underestimating the dangers of farming in caves or swamp biomes. These areas are filled with hostile creatures, so always bring a strong mount and adequate supplies for defense.
Advanced techniques for cementing paste farming include setting up a base near a beaver dam spawn point or creating a dedicated Achatina farm. By building a small outpost near a river or lake, you can monitor beaver dams and harvest them regularly without traveling long distances. For Achatina farming, you can tame multiple snails and place them in a secure enclosure to maximize paste production. Additionally, using a chemistry bench with a high crafting skill can significantly increase the amount of cementing paste produced from chitin or keratin.
In terms of tribe versus solo considerations, tribes have the advantage of being able to assign specific roles to members, such as one player focusing on beaver dam farming while another handles Achatina or Megatherium farming. Solo players, on the other hand, will need to manage all aspects of farming themselves, so it is important to prioritize efficiency and safety. For example, a solo player might focus on taming a Megatherium for chitin farming, as it provides a high yield with minimal risk.
Specific examples of cementing paste farming locations include the rivers on The Island map, where beaver dams are commonly found, and the Swamp Cave, which is rich in insects for chitin farming. On the Scorched Earth map, players can find beaver dams in the oasis areas, while the Aberration map offers unique challenges and opportunities for resource farming in its hazardous environments.
In conclusion, farming cementing paste in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning and execution. Whether you choose to farm beaver dams, tame Achatina, or use a Megatherium for chitin harvesting, each method has its own advantages and challenges. By following the strategies and tips outlined above, you can efficiently gather the cementing paste needed for your survival and progression in the game.