Where are the best locations to find and farm keratin in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Keratin is a valuable resource in ARK: Survival Evolved, used for crafting items like saddles, armor, and other advanced equipment. It is primarily obtained by harvesting the horns, shells, or claws of certain creatures. To farm keratin efficiently, you need to know where to find the right creatures and how to harvest them effectively. Below is a detailed guide on the best locations, strategies, and tips for farming keratin.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of keratin farming. Keratin is obtained by killing and harvesting specific creatures, such as Triceratops, Carbonemys, Ankylosaurus, and Sabertooths. These creatures drop keratin when harvested with tools like a hatchet or a tamed creature with high melee damage, such as a Therizinosaurus or a Sabertooth. The amount of keratin you get depends on the creature and the tool used. For example, a hatchet yields more keratin than a pickaxe when harvesting certain creatures. Additionally, some creatures, like the Sabertooth, drop both keratin and chitin, so you can farm both resources simultaneously.

To start farming keratin, you need to locate areas where these creatures spawn frequently. On The Island map, one of the best locations is the Redwood Forest. This biome is home to Sabertooths, which are excellent sources of keratin. Another great spot is the beaches and rivers, where you can find Carbonemys and Triceratops. In the mountains, Ankylosaurus and Sabertooths are common, making these areas ideal for keratin farming. On other maps like Scorched Earth or Ragnarok, similar biomes with these creatures exist, so the strategies remain consistent.

When farming keratin, preparation is key. Bring a strong weapon or a tamed creature with high melee damage to kill the creatures quickly. A Therizinosaurus is particularly effective because it can harvest both keratin and chitin efficiently. If youÔÇÖre using tools, a metal hatchet is the best option for maximizing keratin yield. Additionally, bring a mount like a Sabertooth or a Raptor for mobility and protection, as some areas can be dangerous due to predators like Carnotaurus or Raptors.

For solo players, farming keratin can be challenging in dangerous areas, so itÔÇÖs important to approach cautiously. Use ranged weapons like a crossbow or a longneck rifle to take down creatures from a distance, reducing the risk of being overwhelmed. If youÔÇÖre in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to cover more ground and protect each other while farming. A tribe can also assign roles, such as one player gathering keratin while another guards against threats.

One common mistake is using the wrong tool for harvesting. For example, using a pickaxe on a Sabertooth will yield more chitin than keratin, so always use a hatchet for keratin-focused farming. Another mistake is venturing into high-level areas unprepared. Always scout the area first and ensure you have the necessary gear and tames to handle the creatures and potential threats.

Advanced techniques include using a tamed Argentavis or Quetzal to transport large amounts of keratin quickly. These flying mounts can carry heavy loads and allow you to farm in remote areas without worrying about over-encumbrance. Additionally, using a tamed Doedicurus or Ankylosaurus to gather stone and metal while farming keratin can optimize your resource-gathering trips.

Resource requirements for keratin farming are minimal. You need a hatchet, a strong weapon or tamed creature, and a mount for transportation. If youÔÇÖre farming in dangerous areas, bring healing items like medical brews or cooked meat to recover health. For tribe players, consider setting up a small outpost near farming locations to store resources and respawn if needed.

In summary, the best locations for keratin farming are the Redwood Forest, beaches, rivers, and mountains on The Island map. Use a hatchet or a Therizinosaurus for efficient harvesting, and bring a mount for mobility and protection. Avoid common mistakes like using the wrong tool or venturing unprepared into dangerous areas. Advanced techniques include using flying mounts for transportation and combining keratin farming with other resource-gathering activities. With proper preparation and strategy, you can farm keratin efficiently and progress in ARK: Survival Evolved.