What are the best locations to farm cementing paste in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Cementing Paste is one of the most valuable resources in ARK: Survival Evolved, as it is essential for crafting advanced structures, weapons, and tools. It is primarily obtained from two sources: harvesting it directly from certain creatures or crafting it using Chitin/Keratin and Stone. Below is a detailed guide on the best locations and methods to farm Cementing Paste efficiently, along with tips and strategies to optimize your efforts.

To start, the most straightforward way to gather Cementing Paste is by harvesting it from creatures like Beavers, Achatina, and certain insects. Beavers are particularly valuable because they build dams in rivers and lakes, which contain large amounts of Cementing Paste, along with other resources like Wood and Rare Flowers. These dams are commonly found in areas with water, such as the rivers in the Redwood Forest or the central areas of The Island map. When you find a beaver dam, you can loot it for Cementing Paste, but be cautious, as the beavers will become aggressive if they see you taking their resources. To avoid conflict, you can either kill the beavers beforehand or use a tamed creature like a Sabertooth or Direwolf to clear the area.

Another reliable source of Cementing Paste is the Achatina, a snail-like creature found in swamp biomes. Achatina passively produce Achatina Paste, which functions similarly to Cementing Paste. Taming an Achatina is highly recommended, as it will continuously generate this resource over time. To tame an Achatina, you need to feed it Sweet Vegetable Cake, which can be crafted using crops like Longrass, Savoroot, and Rockarrot, along with other ingredients. Once tamed, place the Achatina in a safe area of your base, and it will produce Achatina Paste without requiring additional effort.

If you prefer crafting Cementing Paste, you will need Chitin or Keratin and Stone. Chitin is obtained by harvesting insects like Trilobites, Scorpions, and Araneo, while Keratin comes from creatures like Triceratops, Ankylosaurus, and Carnotaurus. Stone is abundant and can be gathered from rocks using a pickaxe or a tamed Ankylosaurus. To craft Cementing Paste, combine 4 Chitin/Keratin and 8 Stone in a Mortar and Pestle or a Chemistry Bench. The Chemistry Bench is more efficient, as it reduces the resource cost and speeds up the crafting process.

When farming Cementing Paste, preparation is key. If you plan to loot beaver dams, bring a tamed creature for protection, as beavers can be aggressive. A high-level Sabertooth or Direwolf is ideal for clearing the area and harvesting Chitin from insects. Additionally, carry a few stacks of Stone and Chitin/Keratin if you plan to craft Cementing Paste on the go. For solo players, it is advisable to set up a small outpost near resource-rich areas like the Redwood Forest or swamps, as this will reduce travel time and allow you to store resources safely. Tribe players can divide tasks, with some members focusing on gathering Chitin/Keratin while others collect Stone or loot beaver dams.

One common mistake to avoid is overharvesting beaver dams without replacing the resources. If you take all the items from a dam, the beavers will not rebuild it, reducing the availability of Cementing Paste in that area. To prevent this, leave at least one item in the dam, such as Wood or Rare Flowers, so the beavers will continue to rebuild it. Another mistake is neglecting to tame an Achatina, as it provides a steady supply of Achatina Paste with minimal effort.

Advanced techniques include using a tamed Megatherium to farm Chitin efficiently. Megatheriums gain a temporary buff called "Insect Killer" after killing insects, which increases their damage and harvesting efficiency. This makes them ideal for clearing caves or swamp areas filled with insects. Additionally, using a Chemistry Bench with a generator and gasoline will significantly speed up the crafting process and reduce resource costs.

In summary, the best locations to farm Cementing Paste are near beaver dams in rivers and lakes, swamp biomes for Achatina, and caves or insect-rich areas for Chitin/Keratin. Preparation, efficient resource management, and the use of tamed creatures are crucial for maximizing your Cementing Paste yield. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, these strategies will help you gather this essential resource and progress in ARK: Survival Evolved.