What are the best spots to 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 spots, strategies, and tips for farming keratin.

The most common creatures that drop keratin are Triceratops, Carbonemys, Ankylosaurus, Stegosaurus, and Sabertooths. These creatures are found in various biomes across the maps, but some locations are better than others for farming keratin. On The Island, one of the best spots is the area around the Redwood Forest and the surrounding rivers. Here, you can find large numbers of Triceratops and Carbonemys, which are relatively easy to kill and provide a good amount of keratin. Another excellent location is the beaches near the Southern Islets, where you can find Carbonemys and Sabertooths. On Scorched Earth, the best spots are around the desert and oasis areas, where you can find Sabertooths and Ankylosaurus.

To farm keratin efficiently, you need the right tools and dinosaurs. A metal hatchet or chainsaw is the best tool for harvesting keratin, as it yields more resources compared to other tools. If you have a tamed dinosaur, a Sabertooth or Therizinosaurus is ideal for harvesting keratin. These dinosaurs have high damage output and can quickly kill the creatures that drop keratin. Additionally, the Therizinosaurus has a special ability to harvest more resources, making it one of the best dinosaurs for farming keratin.

When farming keratin, it is important to prepare properly. Make sure you have enough food, water, and weapons to defend yourself against hostile creatures. If you are playing solo, it is a good idea to bring a tamed dinosaur for protection and resource gathering. If you are in a tribe, you can coordinate with your tribe members to cover more ground and gather resources faster. It is also a good idea to set up a small base or outpost near the farming area to store your resources and restock supplies.

One common mistake to avoid is underestimating the dangers of the farming area. Many of the creatures that drop keratin are found in dangerous biomes, such as the Redwood Forest or the desert. These areas are often populated by aggressive predators like Raptors, Carnotaurus, and even Rexes. Always be on the lookout for these threats and be prepared to fight or flee if necessary. Another mistake is not bringing the right tools or dinosaurs for harvesting. Using a stone hatchet or a low-level dinosaur will result in lower yields and slower farming.

For advanced players, there are several optimizations you can make to improve your keratin farming efficiency. One technique is to use a Quetzal or Argentavis to transport your harvesting dinosaur to the farming area. This allows you to cover more ground and avoid dangerous terrain. Another optimization is to use a tamed Ankylosaurus to gather keratin from other Ankylosaurus. The Ankylosaurus has a high damage output and can quickly kill other Ankylosaurus, yielding a large amount of keratin. Additionally, you can use a tamed Doedicurus to gather stone while farming keratin, as many of the creatures that drop keratin are found in areas rich in stone.

In terms of resource requirements, you will need a good supply of weapons, armor, and tools to farm keratin effectively. Metal tools are essential for maximizing your yield, so make sure you have a steady supply of metal ingots. If you are using a tamed dinosaur, you will also need a good supply of food to keep it healthy and happy. For tribe considerations, it is a good idea to assign specific roles to each tribe member. For example, one member can focus on gathering keratin while another focuses on gathering other resources like metal or wood. This allows you to maximize efficiency and cover more ground.

In conclusion, farming keratin in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning and preparation. The best spots to farm keratin are areas with high concentrations of creatures like Triceratops, Carbonemys, and Sabertooths. Using the right tools and dinosaurs, such as a metal hatchet or Therizinosaurus, will greatly increase your yield. Always be prepared for the dangers of the farming area and avoid common mistakes like using the wrong tools or underestimating threats. With the right strategies and optimizations, you can efficiently farm keratin and gather the resources you need for advanced crafting and progression in the game.