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. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you maximize your keratin farming efforts.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of keratin farming. Keratin is obtained by killing and harvesting specific creatures, such as Triceratops, Carbonemys, Ankylosaurus, Stegosaurus, 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 creatureÔÇÖs level and the tool or dino you use for harvesting. Higher-level creatures and better tools yield more keratin.

To start farming keratin, you need to prepare. Bring a strong weapon or a tamed creature capable of killing the target animals quickly. A metal hatchet is a good tool for harvesting keratin, but using a tamed Therizinosaurus or Sabertooth is even better because they have high harvesting efficiency. Additionally, bring a mount like a Raptor or Argentavis for mobility and to carry the resources you gather. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, make sure your mount is strong enough to handle multiple enemies, as some areas are densely populated with aggressive creatures.

One of the best spots to farm keratin is the Redwood Forest on The Island map. This area is filled with Sabertooths, which drop a significant amount of keratin. Sabertooths are fast and aggressive, so be prepared for combat. Use a tamed Sabertooth or Therizinosaurus to kill and harvest them efficiently. Another great location is the beaches near the Redwood Forest, where you can find Carbonemys and Triceratops. These creatures are slower and easier to handle, making them ideal for solo players or beginners.

Another excellent spot is the Snow Biome, where you can find Mammoths and Sabertooths. Mammoths drop keratin and are relatively easy to kill, especially if you have a strong mount or ranged weapons. However, the Snow Biome is cold, so make sure to bring appropriate gear like Fur Armor or a campfire to stay warm. The Swamp Biome is also a good option, as it has Carbonemys and other creatures that drop keratin. Be cautious in the swamp, as it is filled with dangerous creatures like Sarcosuchus and Titanoboas.

When farming keratin, avoid common mistakes like underestimating the creatures youÔÇÖre hunting. Sabertooths and other predators can quickly overwhelm you if youÔÇÖre not prepared. Always bring a strong mount or weapon to handle multiple enemies. Another mistake is not bringing enough storage. Keratin can quickly fill your inventory, so bring a mount with high weight capacity or a storage container like a Mortar and Pestle to process the keratin into cementing paste on the go.

For advanced players, consider using a Therizinosaurus for keratin farming. The Therizinosaurus has a special ability to harvest keratin efficiently, making it one of the best creatures for this task. Additionally, you can use a chainsaw, which is a late-game tool that harvests keratin at an extremely high rate. However, chainsaws require gasoline and are expensive to craft, so they are best used when you have a steady supply of resources.

Tribe considerations are also important. If youÔÇÖre in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to cover more ground and protect each other while farming. Assign roles, such as one player focusing on killing creatures while another harvests the keratin. This teamwork can significantly increase your efficiency. Solo players should focus on safer areas like the beaches or the edges of the Redwood Forest, where they can handle creatures one at a time.

In summary, keratin farming in ARK: Survival Evolved requires preparation, the right tools, and knowledge of the best locations. Use strong mounts and tools like a Therizinosaurus or metal hatchet to maximize your harvest. Focus on areas like the Redwood Forest, Snow Biome, and Swamp Biome, but be cautious of the dangers in these regions. Avoid common mistakes like underestimating enemies or not bringing enough storage. With these strategies, you can efficiently gather keratin and progress in the game.