What are the best locations to farm chitin and keratin in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Farming chitin and keratin in ARK: Survival Evolved is essential for crafting armor, saddles, and other advanced items. Both resources are primarily obtained from killing certain creatures, such as trilobites, scorpions, spiders, mantises, and arthropluera. The best locations to farm these materials depend on the map you are playing on, but there are general strategies and tips that apply across all maps.

To start, chitin and keratin are dropped by creatures with exoskeletons or shells. Trilobites, found near water sources, are a great early-game source of chitin. They are passive and easy to kill, but they are also rare and provide small amounts of chitin. For larger quantities, you will need to target more dangerous creatures like scorpions, spiders, and arthropluera. These creatures are commonly found in caves, which are some of the best locations for farming chitin and keratin. However, caves are also dangerous, so preparation is key.

Before heading into caves, you should prepare by bringing a strong mount, such as a Sabertooth, Direwolf, or Megatherium. The Megatherium is particularly effective because it gets a damage boost against insects, making it ideal for farming chitin. You should also bring armor, weapons, and healing items to protect yourself. Torches or a light source are essential for navigating dark caves. Additionally, consider bringing a pickaxe or hatchet, as some creatures yield more chitin when harvested with specific tools. For example, a hatchet is better for harvesting chitin from scorpions, while a pickaxe is better for trilobites.

One of the best locations for farming chitin and keratin on The Island map is the Swamp Cave. This cave is filled with insects like scorpions, spiders, and arthropluera, making it a prime spot for chitin farming. However, the cave is extremely dangerous due to its high temperatures, toxic gas, and aggressive creatures. To survive, you will need a gas mask or scuba gear to protect against the toxic gas, as well as a strong mount like a Megatherium. The MegatheriumÔÇÖs insect-killing bonus makes it perfect for clearing the cave quickly and efficiently.

Another excellent location is the Caverns of Lost Hope, an underwater cave on The Island. This cave is filled with trilobites and eurypterids, which drop chitin and silica pearls. To farm here, you will need a strong water mount like a Basilosaurus or a pack of Megalodons. Be cautious of the dangerous creatures in the cave, such as jellyfish and sharks. Bring scuba gear to stay underwater for extended periods, and consider using a crossbow or harpoon gun to deal with threats from a distance.

On Scorched Earth, the best locations for chitin and keratin are the desert and the caves. Mantises and scorpions are common in the desert, and they drop large amounts of chitin. The caves on Scorched Earth are also filled with insects, but they are extremely hot and require proper heat resistance gear. Bring a strong mount like a Sabertooth or a pack of Direwolves to clear the caves quickly.

On Aberration, chitin and keratin can be farmed from the many insects and crabs found in the Bioluminescent and Element regions. The Megatherium is again a great choice for farming here due to its insect-killing bonus. Be cautious of the dangerous creatures in these areas, such as Reapers and Nameless. Bring a light pet to protect against the Nameless, and consider using a Rock Drake for mobility and combat.

When farming chitin and keratin, it is important to avoid common mistakes. One mistake is not bringing the right tools or mounts, which can slow down your farming efficiency. Another mistake is underestimating the dangers of caves, which can lead to death and loss of items. Always prepare thoroughly before entering a cave, and consider bringing a backup mount or gear in case of emergencies.

For advanced players, optimizing your farming route can save time and increase efficiency. For example, on The Island, you can combine farming in the Swamp Cave with a trip to the Caverns of Lost Hope for a large haul of chitin and silica pearls. On Scorched Earth, you can farm chitin in the desert during the day and explore caves at night when temperatures are cooler. On Aberration, you can use a Rock Drake to quickly navigate the Bioluminescent and Element regions, allowing you to farm chitin and keratin while avoiding dangerous creatures.

In terms of tribe considerations, farming chitin and keratin is often more efficient with a group. One player can focus on killing creatures while another harvests the bodies, speeding up the process. Additionally, tribes can assign specific roles, such as one player handling mounts and another managing resources. For solo players, it is important to focus on preparation and efficiency, as you will need to handle all aspects of farming on your own.

In conclusion, farming chitin and keratin in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful preparation, the right tools and mounts, and knowledge of the best locations. By following these strategies and avoiding common mistakes, you can efficiently gather the resources needed for crafting and progression. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, these tips will help you maximize your farming efforts and survive the dangers of the ARK.