What are the best spots to farm keratin on the Scorched Earth map in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Farming keratin on the Scorched Earth map in ARK: Survival Evolved can be a crucial task, especially for crafting armor, saddles, and other essential items. Keratin is primarily obtained from harvesting the horns, shells, or carapaces of certain creatures. On Scorched Earth, the best sources of keratin are creatures like the Deathworm, Sabertooth, and the Morellatops. Below is a detailed guide on how to efficiently farm keratin, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

To start, you need to understand the mechanics of harvesting keratin. Keratin is obtained by killing specific creatures and then using a tool like a hatchet or a tamed creature with high melee damage to harvest their bodies. The amount of keratin you get depends on the creature and the tool or dinosaur you use. For example, using a metal hatchet or a tamed Sabertooth with high melee damage will yield more keratin than using a stone hatchet or a low-level dinosaur.

One of the best spots to farm keratin on Scorched Earth is the desert biome, particularly around the dunes and rocky areas. This is where you will find Deathworms, which are one of the richest sources of keratin. Deathworms are aggressive and dangerous, so you need to be well-prepared. A high-level tamed Rex or a pack of high-level Sabertooths can make quick work of Deathworms. After killing a Deathworm, use a metal hatchet or a high-melee dinosaur to harvest its body for keratin. Each Deathworm can yield a significant amount of keratin, making them a prime target for farming.

Another good spot is the areas around the canyons and rocky outcrops where Sabertooths and Morellatops spawn. Sabertooths are easier to kill than Deathworms and still provide a decent amount of keratin. Morellatops, while not as rich in keratin, are passive and can be easily killed for their resources. Using a tamed Sabertooth or a high-melee damage dinosaur like a Carnotaurus can make farming these creatures more efficient.

Preparation is key when farming keratin. Make sure you have a strong tamed dinosaur with high melee damage, as this will speed up the process and increase your yield. A metal hatchet is also essential for maximizing the amount of keratin you get from each kill. Additionally, bring plenty of food, water, and medical supplies, as the desert biome can be harsh and dangerous. Wearing desert armor or using a tent can help you survive the extreme heat.

When farming keratin, it is important to avoid common mistakes. One mistake is not bringing enough supplies, which can lead to dehydration or starvation. Another mistake is underestimating the danger of Deathworms or other aggressive creatures. Always be prepared for a fight and have a plan for retreat if things go wrong. Additionally, avoid overextending yourself by venturing too far from your base or a safe area. The desert biome is vast, and getting lost or stranded can be deadly.

Advanced techniques for farming keratin include using a tamed Ankylosaurus or a Doedicurus to harvest keratin more efficiently. While these dinosaurs are primarily used for harvesting metal and stone, they can also be effective at gathering keratin from certain creatures. Another advanced technique is to set up a small outpost near a keratin-rich area, complete with a bed, storage, and a taming pen. This allows you to respawn nearby if you die and store your resources safely.

Resource requirements for farming keratin include a strong tamed dinosaur, a metal hatchet, and basic survival supplies like food, water, and medical items. If you are playing solo, it is especially important to be well-prepared, as you will not have the support of a tribe. If you are in a tribe, consider coordinating with your tribe members to cover more ground and protect each other while farming.

In conclusion, farming keratin on the Scorched Earth map requires careful preparation, the right tools, and a good strategy. Focus on areas with high concentrations of Deathworms, Sabertooths, and Morellatops, and use a strong tamed dinosaur and a metal hatchet to maximize your yield. Avoid common mistakes like underestimating the dangers of the desert biome and not bringing enough supplies. With the right approach, you can efficiently farm keratin and gather the resources you need for crafting and survival.