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 requires a good understanding of the map's layout, the creatures that drop keratin, and the tools or dinosaurs that can help you gather it efficiently. Keratin is a valuable resource used for crafting items like saddles, armor, and other advanced equipment. On Scorched Earth, keratin is primarily obtained by harvesting the remains of certain creatures, such as Deathworms, Mantises, and Scorpions. Below is a detailed guide to help you farm keratin effectively.

First, let's discuss the mechanics of keratin farming. Keratin is a resource that drops from specific creatures when you harvest their bodies after killing them. The amount of keratin you get depends on the creature, the tool you use, and your harvesting skill. Using a metal hatchet or a tamed creature with high melee damage, such as a Sabertooth or a Direwolf, will yield more keratin. Additionally, creatures like the Mantis and Deathworm are particularly good sources of keratin, but they are also dangerous, so preparation is key.

To start farming keratin, you need to locate the creatures that drop it. On Scorched Earth, the best spots to find these creatures are in the desert biomes. Deathworms, for example, are found in the deep desert areas, often near the dunes. Mantises can be found in rocky areas or near the edges of the desert, while Scorpions are more common in the open desert and near oases. Once you locate these creatures, you need to kill them and harvest their bodies. Using a high-damage weapon or a tamed creature with good melee damage will make this process faster and more efficient.

Preparation is crucial for keratin farming. Before heading out, make sure you have the right tools and equipment. A metal hatchet is the best tool for harvesting keratin, but if you have a tamed creature like a Sabertooth or Direwolf, they can also be very effective. Bring plenty of food, water, and medical supplies, as the desert environment is harsh and the creatures you encounter can be deadly. If you are farming Deathworms, consider bringing a strong mount like a Wyvern or a Rock Elemental, as Deathworms are one of the most dangerous creatures on the map.

When farming keratin, it is important to avoid common mistakes. One mistake is underestimating the danger of the creatures you are hunting. Deathworms, for example, can deal massive damage and have a lot of health, so engaging them without proper preparation can lead to death. Another mistake is not bringing enough supplies. The desert is unforgiving, and running out of water or food can be fatal. Always bring extra supplies and plan your route carefully to avoid getting stranded in a dangerous area.

Advanced techniques can help optimize your keratin farming. One technique is to use a tamed creature with high melee damage and a harvesting bonus, such as a Sabertooth or Direwolf. These creatures can quickly kill and harvest keratin-rich creatures, making the process faster and more efficient. Another technique is to set up a small outpost near a keratin-rich area. This outpost can serve as a safe haven where you can store supplies, rest, and repair your equipment. Having a bed or sleeping bag at your outpost can also save you time if you die and need to respawn quickly.

Resource requirements and preparation are essential for successful keratin farming. You will need a good weapon or tamed creature, plenty of food and water, and medical supplies. If you are farming Deathworms, you may also need a strong mount and possibly some armor or saddles to protect yourself. It is also a good idea to bring a few storage containers or a pack animal to carry the keratin you collect. This will allow you to gather more keratin before needing to return to your base.

Tribe and solo considerations are also important. If you are playing solo, you will need to be extra cautious and prepare thoroughly before heading out. Farming keratin alone can be risky, especially if you encounter a Deathworm or a group of Mantises. If you are in a tribe, you can divide tasks and work together to farm keratin more efficiently. For example, one player can focus on killing the creatures while another harvests the bodies. Having multiple players also makes it easier to defend against dangerous creatures and carry more resources.

Specific examples and scenarios can help illustrate the process. For example, imagine you are farming keratin in the deep desert. You have a tamed Sabertooth with high melee damage and a metal hatchet. You come across a Deathworm and engage it carefully, using your Sabertooth to deal damage while avoiding its attacks. After killing the Deathworm, you harvest its body with your metal hatchet and collect a large amount of keratin. You then move on to a nearby area where you find a group of Scorpions. Using your Sabertooth, you quickly kill and harvest them, adding more keratin to your inventory. By the end of your farming session, you have gathered enough keratin to craft several advanced items.

In conclusion, farming keratin on the Scorched Earth map requires careful preparation, the right tools, and a good understanding of the map's layout and creatures. By following the strategies and tips outlined above, you can efficiently gather keratin and use it to craft the items you need for survival and progression in ARK: Survival Evolved.