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 is essential for crafting items like saddles, armor, and other advanced equipment. Keratin is primarily obtained by harvesting the horns, shells, or claws of certain creatures, such as Triceratops, Ankylosaurus, and Sabertooths. On Scorched Earth, the best creatures to farm for keratin are the Deathworms, Mantises, and Sabertooths, as they drop large amounts of this resource. Below is a detailed guide on how to efficiently farm keratin on this map.

To begin, you need to understand the mechanics of harvesting keratin. Keratin is obtained by killing specific creatures and using tools like a hatchet or a tamed creature with high melee damage to harvest their bodies. On Scorched Earth, Deathworms are one of the best sources of keratin, but they are also extremely dangerous. Deathworms are found in the desert regions, particularly in the dunes and around the edges of the map. They are aggressive and deal significant damage, so you need to be well-prepared before engaging them. Mantises are another good source of keratin and are found in the desert and rocky areas. They are less dangerous than Deathworms but still require caution. Sabertooths are also a reliable source of keratin and can be found in various biomes, including the desert and mountains.

For step-by-step instructions, start by preparing for the hunt. You will need a strong mount, such as a high-level Rex, Wyvern, or Rock Elemental, to take on Deathworms or Mantises. If you are targeting Sabertooths, a mid-level mount like a Carnotaurus or Raptor will suffice. Equip yourself with a good-quality hatchet for harvesting, as it yields more keratin than other tools. Bring plenty of food, water, and medical supplies, as the desert environment can be harsh. If you are playing solo, consider bringing a few backup mounts or tames in case your primary mount is injured or killed.

When farming Deathworms, head to the desert dunes and look for their distinctive burrowing trails. Engage them carefully, using your mount to tank their attacks while you deal damage. Once the Deathworm is dead, use your hatchet to harvest its body for keratin. For Mantises, search the rocky areas and use your mount to quickly dispatch them. Sabertooths can be found in packs, so be prepared to fight multiple enemies at once. After killing them, harvest their bodies with your hatchet.

Important tips and considerations include always being aware of your surroundings. The desert is home to many dangerous creatures, such as Wyverns and Rock Elementals, which can ambush you while you are focused on farming. Keep an eye on your mount's health and stamina, as prolonged fights can leave you vulnerable. If you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to cover more ground and protect each other from threats. Solo players should avoid engaging multiple Deathworms at once, as they can quickly overwhelm you.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the danger of Deathworms and Mantises. These creatures can deal massive damage, especially if you are not properly prepared. Another mistake is not bringing enough supplies, such as food, water, and medical items, which can lead to dehydration or starvation in the harsh desert environment. Additionally, avoid using low-quality tools for harvesting, as they yield less keratin and waste time.

Advanced techniques and optimizations include using a tamed creature with high melee damage to harvest keratin more efficiently. For example, a Sabertooth or Direwolf can harvest keratin from corpses faster than a hatchet. You can also use a chainsaw, which is an advanced tool that yields large amounts of keratin but requires gasoline to operate. If you have access to a Wyvern, use its breath attack to quickly kill groups of Sabertooths or Mantises, then harvest their bodies with a chainsaw or hatchet.

Resource requirements and preparation include having a strong mount, high-quality tools, and plenty of supplies. If you are using a chainsaw, make sure to bring extra gasoline. For tribe play, assign roles to each member, such as one person focusing on combat while another handles harvesting. Solo players should prioritize safety and avoid taking unnecessary risks.

In conclusion, farming keratin on Scorched Earth requires careful preparation, strong mounts, and efficient harvesting tools. Focus on Deathworms, Mantises, and Sabertooths for the best results, and always be aware of the dangers in the desert. With the right strategy, you can gather large amounts of keratin to craft the items you need for survival and progression.