What are the best ways to gather cementing paste in the Crystal Isles map of ARK: Survival Evolved?

Cementing Paste is one of the most valuable resources in ARK: Survival Evolved, especially in the Crystal Isles map, as it is essential for crafting advanced structures, weapons, and tools. There are several effective methods to gather Cementing Paste on Crystal Isles, each with its own mechanics, strategies, and considerations. Below is a detailed guide on the best ways to farm Cementing Paste, including tips, common mistakes, and advanced techniques.

One of the most efficient ways to gather Cementing Paste is by harvesting it from beaver dams. Beaver dams are found in specific locations on the Crystal Isles map, particularly in the rivers and lakes of the Emerald Forest and the surrounding areas. These dams contain large amounts of Cementing Paste, along with other resources like wood and rare flowers. To harvest Cementing Paste from beaver dams, you need to approach the dam and access its inventory. However, be cautious, as the beavers (Castoroides) guarding the dams can become aggressive if you take their resources. It is recommended to either kill the beavers first or use a tamed creature like a Rex or Spino to clear the area. After looting the dam, you can either destroy it to encourage respawning or leave it intact, as it will eventually respawn on its own. Be aware that taking all the resources from a dam will cause it to disappear, so consider leaving a small amount of wood or other items to keep it intact.

Another effective method for gathering Cementing Paste is by crafting it using Chitin or Keratin and Stone in a Mortar and Pestle or Chemistry Bench. Chitin and Keratin can be obtained by harvesting insects, scorpions, trilobites, and certain dinosaurs like Ankylosaurus or Sabertooth. Stone is abundant and can be gathered from rocks using a pickaxe or a tamed Ankylosaurus. To craft Cementing Paste, combine 4 Chitin or Keratin with 8 Stone in a Mortar and Pestle, or use a Chemistry Bench for more efficient production. This method is particularly useful if you are in an area with limited access to beaver dams or if you prefer a more controlled farming process.

A third method involves taming a Megatherium, a large sloth-like creature that excels at harvesting Chitin from insects. Megatheriums have a special ability called the "Bug Killer" buff, which significantly increases their damage and harvesting efficiency when killing insects. This makes them ideal for farming Chitin, which can then be used to craft Cementing Paste. To use this method, tame a Megatherium and take it to areas with high insect populations, such as caves or swamp biomes. Kill insects like Titanomyrma, Araneo, or Pulmonoscorpius to gather large amounts of Chitin quickly. Once you have enough Chitin, return to your base and craft Cementing Paste using a Mortar and Pestle or Chemistry Bench.

For players who prefer a more passive approach, taming a Achatina (snail) is an excellent option. Achatina produce Achatina Paste, which can be used as a substitute for Cementing Paste in most recipes. While Achatina Paste is not as efficient as Cementing Paste, it is a renewable resource that can be collected over time. To use this method, tame a Achatina and place it in a secure area of your base. Achatina will passively produce Achatina Paste, which can be collected from their inventory. Keep in mind that Achatina require a specific diet of Sweet Vegetable Cake to remain healthy and productive, so ensure you have a steady supply of this resource.

When gathering Cementing Paste, there are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind. First, always be prepared for combat when approaching beaver dams, as the Castoroides can be aggressive and may call for reinforcements. Second, when crafting Cementing Paste, prioritize using a Chemistry Bench over a Mortar and Pestle, as it is more efficient and requires fewer resources. Third, if you are farming Chitin or Keratin, consider using a tamed creature with high harvesting stats, such as a Sabertooth or Ankylosaurus, to maximize your yield. Finally, if you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to divide tasks, such as one player gathering Chitin while another crafts Cementing Paste, to optimize efficiency.

Common mistakes to avoid include overharvesting beaver dams, which can lead to their destruction and a delay in respawning. Additionally, avoid engaging in combat with Castoroides without proper preparation, as they can quickly overwhelm an unprepared player. When crafting Cementing Paste, ensure you have enough Stone and Chitin or Keratin to avoid running out of materials mid-crafting. Finally, do not neglect the maintenance of tamed creatures like Achatina, as they require regular feeding to remain productive.

Advanced techniques for gathering Cementing Paste include using a Quetzal or Argentavis to transport large amounts of resources quickly. These flying creatures can carry heavy loads and are ideal for transporting Cementing Paste from beaver dams or Chitin from insect-rich areas. Additionally, consider setting up a base near a river or lake with multiple beaver dams to create a centralized farming location. This will reduce travel time and increase efficiency. For tribes, consider assigning specific roles, such as a dedicated farmer or crafter, to streamline the process and maximize resource output.

In conclusion, gathering Cementing Paste on the Crystal Isles map requires a combination of resourcefulness, preparation, and strategy. Whether you choose to harvest from beaver dams, craft it using Chitin or Keratin, or rely on tamed creatures like Megatherium or Achatina, each method has its own advantages and challenges. By following the tips and strategies outlined above, you can efficiently gather Cementing Paste and ensure your survival and progression in ARK: Survival Evolved.