Where are the best locations for farming polymer in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Farming polymer in ARK: Survival Evolved is a crucial task for mid to late-game progression, as polymer is used in crafting advanced items like weapons, armor, and structures. Polymer can be obtained in two main forms: organic polymer and regular polymer. Organic polymer is a resource that can be harvested from certain creatures, while regular polymer is crafted using obsidian and cementing paste. Below, I will provide a detailed guide on the best locations and methods for farming polymer, along with tips and strategies to optimize your efforts.
Organic polymer is the easier of the two to farm, as it can be harvested directly from creatures like Kairuku, Mantis, and Hesperornis. Kairuku, found in the snowy regions of the Island map, are the most efficient source of organic polymer. To farm organic polymer from Kairuku, you will need to travel to the western coast of the snow biome, near the icebergs. Bring a strong carnivore like a Sabertooth or Direwolf to quickly kill the Kairuku and harvest their bodies. Each Kairuku can yield a significant amount of organic polymer, making this method highly efficient. However, be cautious of the cold weather and hostile creatures like Yetis and Wolves in this area. Wearing fur armor or using a cold-resistant mount is recommended.
Another excellent source of organic polymer is the Mantis, found in the desert regions of Scorched Earth or Ragnarok. Mantis can be killed and harvested using a chainsaw or a high-damage weapon, yielding a good amount of organic polymer. However, Mantis are dangerous and can deal significant damage, so it is advisable to bring a strong mount or a group of tamed creatures to assist you. Hesperornis, found near water sources on various maps, also drop organic polymer when killed. However, they are less efficient than Kairuku or Mantis, so they are not the preferred choice for farming.
For regular polymer, you will need to gather obsidian and cementing paste. Obsidian is found in large quantities in mountainous regions, particularly on the Island map in areas like the Volcano, the Snow Biome, and the top of Frozen Fang. Use a metal pickaxe or an Ankylosaurus to harvest obsidian efficiently. Cementing paste can be obtained by crafting it in a mortar and pestle or chemistry bench using chitin/keratin and stone, or by harvesting it from beaver dams. Beaver dams are found near rivers and lakes, particularly in the Redwood Forest and the Hidden Lake on the Island map. Be cautious when looting beaver dams, as the beavers will become aggressive if you take their resources.
When farming polymer, it is important to prepare adequately. Bring a strong mount for protection and resource gathering, such as an Ankylosaurus for obsidian or a Sabertooth for Kairuku. Carry enough food, water, and medical supplies to sustain yourself during the farming process. If you are playing solo, consider setting up a small outpost near the farming location to store resources and respawn if needed. For tribes, coordinate with your members to divide tasks, such as one person gathering obsidian while another collects cementing paste.
A common mistake to avoid is overharvesting organic polymer without proper storage. Organic polymer spoils quickly and cannot be preserved in a preserving bin or refrigerator. To extend its lifespan, you can craft it into regular polymer, which does not spoil. Another mistake is venturing into dangerous areas without adequate preparation. Always scout the area beforehand and bring appropriate gear and mounts to handle any threats.
Advanced techniques for farming polymer include using a chainsaw for harvesting organic polymer from Mantis or Kairuku, as it yields more resources than other tools. Additionally, using a Quetzal or Argentavis with a platform saddle can allow you to transport large amounts of obsidian or other resources efficiently. For tribes, setting up a dedicated farming team with specialized roles can significantly increase productivity.
In summary, the best locations for farming polymer depend on the type of polymer you need. For organic polymer, the snow biome on the Island map is ideal for Kairuku, while the desert regions of Scorched Earth or Ragnarok are best for Mantis. For regular polymer, focus on gathering obsidian from mountainous areas and cementing paste from beaver dams or crafting. Proper preparation, resource management, and coordination with your tribe are key to successful polymer farming. By following these strategies and avoiding common mistakes, you can efficiently gather the polymer needed for advanced crafting and progression in ARK: Survival Evolved.
Organic polymer is the easier of the two to farm, as it can be harvested directly from creatures like Kairuku, Mantis, and Hesperornis. Kairuku, found in the snowy regions of the Island map, are the most efficient source of organic polymer. To farm organic polymer from Kairuku, you will need to travel to the western coast of the snow biome, near the icebergs. Bring a strong carnivore like a Sabertooth or Direwolf to quickly kill the Kairuku and harvest their bodies. Each Kairuku can yield a significant amount of organic polymer, making this method highly efficient. However, be cautious of the cold weather and hostile creatures like Yetis and Wolves in this area. Wearing fur armor or using a cold-resistant mount is recommended.
Another excellent source of organic polymer is the Mantis, found in the desert regions of Scorched Earth or Ragnarok. Mantis can be killed and harvested using a chainsaw or a high-damage weapon, yielding a good amount of organic polymer. However, Mantis are dangerous and can deal significant damage, so it is advisable to bring a strong mount or a group of tamed creatures to assist you. Hesperornis, found near water sources on various maps, also drop organic polymer when killed. However, they are less efficient than Kairuku or Mantis, so they are not the preferred choice for farming.
For regular polymer, you will need to gather obsidian and cementing paste. Obsidian is found in large quantities in mountainous regions, particularly on the Island map in areas like the Volcano, the Snow Biome, and the top of Frozen Fang. Use a metal pickaxe or an Ankylosaurus to harvest obsidian efficiently. Cementing paste can be obtained by crafting it in a mortar and pestle or chemistry bench using chitin/keratin and stone, or by harvesting it from beaver dams. Beaver dams are found near rivers and lakes, particularly in the Redwood Forest and the Hidden Lake on the Island map. Be cautious when looting beaver dams, as the beavers will become aggressive if you take their resources.
When farming polymer, it is important to prepare adequately. Bring a strong mount for protection and resource gathering, such as an Ankylosaurus for obsidian or a Sabertooth for Kairuku. Carry enough food, water, and medical supplies to sustain yourself during the farming process. If you are playing solo, consider setting up a small outpost near the farming location to store resources and respawn if needed. For tribes, coordinate with your members to divide tasks, such as one person gathering obsidian while another collects cementing paste.
A common mistake to avoid is overharvesting organic polymer without proper storage. Organic polymer spoils quickly and cannot be preserved in a preserving bin or refrigerator. To extend its lifespan, you can craft it into regular polymer, which does not spoil. Another mistake is venturing into dangerous areas without adequate preparation. Always scout the area beforehand and bring appropriate gear and mounts to handle any threats.
Advanced techniques for farming polymer include using a chainsaw for harvesting organic polymer from Mantis or Kairuku, as it yields more resources than other tools. Additionally, using a Quetzal or Argentavis with a platform saddle can allow you to transport large amounts of obsidian or other resources efficiently. For tribes, setting up a dedicated farming team with specialized roles can significantly increase productivity.
In summary, the best locations for farming polymer depend on the type of polymer you need. For organic polymer, the snow biome on the Island map is ideal for Kairuku, while the desert regions of Scorched Earth or Ragnarok are best for Mantis. For regular polymer, focus on gathering obsidian from mountainous areas and cementing paste from beaver dams or crafting. Proper preparation, resource management, and coordination with your tribe are key to successful polymer farming. By following these strategies and avoiding common mistakes, you can efficiently gather the polymer needed for advanced crafting and progression in ARK: Survival Evolved.