What are the best spots for farming keratin in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Farming keratin in ARK: Survival Evolved is an essential task for crafting various items, such as armor, saddles, and other advanced equipment. Keratin is primarily obtained by harvesting the horns, shells, or claws of certain creatures. The best spots for farming keratin depend on the map you are playing on, but there are general strategies and locations that work well across most maps. Below is a detailed guide on how to efficiently farm keratin, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

Keratin is primarily obtained from creatures like Triceratops, Carbonemys, Ankylosaurus, Stegosaurus, and Sabertooths. These creatures are commonly found in various biomes, making them accessible for both solo players and tribes. The key to efficient keratin farming is targeting creatures that drop large amounts of keratin and using the right tools or dinosaurs to maximize your yield. A metal hatchet or a tamed Therizinosaurus with points invested in Power Harvesting is ideal for harvesting keratin, as they provide the highest yield.

One of the best spots for farming keratin on The Island map is the area around the Redwood Forest and the surrounding plains. This region is populated with Triceratops, Stegosaurus, and Sabertooths, all of which drop keratin. Another excellent location is the beaches, where you can find Carbonemys turtles. These turtles are slow and easy to kill, making them a great target for solo players. On Scorched Earth, the desert areas are filled with creatures like Sabertooths and Ankylosaurus, which are excellent sources of keratin. On Aberration, the surface and the fertile regions are good spots to find Stegosaurus and Ankylosaurus.

To farm keratin efficiently, start by taming a Therizinosaurus or using a high-quality metal hatchet. The Therizinosaurus is particularly effective because it can harvest multiple resources at once, including keratin, chitin, and hide. If you are using a hatchet, make sure it is repaired and in good condition before heading out. Once you have your tools or dinosaur ready, head to the areas mentioned above and start hunting the creatures that drop keratin. Focus on Triceratops and Stegosaurus first, as they drop the most keratin per kill. Sabertooths and Carbonemys are also good targets, especially if you are in a less dangerous area.

When farming keratin, it is important to be prepared for combat. Many of the creatures that drop keratin, such as Sabertooths and Triceratops, can be aggressive and dangerous, especially in groups. Bring a strong mount, such as a Rex or a Spino, to protect yourself while farming. If you are playing solo, consider using ranged weapons like a crossbow or a longneck rifle to take down creatures from a safe distance. Always keep an eye on your surroundings, as other predators may attack while you are harvesting.

One common mistake players make when farming keratin is not using the right tools or dinosaurs. Using a pickaxe instead of a hatchet will yield less keratin, and using a low-level dinosaur for harvesting will also reduce your efficiency. Another mistake is not being prepared for combat, which can lead to unnecessary deaths and loss of resources. Always bring healing items, such as cooked meat or medical brews, and make sure your mount is well-fed and healthy before heading out.

Advanced techniques for keratin farming include using a Quetzal or Argentavis to transport your harvesting dinosaur to remote locations. This allows you to quickly move between farming spots and carry large amounts of resources back to your base. Another advanced strategy is to set up a small outpost near a keratin-rich area, complete with storage boxes and a bed for respawning. This reduces the time spent traveling and allows you to farm more efficiently.

Resource requirements for keratin farming are relatively low. You will need a metal hatchet or a tamed Therizinosaurus, as well as a strong mount for protection. If you are setting up an outpost, you will need building materials like wood, stone, and thatch. For solo players, it is important to focus on mobility and safety, while tribes can divide tasks, with some members farming and others providing protection.

In conclusion, farming keratin in ARK: Survival Evolved is a straightforward but essential task. By targeting the right creatures, using the best tools or dinosaurs, and being prepared for combat, you can efficiently gather large amounts of keratin. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, following these strategies will help you progress faster and craft the items you need for survival and advancement.