What are the best locations for farming chitin in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Farming chitin in ARK: Survival Evolved is essential for crafting items like cementing paste, which is used in advanced building structures and crafting recipes. Chitin is primarily obtained by harvesting the remains of certain creatures, such as trilobites, scorpions, spiders, and arthropluera. The best locations for farming chitin depend on the map you are playing on, but there are some general strategies and areas that are highly effective across most maps.

On The Island, one of the best locations for farming chitin is the Swamp Cave, located in the Redwood Forest. This cave is filled with dangerous creatures like scorpions, spiders, and arthropluera, all of which drop chitin when harvested. However, the Swamp Cave is extremely hazardous due to its high levels of radiation and toxic gas, so proper preparation is crucial. You will need a gas mask or scuba gear to survive the toxic environment, and it is highly recommended to bring a strong mount like a Megatherium, which deals bonus damage to insects and can harvest large amounts of chitin quickly. Another excellent location on The Island is the Caverns of Lost Faith, which is an underwater cave filled with trilobites and eurypterids. These creatures drop chitin and silica pearls, making it a dual-purpose farming spot. A strong underwater mount like a Basilosaurus or a pack of Megalodons is recommended for this cave.

On Scorched Earth, the best chitin farming locations are the desert areas and caves. The desert is home to scorpions and arthropluera, which can be found roaming the dunes. The caves on Scorched Earth, such as the Old Tunnels and the Ruins of Nosti, are also filled with these creatures. However, the caves are dangerous due to the presence of predators like raptors and sabertooths, so bringing a strong mount like a Rex or a pack of wolves is advisable. Additionally, the heat in the desert and caves can be deadly, so make sure to bring plenty of water and wear desert armor to mitigate the effects of the heat.

On Aberration, chitin can be farmed from creatures like scorpions, spiders, and nameless, which are found in the Bioluminescent and Elemental regions. The Bioluminescent region is relatively safer compared to the Elemental region, but both areas are filled with dangerous creatures. A strong mount like a Ravager or a Rock Drake is recommended for navigating these areas and harvesting chitin. The Elemental region is particularly dangerous due to the presence of reapers and rock drakes, so extreme caution is advised.

On Extinction, chitin can be farmed from corrupted creatures like scorpions and arthropluera, which are found in the Wasteland and the Desert Dome. The Wasteland is a highly dangerous area due to the presence of corrupted rexes and other powerful creatures, so bringing a strong mount like a Giga or a pack of Velonasaurs is recommended. The Desert Dome is relatively safer but still contains dangerous creatures like scorpions and arthropluera, so caution is still necessary.

When farming chitin, it is important to bring the right tools and mounts. A metal pick or a chainsaw is the most effective tool for harvesting chitin from creatures. Mounts like the Megatherium, which has a bonus against insects, or the Sabertooth, which has a high harvesting rate, are excellent choices for chitin farming. Additionally, using a tamed creature with high melee damage will allow you to kill and harvest chitin more efficiently.

One common mistake to avoid is underestimating the dangers of the areas where chitin is farmed. Many of the best chitin farming locations are filled with dangerous creatures and environmental hazards, so proper preparation is key. Always bring the necessary gear, such as gas masks, scuba gear, or desert armor, and make sure your mount is strong enough to handle the threats in the area. Another mistake is not bringing enough resources, such as food, water, and medical supplies, which can lead to death and loss of progress.

Advanced techniques for chitin farming include using a tamed creature with high melee damage and a high harvesting rate, such as a Megatherium or a Sabertooth. These creatures can quickly kill and harvest chitin from multiple creatures, allowing you to farm large amounts of chitin in a short amount of time. Additionally, using a chainsaw or a metal pick will increase the amount of chitin you can harvest from each creature.

Resource requirements and preparation for chitin farming include bringing the necessary tools, such as a metal pick or chainsaw, and the appropriate gear, such as a gas mask or scuba gear. You will also need a strong mount to protect you from the dangers of the area and to help you harvest chitin more efficiently. Additionally, bringing plenty of food, water, and medical supplies is essential for surviving the hazards of chitin farming locations.

Tribe and solo considerations for chitin farming include the size of your group and the resources available to you. In a tribe, you can divide tasks, such as one person gathering chitin while another protects the group from threats. Solo players will need to be more cautious and ensure they have the necessary gear and mounts to handle the dangers of chitin farming locations.

In conclusion, farming chitin in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful preparation and the right tools and mounts. The best locations for chitin farming are often the most dangerous, so always be prepared for the hazards you will face. By following these strategies and tips, you can efficiently farm chitin and gather the resources you need for advanced crafting and building.