Where are the best locations for farming polymer in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Farming polymer in ARK: Survival Evolved is a crucial task for crafting advanced items like weapons, armor, and structures. Polymer is a high-tier resource used in many late-game recipes, and there are two main types: organic polymer and regular polymer. Organic polymer is gathered from creatures like Kairuku, Mantis, and Hesperornis, while regular polymer is crafted using obsidian and cementing paste. Below is a detailed guide on the best locations and strategies for farming polymer, along with tips and considerations.

The best locations for farming organic polymer depend on the map you are playing. On The Island, the most efficient spot is the western coast near the snow biome, where Kairuku penguins spawn in large numbers. These creatures drop a significant amount of organic polymer when harvested. On Scorched Earth, you can find Mantis in the desert, which also provide organic polymer. On Aberration, the best source is the Karkinos, a giant crab-like creature found in the Bioluminescent and Element regions. On Extinction, corrupted creatures like the Corrupted Paracer and Corrupted Spino drop organic polymer when killed. For regular polymer, you need to gather obsidian, which is abundant in mountainous regions on most maps, and cementing paste, which can be crafted from chitin or keratin and stone or harvested from beaver dams.

To farm organic polymer efficiently, you will need a strong tamed creature with high damage output, such as a Rex, Therizinosaurus, or Sabertooth. These creatures can quickly kill Kairuku or Mantis and harvest their bodies. For Kairuku, head to the western coast of The Island, where they gather in large groups. Use your tamed creature to kill and harvest them, but be cautious of nearby predators like wolves and sabertooths. For Mantis on Scorched Earth, bring a strong mount and plenty of water, as the desert heat can be deadly. On Aberration, Karkinos can be challenging to kill, so bring a high-level tamed creature and be prepared for a tough fight. On Extinction, corrupted creatures are aggressive and often travel in groups, so bring a powerful mount and be ready for combat.

For regular polymer, you need to gather obsidian and cementing paste. Obsidian is found in mountainous regions, often near metal nodes. Use a metal pickaxe or an Ankylosaurus to harvest it efficiently. Cementing paste can be crafted in a mortar and pestle or chemistry bench using chitin or keratin and stone. Alternatively, you can raid beaver dams for cementing paste, but be cautious of the beavers, as they will attack if you take their resources. Once you have obsidian and cementing paste, craft polymer in a fabricator.

Important tips for farming polymer include bringing preserving bins or a refrigerator to store organic polymer, as it spoils quickly. Organic polymer spoils in about 30 minutes, so use it immediately or store it in preserving bins with sparkpowder to extend its lifespan. For regular polymer, stockpile obsidian and cementing paste in your base to craft polymer as needed. Always bring a strong mount and weapons when farming, as the areas with polymer sources are often dangerous. On The Island, the snow biome is cold, so wear fur armor or use a torch to stay warm. On Scorched Earth, bring water and desert gear to survive the heat. On Aberration, bring hazard suits to protect against radiation in certain areas.

Common mistakes to avoid include not bringing enough storage for organic polymer, as it spoils quickly, and not preparing for the dangers of the areas where polymer sources are found. Another mistake is not using the right tools or creatures for harvesting. For example, using a metal pickaxe on obsidian is more efficient than using a stone pickaxe. Also, avoid taking too much cementing paste from beaver dams at once, as this will anger the beavers and make them aggressive.

Advanced techniques for farming polymer include using a chainsaw to harvest organic polymer from Kairuku or Mantis, as it yields more resources than other tools. You can also use a tamed Pelagornis to harvest organic polymer from Hesperornis, as it has a bonus for harvesting from these creatures. For regular polymer, use a chemistry bench to craft cementing paste more efficiently, and use an industrial forge to smelt obsidian into polymer faster. If you are in a tribe, assign roles to members to optimize resource gathering, such as having one person gather obsidian while another gathers cementing paste.

Resource requirements and preparation include bringing a strong mount, weapons, armor, and tools for harvesting. For organic polymer, bring preserving bins or a refrigerator to store the resources. For regular polymer, bring a fabricator or chemistry bench to craft the polymer. Always bring food, water, and medical supplies, as the areas with polymer sources are often dangerous.

Tribe and solo considerations include coordinating with your tribe to gather resources more efficiently. In a tribe, you can assign roles to members, such as one person gathering obsidian while another gathers cementing paste. Solo players should focus on gathering resources in smaller amounts and storing them in preserving bins to prevent spoilage. Solo players should also be cautious when farming in dangerous areas, as they may not have backup if they encounter hostile creatures.

Specific examples and scenarios include farming Kairuku on The Island, where you can gather large amounts of organic polymer quickly but must be cautious of predators. On Scorched Earth, farming Mantis in the desert requires preparation for the heat and potential threats like Deathworms. On Aberration, farming Karkinos in the Bioluminescent region requires hazard suits and strong mounts. On Extinction, farming corrupted creatures requires powerful weapons and mounts to handle their aggression.

In conclusion, farming polymer in ARK: Survival Evolved requires preparation, the right tools and creatures, and knowledge of the best locations. Whether you are farming organic polymer from creatures or crafting regular polymer from obsidian and cementing paste, following these strategies will help you gather this valuable resource efficiently. Always be prepared for the dangers of the areas where polymer sources are found, and use advanced techniques and tribe coordination to optimize your farming efforts.