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 also one of the most hazardous areas in the game due to its high levels of radiation and the presence of hostile creatures. To safely farm chitin here, you will need a strong mount like a Megatherium, which gets a damage boost against insects and can easily clear the cave. Additionally, you will need a gas mask or scuba gear to protect against the cave's toxic gas. Bring plenty of medical brews and stimulants to counteract the effects of the gas and to keep your stamina up.

Another excellent location on The Island is the Caverns of Lost Hope, an underwater cave located in the ocean. This cave is filled with trilobites, which drop chitin when harvested. To farm here, you will need a strong water mount like a Basilosaurus or a Tuso, as well as scuba gear to breathe underwater. The Caverns of Lost Hope are less dangerous than the Swamp Cave, but you still need to be cautious of hostile sea creatures like eels and jellyfish.

On Scorched Earth, the best location for farming chitin is the Desert Cave, which is filled with scorpions and spiders. This cave is less hazardous than the Swamp Cave on The Island, but you still need to be prepared with a strong mount and plenty of supplies. A Sabertooth or a Direwolf is a good choice for this cave, as they are fast and can deal with the smaller creatures easily. Bring plenty of water and food, as the desert environment can quickly drain your hydration and stamina.

On Aberration, the best location for farming chitin is the Elemental Vault, which is filled with scorpions and spiders. This area is highly dangerous due to the presence of Reapers and other hostile creatures, so you will need a strong mount like a Rock Drake or a Reaper King to safely navigate the area. Bring plenty of light sources, as the area is dark and can be disorienting.

On Extinction, the best location for farming chitin is the Desert Biome, which is filled with scorpions and arthropluera. This area is less dangerous than some of the other maps, but you still need to be cautious of hostile creatures like the Giganotosaurus. A strong mount like a Velonasaur or a Managarmr is a good choice for this area, as they can deal with the creatures quickly and efficiently.

When farming chitin, it is important to have the right tools and equipment. A metal pick or a chainsaw is the best tool for harvesting chitin, as they yield the most resources. Additionally, having a high-level mount with good melee damage will make the process faster and safer. It is also important to bring plenty of supplies, including food, water, medical brews, and stimulants, as well as a bed or sleeping bag in case you need to respawn.

One common mistake to avoid is underestimating the dangers of the areas where chitin is found. Many of the best farming locations are filled with hostile creatures and environmental hazards, so it is important to be prepared and to have a strong mount. Another mistake is not bringing enough supplies, which can lead to death and loss of resources.

Advanced techniques for farming chitin include using a Megatherium in the Swamp Cave, as it gets a damage boost against insects and can clear the cave quickly. Additionally, using a chainsaw to harvest chitin from creatures like the arthropluera can yield a large amount of resources in a short amount of time. It is also a good idea to set up a small base or outpost near the farming location, so you can store resources and respawn if needed.

In terms of tribe and solo considerations, farming chitin is generally easier in a tribe, as you can have multiple people working together to clear the area and gather resources. However, it is still possible to farm chitin solo if you are well-prepared and have a strong mount. In a tribe, you can assign roles, such as one person clearing the area while another harvests the resources, which can make the process more efficient.

In conclusion, farming chitin in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful preparation and the right tools and equipment. The best locations for farming chitin depend on the map you are playing on, but generally include caves and hazardous areas filled with creatures that drop chitin. By following the strategies and tips outlined above, you can efficiently farm chitin and gather the resources needed for advanced crafting and building.