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 or found in specific locations, while regular polymer is crafted using obsidian and cementing paste. This answer will focus on organic polymer farming, as it is often more efficient for early to mid-game players.
Organic polymer can be harvested from creatures like Kairuku, Mantis, and Hesperornis. Kairuku, found in the snowy regions of the Island map, are the most reliable source of organic polymer. To farm polymer from Kairuku, you will need to travel to the snowy biome, which is located in the northwest part of the map. This area is dangerous due to the cold weather and the presence of predators like wolves and sabertooths, so preparation is key. You will need fur armor or other cold-resistant gear to survive the freezing temperatures. Additionally, bringing a strong mount like a Rex or a Carno can help protect you from hostile creatures.
Once you reach the snowy biome, look for groups of Kairuku near the coastlines. These penguin-like creatures are passive and will not attack you, making them easy targets. Use a high-damage weapon like a metal hatchet or a chainsaw to harvest the most polymer from each Kairuku. A chainsaw is particularly effective, as it yields a large amount of organic polymer per kill. However, chainsaws require gasoline to operate, so make sure to bring enough fuel. If you do not have a chainsaw, a metal hatchet is a good alternative, though it will yield less polymer per kill.
After harvesting the Kairuku, you will need to store the organic polymer quickly, as it spoils over time. Organic polymer has a short spoil timer, so it is important to have preserving bins or a refrigerator nearby to extend its lifespan. If you are farming in a remote location, consider building a small outpost with preserving bins to store the polymer before transporting it back to your main base. Alternatively, you can use a tamed Argentavis or other flying mount to carry the polymer back to your base quickly.
Another source of organic polymer is the Mantis, found in the desert regions of the Scorched Earth map. Mantis can be harvested using a pickaxe or a chainsaw, but they are more dangerous than Kairuku, as they are aggressive and can deal significant damage. To farm polymer from Mantis, you will need to bring strong armor and weapons, as well as a tamed mount like a Rex or a Wyvern to protect you. The desert biome is also extremely hot, so you will need desert clothing or other heat-resistant gear to survive.
Hesperornis, found in rivers and lakes on the Island map, also drop organic polymer when killed. These bird-like creatures are passive but will flee when attacked, so you will need to use a ranged weapon or a fast mount to catch them. Hesperornis are less efficient for polymer farming compared to Kairuku, but they can be a good alternative if you are unable to access the snowy biome.
When farming organic polymer, it is important to avoid common mistakes. One mistake is not bringing enough cold or heat-resistant gear, which can lead to death from environmental hazards. Another mistake is not bringing a preserving bin or refrigerator, which can result in losing a significant amount of polymer due to spoilage. Additionally, players often underestimate the dangers of the snowy or desert biomes and fail to bring adequate protection, leading to encounters with hostile creatures that can quickly end a farming run.
For advanced players, optimizing polymer farming can involve using tamed creatures with high harvesting stats. For example, a tamed Therizinosaurus with points invested in power harvesting can yield large amounts of organic polymer from Kairuku or Mantis. Additionally, using a Quetzal or Argentavis with a platform saddle can allow you to transport large quantities of polymer quickly and safely.
In terms of tribe considerations, polymer farming can be more efficient with a group. One player can focus on harvesting while others provide protection or transport the polymer back to base. Solo players will need to be more cautious and ensure they have the necessary gear and mounts to handle the dangers of the farming locations.
In summary, the best locations for farming organic polymer in ARK: Survival Evolved are the snowy biome for Kairuku, the desert biome for Mantis, and rivers or lakes for Hesperornis. Preparation is key, including bringing the right gear, weapons, and mounts, as well as preserving bins or refrigerators to store the polymer. Avoid common mistakes like underestimating environmental hazards or failing to protect your harvested polymer from spoilage. Advanced techniques like using high-harvesting creatures or flying mounts can optimize your farming efficiency. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, careful planning and execution will ensure successful polymer farming.
Organic polymer can be harvested from creatures like Kairuku, Mantis, and Hesperornis. Kairuku, found in the snowy regions of the Island map, are the most reliable source of organic polymer. To farm polymer from Kairuku, you will need to travel to the snowy biome, which is located in the northwest part of the map. This area is dangerous due to the cold weather and the presence of predators like wolves and sabertooths, so preparation is key. You will need fur armor or other cold-resistant gear to survive the freezing temperatures. Additionally, bringing a strong mount like a Rex or a Carno can help protect you from hostile creatures.
Once you reach the snowy biome, look for groups of Kairuku near the coastlines. These penguin-like creatures are passive and will not attack you, making them easy targets. Use a high-damage weapon like a metal hatchet or a chainsaw to harvest the most polymer from each Kairuku. A chainsaw is particularly effective, as it yields a large amount of organic polymer per kill. However, chainsaws require gasoline to operate, so make sure to bring enough fuel. If you do not have a chainsaw, a metal hatchet is a good alternative, though it will yield less polymer per kill.
After harvesting the Kairuku, you will need to store the organic polymer quickly, as it spoils over time. Organic polymer has a short spoil timer, so it is important to have preserving bins or a refrigerator nearby to extend its lifespan. If you are farming in a remote location, consider building a small outpost with preserving bins to store the polymer before transporting it back to your main base. Alternatively, you can use a tamed Argentavis or other flying mount to carry the polymer back to your base quickly.
Another source of organic polymer is the Mantis, found in the desert regions of the Scorched Earth map. Mantis can be harvested using a pickaxe or a chainsaw, but they are more dangerous than Kairuku, as they are aggressive and can deal significant damage. To farm polymer from Mantis, you will need to bring strong armor and weapons, as well as a tamed mount like a Rex or a Wyvern to protect you. The desert biome is also extremely hot, so you will need desert clothing or other heat-resistant gear to survive.
Hesperornis, found in rivers and lakes on the Island map, also drop organic polymer when killed. These bird-like creatures are passive but will flee when attacked, so you will need to use a ranged weapon or a fast mount to catch them. Hesperornis are less efficient for polymer farming compared to Kairuku, but they can be a good alternative if you are unable to access the snowy biome.
When farming organic polymer, it is important to avoid common mistakes. One mistake is not bringing enough cold or heat-resistant gear, which can lead to death from environmental hazards. Another mistake is not bringing a preserving bin or refrigerator, which can result in losing a significant amount of polymer due to spoilage. Additionally, players often underestimate the dangers of the snowy or desert biomes and fail to bring adequate protection, leading to encounters with hostile creatures that can quickly end a farming run.
For advanced players, optimizing polymer farming can involve using tamed creatures with high harvesting stats. For example, a tamed Therizinosaurus with points invested in power harvesting can yield large amounts of organic polymer from Kairuku or Mantis. Additionally, using a Quetzal or Argentavis with a platform saddle can allow you to transport large quantities of polymer quickly and safely.
In terms of tribe considerations, polymer farming can be more efficient with a group. One player can focus on harvesting while others provide protection or transport the polymer back to base. Solo players will need to be more cautious and ensure they have the necessary gear and mounts to handle the dangers of the farming locations.
In summary, the best locations for farming organic polymer in ARK: Survival Evolved are the snowy biome for Kairuku, the desert biome for Mantis, and rivers or lakes for Hesperornis. Preparation is key, including bringing the right gear, weapons, and mounts, as well as preserving bins or refrigerators to store the polymer. Avoid common mistakes like underestimating environmental hazards or failing to protect your harvested polymer from spoilage. Advanced techniques like using high-harvesting creatures or flying mounts can optimize your farming efficiency. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, careful planning and execution will ensure successful polymer farming.