Where are the best locations for farming polymer in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Farming polymer in ARK: Survival Evolved is essential for crafting advanced items like weapons, armor, and structures. Polymer is a versatile resource used in many high-tier recipes, and there are two main types: organic polymer and regular polymer. Organic polymer is a temporary resource that spoils over time, while regular polymer is crafted and does not spoil. Below is a detailed guide on how to efficiently farm polymer, including strategies, tips, and considerations.
Organic polymer is the easiest to obtain early in the game. It can be harvested from certain creatures, such as Kairuku (penguins), Mantis, and Hesperornis. Kairuku are found in the snowy regions of the Island, particularly around the western and northern coasts. To farm organic polymer from Kairuku, you can use a high-damage weapon like a metal hatchet or a tamed creature with high melee damage, such as a Direwolf or Sabertooth. Killing Kairuku yields a significant amount of organic polymer, but be cautious of the cold weather in these areas. Bring fur armor or a otter to stay warm. Mantis, found in the desert regions of Scorched Earth or Ragnarok, also drop organic polymer when killed. Hesperornis, found near water sources, can be killed for organic polymer as well, though they are less efficient than Kairuku.
Regular polymer is crafted using obsidian and cementing paste in a fabricator. Obsidian is found in mountainous regions, particularly on the tops of volcanoes or high cliffs. Cementing paste is crafted from chitin or keratin and stone, or it can be harvested from beaver dams. To farm obsidian, use a metal pickaxe or a tamed Ankylosaurus. Ankylosaurus is highly efficient for gathering obsidian due to its weight reduction and harvesting bonus. Cementing paste can be obtained by farming chitin from creatures like Trilobites, Araneo, or Scorpions, or by raiding beaver dams in rivers. Be cautious when raiding beaver dams, as the beavers may become aggressive.
For advanced players, farming organic polymer from Kairuku is often the most efficient method. However, organic polymer spoils quickly, so it is best used immediately or stored in a preserving bin with preserving salts to extend its lifespan. Regular polymer, while more time-consuming to craft, is permanent and does not spoil, making it ideal for long-term storage and use.
When farming polymer, preparation is key. Bring appropriate tools, such as metal hatchets or pickaxes, and consider taming creatures that can assist in harvesting. For example, a tamed Argentavis can carry an Ankylosaurus to obsidian-rich areas, allowing for efficient resource gathering. Additionally, always be prepared for combat, as many polymer-rich areas are inhabited by dangerous creatures. Bring weapons, armor, and healing items to ensure your safety.
Common mistakes to avoid include venturing into dangerous areas unprepared, such as the snowy regions or desert biomes, without proper gear. Another mistake is overharvesting organic polymer without a plan to use it before it spoils. Always have a crafting plan in place to maximize the use of your resources.
For tribes, polymer farming can be optimized by assigning roles. One player can focus on harvesting obsidian, while another gathers cementing paste or organic polymer. This division of labor ensures efficient resource collection and reduces the risk of spoilage. Solo players should prioritize taming creatures like the Ankylosaurus and Argentavis to streamline the farming process.
In summary, farming polymer in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning and preparation. Whether you are harvesting organic polymer from Kairuku or crafting regular polymer from obsidian and cementing paste, understanding the mechanics and optimizing your strategy will ensure a steady supply of this valuable resource. Always be mindful of the dangers in polymer-rich areas and plan your resource usage to avoid spoilage. With the right tools, creatures, and preparation, you can efficiently farm polymer and advance your crafting capabilities in the game.
Organic polymer is the easiest to obtain early in the game. It can be harvested from certain creatures, such as Kairuku (penguins), Mantis, and Hesperornis. Kairuku are found in the snowy regions of the Island, particularly around the western and northern coasts. To farm organic polymer from Kairuku, you can use a high-damage weapon like a metal hatchet or a tamed creature with high melee damage, such as a Direwolf or Sabertooth. Killing Kairuku yields a significant amount of organic polymer, but be cautious of the cold weather in these areas. Bring fur armor or a otter to stay warm. Mantis, found in the desert regions of Scorched Earth or Ragnarok, also drop organic polymer when killed. Hesperornis, found near water sources, can be killed for organic polymer as well, though they are less efficient than Kairuku.
Regular polymer is crafted using obsidian and cementing paste in a fabricator. Obsidian is found in mountainous regions, particularly on the tops of volcanoes or high cliffs. Cementing paste is crafted from chitin or keratin and stone, or it can be harvested from beaver dams. To farm obsidian, use a metal pickaxe or a tamed Ankylosaurus. Ankylosaurus is highly efficient for gathering obsidian due to its weight reduction and harvesting bonus. Cementing paste can be obtained by farming chitin from creatures like Trilobites, Araneo, or Scorpions, or by raiding beaver dams in rivers. Be cautious when raiding beaver dams, as the beavers may become aggressive.
For advanced players, farming organic polymer from Kairuku is often the most efficient method. However, organic polymer spoils quickly, so it is best used immediately or stored in a preserving bin with preserving salts to extend its lifespan. Regular polymer, while more time-consuming to craft, is permanent and does not spoil, making it ideal for long-term storage and use.
When farming polymer, preparation is key. Bring appropriate tools, such as metal hatchets or pickaxes, and consider taming creatures that can assist in harvesting. For example, a tamed Argentavis can carry an Ankylosaurus to obsidian-rich areas, allowing for efficient resource gathering. Additionally, always be prepared for combat, as many polymer-rich areas are inhabited by dangerous creatures. Bring weapons, armor, and healing items to ensure your safety.
Common mistakes to avoid include venturing into dangerous areas unprepared, such as the snowy regions or desert biomes, without proper gear. Another mistake is overharvesting organic polymer without a plan to use it before it spoils. Always have a crafting plan in place to maximize the use of your resources.
For tribes, polymer farming can be optimized by assigning roles. One player can focus on harvesting obsidian, while another gathers cementing paste or organic polymer. This division of labor ensures efficient resource collection and reduces the risk of spoilage. Solo players should prioritize taming creatures like the Ankylosaurus and Argentavis to streamline the farming process.
In summary, farming polymer in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning and preparation. Whether you are harvesting organic polymer from Kairuku or crafting regular polymer from obsidian and cementing paste, understanding the mechanics and optimizing your strategy will ensure a steady supply of this valuable resource. Always be mindful of the dangers in polymer-rich areas and plan your resource usage to avoid spoilage. With the right tools, creatures, and preparation, you can efficiently farm polymer and advance your crafting capabilities in the game.