Where are the best locations to farm polymer and organic polymer on Extinction in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Farming polymer and organic polymer in ARK: Survival Evolved on the Extinction map requires a good understanding of the map's unique biomes and the creatures that drop these resources. Polymer is a high-tier resource used for crafting advanced items, while organic polymer is a temporary substitute that can be harvested from certain creatures. Extinction offers several efficient ways to gather both, but preparation and strategy are key to maximizing your yield.

To farm polymer, you will need to focus on harvesting specific materials or looting specific creatures. Polymer can be crafted from obsidian and cementing paste, but on Extinction, the most efficient way to farm it is by killing and harvesting corrupted creatures, particularly corrupted nodes. These nodes are found in the Wasteland biome and drop polymer when harvested. To optimize this, use a high-damage creature like a Rex, Giga, or Wyvern to quickly kill corrupted creatures. A chainsaw or metal hatchet can also be used to harvest more polymer from their bodies. Additionally, you can find polymer in supply crates and orbital drops scattered across the map, especially in the Wasteland and Desert biomes.

Organic polymer, on the other hand, is best farmed from specific creatures. On Extinction, the best sources are Karkinos (giant crabs) and Mantises, which are found in the Desert biome. Karkinos drop a significant amount of organic polymer when harvested, and Mantises also provide a decent yield. To farm these creatures efficiently, use a high-damage tame like a Rex or a pack of Raptors. A chainsaw or metal hatchet will give you the best harvesting results. Another good source of organic polymer is the Gacha, a creature that can produce resources, including organic polymer, when fed the right items. Gachas are found in the Snow Dome biome and can be tamed to passively generate resources.

Preparation is crucial for farming these resources. Before heading out, ensure you have the right tools and tames. A chainsaw is highly recommended for harvesting, as it yields the most resources. Bring a strong combat tame to handle the hostile creatures in the Wasteland and Desert biomes. If you are farming in the Snow Dome for Gachas, make sure to wear fur armor or use an otter to withstand the cold. Additionally, bring preserving bins or a refrigerator to store organic polymer, as it spoils quickly.

For solo players, farming polymer and organic polymer can be challenging due to the hostile environment and strong creatures. It is recommended to use a strong combat tame and avoid engaging large groups of corrupted creatures at once. For tribes, coordination can make the process easier. Assign roles such as combat, harvesting, and resource transportation to maximize efficiency. Tribes can also set up outposts near resource-rich areas to reduce travel time.

Common mistakes to avoid include venturing into high-danger areas without proper preparation, such as the Wasteland or Desert biomes without strong tames or armor. Another mistake is not bringing preserving bins or refrigerators for organic polymer, leading to spoilage. Additionally, avoid overextending your tames in combat, as corrupted creatures can quickly overwhelm even strong tames if not managed carefully.

Advanced techniques include using a Tek suit to quickly traverse the map and escape dangerous situations. Tek suits also provide additional protection and utility, making them ideal for resource farming. Another optimization is to use a Gacha farm, where multiple Gachas are tamed and fed to produce organic polymer passively. This method requires less active farming and can be set up in a secure base.

In summary, farming polymer and organic polymer on Extinction requires careful preparation, the right tools and tames, and an understanding of the map's biomes. Focus on corrupted nodes and creatures in the Wasteland for polymer, and Karkinos, Mantises, or Gachas for organic polymer. Use strong combat tames, bring preserving bins, and consider advanced techniques like Tek suits or Gacha farms to optimize your resource gathering. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, these strategies will help you efficiently gather the resources needed for advanced crafting and progression in ARK: Survival Evolved.