What are the best strategies for farming chitin and keratin on Ragnarok in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Farming chitin and keratin on Ragnarok in ARK: Survival Evolved is essential for crafting items like cementing paste, saddles, and armor. Both resources are primarily obtained from killing certain creatures, such as trilobites, scorpions, spiders, and mantises. Ragnarok, being a large and diverse map, offers several excellent locations and strategies for efficient farming. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you maximize your chitin and keratin collection.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics. Chitin and keratin are dropped by specific creatures when killed. Trilobites, found near water, are a passive source of chitin and are easy to kill. Scorpions, spiders, and mantises are more aggressive and can be found in caves or specific biomes. Keratin is also dropped by creatures like turtles and horned dinosaurs. To farm these resources effectively, youÔÇÖll need a strong mount or weapon, as many of these creatures are dangerous in groups or in confined spaces like caves.

For step-by-step strategies, start by preparing your gear. A high-damage weapon like a sword or pike is useful for solo players, but a tamed creature like a Sabertooth, Megatherium, or Direwolf is far more efficient. The Megatherium, in particular, is excellent for farming chitin because it gets a buff called "Insect Killer" after killing insects, which increases its damage and resistance. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, focus on taming one of these creatures before attempting large-scale farming. For tribes, coordinating with multiple players and mounts can speed up the process significantly.

Next, identify the best farming locations on Ragnarok. The Desert Biome is a prime spot for farming keratin, as it is home to many scorpions and mantises. The Highlands also have a good number of scorpions and spiders. For chitin, the Ice Cave and the Jungle Cave are excellent locations, as they are densely populated with spiders and scorpions. Be cautious in caves, as they are dangerous and often require careful navigation. Bring a light source, such as a torch or a glow pet, to avoid getting lost.

When farming, focus on killing creatures efficiently. Use your mountÔÇÖs attacks to quickly dispatch groups of enemies. If youÔÇÖre using a Megatherium, let it kill a few insects to activate its buff, which will make it even more effective. For solo players, avoid engaging large groups of enemies at once, as they can overwhelm you. Instead, lure them out one by one or use ranged weapons to thin their numbers before engaging in melee combat.

Important tips and considerations include bringing a harvesting tool like a metal hatchet or chainsaw to maximize resource yield. Some creatures, like trilobites, can be harvested more efficiently with a pickaxe. Always carry a few stacks of food, water, and medical supplies, especially when farming in caves or dangerous biomes. If youÔÇÖre playing on a PvP server, be aware of other players who might ambush you while farming. Consider bringing a small, hidden storage box to stash resources in case of an emergency.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the dangers of caves or high-density farming areas. Always scout the area first and ensure you have a clear escape route. Another mistake is overloading your mount with resources, which can slow you down and make you vulnerable. Use a weight-reducing mount like a Procoptodon or Argentavis to carry your loot more efficiently.

Advanced techniques include using a tamed Argentavis or Quetzal to transport your farming mount to remote locations. This allows you to quickly move between farming spots without wasting time. You can also set up a small outpost near farming areas with storage and crafting stations to process resources on the go. For tribes, assigning roles like scout, harvester, and defender can optimize the farming process.

Resource requirements and preparation include having a strong mount, high-quality weapons, and tools. Bring plenty of food, water, and medical supplies, especially for extended farming sessions. If youÔÇÖre farming in caves, consider bringing grappling hooks or climbing picks to navigate tricky terrain.

For tribe and solo considerations, tribes can divide tasks to cover more ground and protect each other. Solo players should focus on taming a strong mount and farming in safer areas until they are well-equipped for more dangerous locations.

Specific examples include farming in the Desert Biome near the Wyvern Trench, where scorpions and mantises are abundant. Another example is the Ice Cave, which is filled with spiders and scorpions but requires careful preparation due to its cold environment and tight spaces.

By following these strategies, you can efficiently farm chitin and keratin on Ragnarok, ensuring you have the resources needed for advanced crafting and progression in ARK: Survival Evolved.