Where are the best locations to farm cementing paste on The Island in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Cementing Paste is one of the most valuable resources in ARK: Survival Evolved, especially for mid to late-game crafting. It is used in a wide variety of structures, weapons, and tools, making it essential for base building and progression. On The Island map, there are several effective methods to farm Cementing Paste, each with its own mechanics, strategies, and considerations. Below is a detailed guide on how to efficiently gather Cementing Paste, including tips, common mistakes, and advanced techniques.

One of the most common ways to obtain Cementing Paste is by harvesting it from beaver dams. Beavers can be found in specific locations on The Island, primarily in the rivers and lakes of the Redwood Forest and the Hidden Lake area. Beavers build dams that contain large amounts of Cementing Paste, along with other resources like wood and rare flowers. To farm Cementing Paste from beaver dams, you will need to locate these dams, which are often found near the water. However, be aware that beavers are territorial and will attack if you get too close. To avoid conflict, you can use a flying mount like an Argentavis or a Pteranodon to quickly approach the dam, grab the resources, and fly away before the beavers react. It is important to note that taking resources from a beaver dam will cause the beavers to become hostile, so always be prepared to escape quickly.

Another method to obtain Cementing Paste is by crafting it using Chitin or Keratin and Stone in a Mortar and Pestle or Chemistry Bench. Chitin and Keratin can be harvested from insects, scorpions, and certain dinosaurs like Triceratops or Ankylosaurus. Stone is abundant and can be gathered from rocks using a pickaxe or a mining dinosaur like the Doedicurus. This method is more time-consuming than farming beaver dams, but it is a reliable way to produce Cementing Paste if you have access to the necessary resources. To optimize this method, consider taming a Megatherium, which gains a bonus to Chitin harvesting, especially after killing insects. This can significantly increase your Chitin yield and make the process more efficient.

For players who prefer a more hands-off approach, taming a Achatina (snail) is an excellent option. Achatina passively produces Achatina Paste, which can be used as a substitute for Cementing Paste. While the production rate is slow, having multiple Achatina in your base can provide a steady supply of Achatina Paste over time. This method requires minimal effort once the snails are tamed, making it ideal for solo players or small tribes who want to focus on other tasks.

When farming Cementing Paste, there are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind. First, always carry a flying mount when approaching beaver dams, as it allows for quick escapes and reduces the risk of being overwhelmed by beavers. Second, if you are crafting Cementing Paste, prioritize taming dinosaurs that can efficiently gather Chitin or Keratin, such as the Megatherium or Sabertooth. Third, consider building a base near beaver dam locations to minimize travel time and maximize efficiency. Finally, be mindful of other players in PvP servers, as beaver dams are often contested resources.

Common mistakes to avoid include taking all the resources from a beaver dam without leaving any behind. If you completely empty a dam, it will despawn, and the beavers will not rebuild it. To prevent this, always leave at least one item in the dam, such as a single piece of wood or thatch. This ensures that the dam remains intact and will continue to respawn resources over time. Another mistake is underestimating the danger of beavers. While they may seem harmless, a group of beavers can quickly overwhelm an unprepared player, especially if you are on foot. Always approach beaver dams with caution and have an escape plan ready.

Advanced techniques for farming Cementing Paste include using a high-level Argentavis or Quetzal to carry a Ankylosaurus or Doedicurus to resource-rich areas. This allows you to gather large amounts of Stone and Chitin in a single trip, which can then be converted into Cementing Paste. Additionally, consider setting up a dedicated crafting area with multiple Mortar and Pestles or a Chemistry Bench to speed up the production process. For tribes, coordinating resource gathering efforts can significantly increase efficiency. Assign specific roles to tribe members, such as one person gathering Chitin while another focuses on Stone, to streamline the process.

In terms of resource requirements and preparation, you will need a reliable source of Chitin or Keratin, Stone, and access to beaver dams. Taming dinosaurs like the Megatherium, Sabertooth, or Doedicurus can greatly enhance your resource gathering capabilities. For solo players, focusing on Achatina taming or crafting Cementing Paste in small batches may be more manageable. For tribes, coordinating large-scale farming operations and setting up resource outposts near beaver dam locations can yield significant amounts of Cementing Paste.

Specific examples of effective Cementing Paste farming locations on The Island include the river north of the Redwood Forest, the Hidden Lake area, and the rivers near the Green Obelisk. These areas are known for their high concentration of beaver dams and are relatively easy to access with a flying mount. By following the strategies outlined above and avoiding common mistakes, you can efficiently farm Cementing Paste and ensure a steady supply for all your crafting needs in ARK: Survival Evolved.