In ARK: Survival Evolved, you're not just dodging dinosaurs and building bases — you're also on the hunt for materials that keep your gear strong and your survival chances high. One of those key resources? Chitin. Whether you're crafting armor or upgrading your base, you'll definitely want to know how to get chitin in ARK the smart way. This guide breaks it all down, from bug-hunting adventures to sustainable
Steps To Get Chitin in ARK
Method 1: Smash Bugs – Creatures That Drop Chitin
The most straightforward way to get chitin in ARK? Squash the bugs that drop it. Here's what drops chitin in ARK:
- Trilobites (your new crunchy best friend)
- Scorpions
- Spiders
- Mantises
- Arthroplueras
Out of this creepy-crawly bunch, Trilobites are your go-to. They’re slow, hang out in shallow water near the coast, and drop a hearty pile of chitin when you harvest them with a metal hatchet — emphasis on metal. Using a regular tool won’t give you nearly as much.
Scorpions and spiders make things a bit more… interesting. Scorpions chill in caves, while spiders lurk in the Redwood Forest, flinging webs and generally being a pain. Still, a metal hatchet will help you collect chitin from them once they’re down.
Looking for a big payday? Take on Mantises or Arthroplueras. These baddies drop tons of chitin but aren’t a walk in the park. Arthroplueras can be found slithering around in ancient caves, while Mantises thrive in volcanic and desert biomes. Bring a strong weapon or a reliable dino with you — you’ll need the backup.
So next time someone asks,
"what animals drop chitin in ARK?" — now you know it’s these not-so-lovely bugs and creepy crawlies.
Method 2: Harvest Corpses with a Hatchet or Pickaxe
If bug-hunting isn’t your thing, you can always get chitin in ARK by looting dino corpses with a hatchet or pickaxe. This method also rewards you with keratin, another handy resource for crafting.
So how do you get chitin in ARK this way? Simple — go after dinos like:
- Dilophosaurus
- Ankylosaurus
- Stegosaurus
- Triceratops
These creatures aren’t specifically chitin creatures, but they do drop it (along with keratin). Plus, they’re all over the island and much easier to fight than cave-dwelling horrors. Again, a hatchet is your best friend here.
This method is perfect if you’re grinding for large amounts of chitin and keratin. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to defeat quite a few creatures to fill your inventory — so get ready for a dino beatdown session.
Looking for where to find chitin in ARK? Well, pretty much everywhere if you’re using this method. Just roam the island, pick your targets, and get harvesting.
Method 3: Tame Achatinas for Passive Chitin Production
Now here’s the chillest method of all. If constant battling isn’t your style, you can farm chitin in ARK with the help of Achatinas — aka snails. Once tamed, these slimy little guys will generate chitin over time, no violence required.
Here’s how it works:
- You’ll need a Sweet Vegetable Cake to tame an Achatina.
- This cake is made from Sap, Giant Bee Honey, and Vegetables.
- Once tamed, stick your snail buddy in a secure area of your base.
Over time, it’ll passively produce chitin.
That’s it. No danger, no mess — just a happy snail doing its thing. You can find Achatinas in wetland areas, and they’re super easy to tame (as long as you bring that cake).
If you're into sustainable farming, this method is gold. No need to constantly worry about
how to get chitin in ARK — just check in on your snail friends every so often.
Wrapping Up
So, when you're asking yourself how to get chitin in ARK, just remember these three solid methods:
- Kill and harvest chitin-dropping creatures like Trilobites, Mantises, and Scorpions.
- Loot dinosaur corpses with a hatchet or pickaxe for chitin and keratin.
- Tame Achatinas for a long-term, chill supply of chitin.
Whether you prefer bug-hunting, dino-slaying, or passive production, there's a method to fit your survival style. Just don’t forget to bring the right tools — and maybe a battle-hardened dinosaur friend if you’re going up
against the big baddies.
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FAQ
No, fishing won’t net you any chitin. While some underwater creatures like Eurypterids do drop chitin, they’re too rare to rely on.
Unfortunately, no. Tamed dinos won’t drop chitin when they die. Stick to wild ones or other players’ kills.
Not a chance. Trees give you wood and thatch, and crops give you veggies. You’ll need to hunt or tame for chitin.