How To Make Polymer ARK
Polymer is one of the most important materials in ARK: Survival Evolved. It’s used in crafting all sorts of advanced gear, including high-tech equipment and powerful weapons. That’s why every player eventually asks: how to make polymer in ARK?
The thing is, polymer isn’t always easy to come by. You can get it either through crafting, gathering, or hunting but each method also has its own pros and cons. In this ARK polymer guide, we’ll go over all the main ways you can farm or craft polymer effectively.
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Crafting Polymer in ARK
The most straightforward way to make polymer in ARK is by using the Fabricator. But first, you’ll need to unlock the polymer engram, which becomes available once you hit level 48. After unlocking it, the recipe is pretty simple: just combine 2 obsidian and 2 cementing paste.
Obsidian is easy to recognize. It’s those shiny, dark rocks scattered around the ARK world. You’ll find the biggest supply of it in the northeastern volcano area.
As for cementing paste, you’ll need stone and chitin or keratin. Stones are everywhere and can be picked up or mined. Chitin and keratin come from hunting creatures like scorpions, spiders, and trilobites. Just take them down and gather what you need.
There’s also another way to craft polymer, though it’s a bit more resource-heavy. You can make it at the Smithy, but the recipe is different. You’ll need:
- 50 thatch
- 30 wood
- 20 hide
- 100 stone
- 60 metal ingots
Once you’ve got everything, head to your Smithy’s “Polymer” tab and drag the materials into the crafting queue. It’s not the most efficient option, but it works if a Fabricator isn’t available yet.
Gathering Organic Polymer
If crafting isn’t your thing or you’re short on obsidian and cementing paste, you can always gather organic polymer in ARK instead. Just a heads-up: organic polymer in ARK spoils over time and only stacks up to 20 per slot in your inventory. That means you’ll have to move quickly. You can either use it right away or store it in a Preserving Bin.
To collect organic polymer in ARK, you’ll need to take out penguins or praying mantises. Penguins hang out on the beaches in the Snow Biome, while mantises roam the Redwood Forest.
Once you’ve taken them down, use a hatchet or pickaxe to harvest the organic polymer from their bodies. It’s a great alternative when you’re polymer farming in ARK and need resources fast.
Hunting for Polymer
If crafting and gathering sound like too much work, you can also get polymer by hunting certain creatures. Karkinos and Rock Elementals both drop polymer when killed.
- Karkinos can be found in the Aberration and Genesis Part 1 DLCs
- Rock Elementals show up in the Ragnarok and Scorched Earth maps
These creatures aren’t the easiest to fight, but the reward is worth it. Also, if you’re in the Extinction DLC, look out for Tek Triceratops and Tek Stegosaurus. They drop electronics, which you can use to craft polymer.
Choosing the Best Method for You
When it comes to how to make polymer in ARK, using cementing paste and obsidian in the Fabricator is the fastest and most effective way. But there are other options too. You can also collect organic polymer in ARK by harvesting it from penguins, praying mantises, or even certain creature droppings. These methods can be useful depending on your situation.
Think about what resources you have, where you are in the game, and what your current goals are. Your best method really depends on those factors. Don’t be afraid to test out different strategies. Polymer farming in ARK is important for progression, so the more you explore your options, the better.
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FAQ
Yes, you can automate some of the process. An industrial grinder can break down items like polymer into their base components. It runs on electricity or gasoline and works much faster than doing it by hand. Just keep in mind, the industrial grinder is expensive to make and maintain, so it’s best for players who are already well-established in the game.
No, you can’t use a chemistry bench to craft polymer in ARK. The chem bench is great for making advanced items and consumables, but polymer isn’t one of them. You’ll need to stick with the Fabricator or the Smithy for that. Or, you can gather organic polymer from creatures and natural sources.
Yes, there are a couple of good ways to boost your organic polymer farming in ARK. One is to use a chainsaw when harvesting dead penguins or praying mantises. It gives you way more organic polymer than a pickaxe or hatchet. Another tip is to use a tamed creature with high melee damage. The higher the melee stat, the more resources it gathers. Direwolves and Sabertooths are especially good at this.
Absolutely. Polymer is valuable, and other players might be willing to trade for it. Just make sure you’re trading with someone you trust, especially if you’re playing online. Scams do happen.
No, selling ARK items like polymer for real money goes against the game’s terms of service. Doing so could get you banned. Plus, it might break the rules of the platform you’re using, like Steam or Xbox Live. It’s better to play fair and enjoy the game the right way.
Final Thoughts
It can be difficult to make polymer in ARK. However, once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty rewarding. Just make sure you have a solid plan and the right tools. With this ARK polymer guide, you’ll be ready to keep your gameplay smooth and steady.