Introduction
ARK: Survival Evolved, the vast and unforgiving world of dinosaurs, mythical creatures, and prehistoric survival, demands that survivors master a complex web of resource gathering, crafting, and taming. Among the many essential materials, chitin ark survival evolved is a cornerstone resource. This guide is designed to provide you with a complete understanding of this crucial component, helping you thrive in the harsh landscapes of the ARK.
From the moment you awaken on the shores of this mysterious island, the need for shelter, sustenance, and protection becomes paramount. Crafting is the key to unlocking your potential, and as you progress, you’ll quickly discover that chitin ark survival evolved is a fundamental ingredient in a wide variety of items that will drastically improve your survivability. This tough, organic material is your ticket to crafting some of the best protective gear, saddles for powerful creatures, and vital tools. Knowing where to find it, how to harvest it efficiently, and what to use it for is essential to any survivor’s journey.
This article will delve into every aspect of obtaining and utilizing chitin, from identifying the best creatures to harvest, to crafting essential equipment. It will provide you with the knowledge you need to become a master of resource management, setting you on the path to conquer the challenges of the ARK.
What is Chitin?
In the context of chitin ark survival evolved, chitin is more than just a crafting component; it represents a stage of your character’s development. It’s the building block for stronger armor and better tools, and it provides access to many mid-game crafting recipes. Chitin itself is derived from the tough, protective exoskeletons of various creatures inhabiting the ARK. It’s a basic resource, but a critical one.
The visual representation of chitin in the game is generally that of small, hard, off-white or pale pieces. Think of it as the skeletal remains of insects or crustaceans. Its properties mirror this real-world concept in the game, making it tough and useful in a variety of applications.
It’s also important to note the related resource, Keratin. They often get confused. While Keratin functions similarly and are found on some of the same creatures, they aren’t the same. More will be covered in the section discussing this.
Sources of Chitin
Harvesting chitin ark survival evolved involves taking down creatures. The key to efficient chitin collection is knowing which creatures to target and how to approach the harvest.
Killing Creatures
The primary method for acquiring chitin is by slaying creatures that have exoskeletons or some form of protective outer shell. Fortunately, the ARK is teeming with such creatures. The following are some of the most common sources:
Trilobites: These small, harmless, arthropods are some of the earliest creatures you’ll encounter, and they are a great source of early-game chitin.
Arthropluera: These giant, millipede-like creatures can pack a punch, so prepare for a fight. They drop substantial amounts of chitin, making them a good target for experienced players.
Meganeura: These are large dragonflies. Killing these can give you a quick supply early in the game, however, they aren’t as good a source as others.
Kairuku: These penguins drop chitin when killed, and can be a fairly easy target to take down.
Pulmonoscorpius: These scorpion-like creatures can be more challenging to face, as they have a venomous sting. However, they drop a significant amount of chitin.
Broodmother (Boss): The Broodmother is a powerful boss that drops a significant amount of chitin upon defeat. However, you will have to craft a boss battle for this, so it’s a far more involved strategy.
The amount of chitin obtained from each creature varies depending on its level and species. Generally, higher-level creatures will yield more chitin. Some creatures are easier to defeat than others, so consider your current gear and skills before engaging.
The best way to harvest the chitin is to use tools designed to get resources efficiently. For beginners, a hatchet is sufficient. However, as you progress, a metal hatchet or pickaxe will significantly increase your yield and reduce harvest time. Creatures can be harvested with creatures themselves. A good example would be a Direbear.
Other Possible Sources
While the primary source is from creatures, there aren’t any other direct crafting recipes that will give you Chitin.
Best Locations for Chitin Farming
Maximizing your chitin acquisition requires finding the best locations for farming. These locations are typically those with a high concentration of chitin-dropping creatures. Each ARK map offers its own unique advantages.
Map-Specific Locations
The Island:
The Swamp: The swamp area is rife with Pulmonoscorpius and other creatures that yield chitin. However, be cautious of the aggressive wildlife and the environment.
Beaches: The beaches, particularly those near the rivers, offer a decent number of Trilobites and Kairuku for beginners.
Scorched Earth:
Canyons: The canyons on Scorched Earth are home to Arthropluera.
Aberration:
Surface: The surface area, despite the environmental hazards, is a good place to find creatures.
Extinction:
The Wasteland: Many chitin-dropping creatures, including Kairuku and Pulmonoscorpius, can be found here.
Genesis:
Ocean Biome: The ocean biome offers a plentiful supply of chitin-dropping aquatic creatures.
These are just a few suggestions. The best location for you will depend on your level, gear, and preferred play style. Always be aware of the environment and potential dangers.
Tips for Farming
Scouting: Before committing to a farming run, scout the area to assess creature density and potential threats.
Choose the Right Creature: Decide what creatures you want to farm and plan accordingly.
Gear Up: Equip yourself with adequate armor and weapons to deal with the creatures you are targeting.
Harvesting Tools: Use the most efficient harvesting tools available.
Taming: Consider taming creatures that can assist in chitin farming. Creatures such as the Dire Bear, or a Sabertooth, can significantly increase your harvest rate and provide protection.
Prepare and Stay Safe: Pack food, healing items, and any other supplies that you may need. Be prepared to fight for your survival.
Uses of Chitin
Knowing how to obtain chitin ark survival evolved is only half the battle. Understanding its applications is just as important. The uses of chitin are many, and they’ll shape your character’s survival.
Crafting Items
Chitin is primarily used in crafting a variety of essential items:
Chitin Armor: This armor set offers a good level of protection against physical attacks and is a crucial early and mid-game item.
Saddles: Many saddles require chitin, enabling you to ride and control a variety of creatures. Certain saddles are an integral part of taming and utilizing a creature to it’s full potential.
Weapons and Tools: Some weapons and tools require chitin. These items offer improved performance over their basic counterparts.
Other Crafting Recipes: The chitin requirement extends beyond just these examples. Many items found in the game require chitin.
Structures
Chitin does not have much use when it comes to structures. However, structures are important to build as you begin to progress in the game, so keeping them in mind may be worthwhile.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some additional strategies to maximize your chitin ark survival evolved gathering:
Efficiency
Creature Selection: Prioritize creatures that offer the best yield-to-risk ratio.
Strategic Hunting: Plan your hunting routes to maximize the number of creatures you encounter in a given time.
Resource Management: Always have enough carrying capacity and storage available to collect the chitin.
Storage
Dedicated Storage: Store chitin in dedicated storage boxes or structures to keep them organized.
Preservation: Use preserving bins to prevent the chitin from spoiling.
Risks and Challenges
Predator Awareness: Always be mindful of the creatures that can cause the most damage.
Environmental Hazards: Be aware of the environment and potential hazards.
Teamwork: If playing with others, coordinate your efforts and share resources.
Keratin vs. Chitin
Both chitin ark survival evolved and keratin are related crafting resources. Keratin functions similarly, and shares the same sources as Chitin. Keratin is found on creatures, but is generally found from different creatures than Chitin.
Keratin is used in a similar way to chitin. They can be used to craft armors, saddles, and other items.
The main difference is the source. It is important to have both resources available in the game.
Conclusion
Mastering chitin ark survival evolved is a key step in progressing your journey. It will allow you to build stronger armor, ride incredible creatures, and craft many essential tools. By knowing how to identify the best sources, farm efficiently, and utilize the material effectively, you can greatly improve your survivability and thrive in the dangerous world of ARK: Survival Evolved. Remember to always be aware of your surroundings, prepare for any situation, and have fun exploring the vast world of the ARK. Happy hunting!
