Ark Survival Evolved: How to Get Chitin – A Comprehensive Guide

Ark: Survival Evolved presents players with a vast, prehistoric world filled with dinosaurs, crafting, and survival challenges. One of the most crucial resources you’ll need to progress in the game is chitin. This versatile material is essential for crafting armor, tools, and various other items. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to get chitin in Ark, from identifying the best sources to efficient farming methods.

What is Chitin and Why Do You Need It?

Chitin is a resource obtained primarily by harvesting the corpses of insects and other arthropods in Ark: Survival Evolved. Think of it as the exoskeletal remains of bugs and other critters. It’s a crucial component in crafting many mid-to-late game items.

Here’s why chitin is so important:

Armor: Chitin is a key ingredient in crafting chitin armor, a durable and protective set that offers decent defense against various threats.
Tools: Certain tools, like the chitin pick and hatchet, require chitin for their construction. These tools offer improved gathering efficiency compared to their stone counterparts.
Saddles: Some early-game saddles, particularly those for smaller creatures, necessitate chitin.
Various Recipes: Chitin is also used in a variety of other crafting recipes, including narcotics, cementing paste (when combined with keratin), and more advanced structures.

Identifying the Best Sources of Chitin

Several creatures in Ark yield chitin when harvested. However, some are more efficient sources than others. Here’s a breakdown of the most common and effective creatures to hunt for chitin:

Scorpions

Scorpions are a relatively common source of chitin, especially in desert and cave environments. They are relatively easy to kill early on, making them a good starting point for chitin farming. However, be cautious of their torpor-inducing stings.

Spiders (Araneos)

Spiders, particularly those found in caves, are an excellent source of chitin. They can be challenging to fight, especially in groups, but the reward is significant. Bring a strong weapon and consider using a tame capable of dealing with crowds.

Pulmonoscorpius

The Pulmonoscorpius is a giant scorpion found mainly in caves. It’s a tougher opponent than the smaller scorpions but yields a substantial amount of chitin. Taming one can also be incredibly beneficial for cave exploration and chitin farming.

Trilobites

Trilobites are small, slow-moving creatures found in the ocean. They are easy to kill and provide a decent amount of chitin for their size, making them a good option for early-game players with access to the sea. They also provide oil and silica pearls.

Mantis

The Mantis is a formidable creature found in desert regions. While dangerous, it offers a large amount of chitin upon death. Taming a Mantis is highly recommended for advanced players as it serves as a powerful combat mount and chitin harvester.

Dragonflies (Meganeura)

Dragonflies, or Meganeura, are found near swamps and rivers. They can be annoying due to their swarming behavior, but they provide a steady supply of chitin. Use ranged weapons to take them down from a distance.

Leeches

Leeches are found in swampy areas and can attach themselves to players and dinos, draining health. Killing them yields chitin, but the risk involved often outweighs the reward unless you need leech blood as well.

Dung Beetles

Dung Beetles, found in caves, don’t directly provide chitin when killed. However, they consume feces and produce fertilizer and oil, both of which are valuable resources. While not a direct chitin source, managing dung beetles can indirectly aid your survival.

Efficient Farming Methods for Chitin

Once you’ve identified the best sources of chitin, it’s time to optimize your farming strategy. Here are some tips to maximize your chitin yield:

Choosing the Right Tools

The type of tool you use to harvest a creature’s corpse significantly impacts the amount of chitin you obtain. Generally, metal tools are more effective than stone tools. A metal hatchet or pick will yield more chitin than their stone counterparts. Certain creatures are also more effectively harvested with specific tools; experiment to find what works best.

Taming a Chitin-Harvesting Dino

Taming a dino specifically for chitin harvesting can drastically improve your efficiency. Some of the best dinos for this purpose include:

Beelzebufo (Frog): The frog is an excellent choice for harvesting chitin from insects, particularly dragonflies. Its tongue attack allows it to quickly dispatch swarms of insects.
Direwolf: Direwolves are strong combatants and decent harvesters of chitin, especially from creatures like scorpions and spiders.
Sabertooth: Similar to Direwolves, Sabertooths are effective predators and can efficiently harvest chitin from various creatures.
Therizinosaur: With its delicate harvesting setting, the Therizinosaur can be surprisingly effective at gathering chitin from insects.

Cave Exploration

Caves are prime locations for finding chitin-rich creatures like spiders and scorpions. However, caves are also dangerous, so be prepared with appropriate gear, weapons, and tames. Always bring a torch or light source, and consider using a gas mask to protect against poisonous gases in certain caves. [See also: Ark Survival Evolved Cave Guide]

Using the Swamp Cave

The Swamp Cave, found on The Island map, is particularly notorious for its high concentration of spiders and scorpions. While extremely dangerous, a well-prepared player or tribe can reap a massive amount of chitin from this location. Be wary of the poisonous gas and bring antidotes or gas masks.

Resource Multipliers

If you’re playing on a private server or in single-player mode, consider adjusting the resource harvesting multipliers to increase the amount of chitin you receive from each creature. This can significantly reduce the time required to gather the necessary resources. However, be mindful of balance; excessive multipliers can diminish the challenge of the game.

Tips for Safe Chitin Harvesting

Harvesting chitin often involves confronting dangerous creatures. Here are some tips to stay safe:

Wear Armor: Chitin armor, once acquired, is a good starting point. Progress to flak armor for better protection as soon as possible.
Use Ranged Weapons: Ranged weapons, such as bows and crossbows, allow you to engage enemies from a safe distance.
Bring a Tame: A strong combat tame can provide invaluable support, especially when facing multiple enemies.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Pay attention to your surroundings and be prepared for ambushes.
Carry Healing Items: Healing items, such as medical brews and cooked meat, can help you recover from injuries quickly.
Use Torpor-Inducing Weapons: Weapons like the bola, tranquilizer arrow, or electric prod can help you subdue dangerous creatures, making them easier to kill or tame.

Converting Chitin to Keratin

In Ark: Survival Evolved, chitin and keratin are often interchangeable in crafting recipes. However, keratin is primarily obtained from creatures like turtles and dinosaurs. If you find yourself with an abundance of chitin but a shortage of keratin, you can use a cooking pot to convert chitin into keratin. This process requires oil and fuel, but it can be a valuable way to balance your resources.

Conclusion

Chitin is an essential resource in Ark: Survival Evolved, required for crafting armor, tools, and various other items. By understanding the best sources of chitin and implementing efficient farming methods, you can ensure a steady supply of this valuable material. Remember to prioritize safety when hunting for chitin, and consider taming a dino specifically for harvesting purposes. With a little planning and effort, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of chitin acquisition and thriving in the harsh world of Ark. Happy hunting! [See also: Ark Survival Evolved Taming Guide]