Ark Survival: How to Get Chitin – A Comprehensive Guide

Chitin is a vital resource in Ark: Survival Evolved, essential for crafting a wide array of items, from armor and weapons to saddles and structures. If you’re looking to advance in the game, understanding how to get chitin efficiently is crucial. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the best methods for obtaining chitin, ensuring you’re well-equipped to tackle the challenges of the Ark. We’ll cover everything from the creatures that yield the most chitin to the best strategies for harvesting it.

What is Chitin and Why Do You Need It?

Chitin is a biological polymer found in the exoskeletons of various creatures in Ark. It’s a lightweight, durable material used in numerous crafting recipes. Early in the game, chitin is primarily used for crafting basic armor sets like the Chitin Armor, providing essential protection against the environment and hostile creatures. As you progress, you’ll need it for advanced items like saddles for taming powerful creatures, cementing paste (a key ingredient in many structures), and various weapons and tools.

Without a steady supply of chitin, your progress in Ark will be significantly hampered. Therefore, mastering the art of how to get chitin is not just a helpful skill, but a necessity for survival.

Best Creatures to Farm for Chitin

Several creatures in Ark: Survival Evolved are excellent sources of chitin. Knowing which creatures to target and where to find them is the first step in efficient chitin farming.

Trilobites

Trilobites are small, slow-moving creatures found in shallow waters. They are among the easiest sources of chitin, especially for new players. While they don’t yield a large amount of chitin individually, their abundance makes them a reliable early-game resource. Simply kill them with a spear or any basic weapon to harvest their chitin.

Scorpions

Scorpions are aggressive creatures found in caves and desert areas. They provide a decent amount of chitin and are relatively easy to kill with basic weapons and armor. Be cautious when hunting scorpions, as their venomous stings can cause torpor, rendering you vulnerable to other threats.

Spiders (Araneo)

Spiders, or Araneo, are found exclusively in caves. They are a more challenging source of chitin due to the dangerous environment they inhabit. However, they yield a significant amount of chitin compared to Trilobites and Scorpions. Bring a strong weapon and armor when venturing into caves to hunt spiders.

Pulmonoscorpius

The Pulmonoscorpius, a larger scorpion, is another excellent source of chitin. Found in caves, they are more challenging to defeat than regular scorpions but provide a greater yield of chitin. Taming a strong mount can be beneficial when hunting Pulmonoscorpius.

Centipedes (Arthropluera)

Centipedes, or Arthropluera, are large, aggressive creatures found in caves. They are among the most dangerous creatures you’ll encounter early on when trying to learn how to get chitin. They can inflict significant damage and their acidic spit can damage armor. However, they also provide a substantial amount of chitin. Approach them with caution and use ranged weapons if possible.

Insects in the Swamp Cave

The Swamp Cave is teeming with insects that are excellent sources of chitin. This includes spiders, scorpions, and centipedes. However, the cave is also filled with poisonous gas and other hazards, so bring appropriate protection and be prepared for a challenging environment.

Dung Beetles

Dung Beetles, while not aggressive, are a valuable source of chitin. They are found in caves and feed on feces, converting it into fertilizer and oil. Killing them will yield chitin. They can be a bit harder to spot, so keep an eye out for them while exploring caves.

Other Notable Creatures

Other creatures that yield chitin include: Onyc (bats in caves), Mantis (found in Scorched Earth and Extinction), and various insects found in different biomes.

Efficient Harvesting Techniques

Once you know which creatures to target, the next step is to optimize your harvesting techniques. Using the right tools and strategies can significantly increase your chitin yield.

Using the Right Tools

The type of tool you use to harvest chitin can affect the amount you obtain. Generally, using a metal hatchet or a chainsaw will yield more chitin than using a pickaxe or other less specialized tools. Experiment with different tools to find the most efficient method for each creature.

Tamed Creatures for Harvesting

Tamed creatures can be invaluable for harvesting chitin. Certain creatures are particularly effective at killing and harvesting chitin from specific creatures. Here are a few examples:

Direwolf: Excellent for hunting scorpions and spiders. Their pack bonus and high damage output make them efficient chitin farmers.
Sabertooth: Similar to Direwolves, Sabertooths are effective hunters in caves and can quickly dispatch scorpions and spiders.
Beelzebufo (Frog): The frog can harvest cementing paste from insects, but also harvests chitin very efficiently from the same creatures.

Strategic Hunting Locations

Knowing where to find the highest concentrations of chitin-bearing creatures is essential for efficient farming. Caves are generally the best locations, but specific caves may be more productive than others. The Swamp Cave, for example, is known for its high concentration of insects. The Central Cave is another great option. Be sure to explore different caves and note which ones yield the most chitin.

Using a Thylacoleo

The Thylacoleo is a great mount for cave exploration and chitin farming. It can climb walls, making it easy to navigate treacherous terrain, and its powerful bite can quickly dispatch most creatures you’ll encounter in caves.

Tips and Tricks for Maximizing Chitin Production

Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you maximize your chitin production:

Use a Chitin Armor Set: While you’re farming chitin, wearing a full set of Chitin Armor provides decent protection against the creatures you’ll encounter. This allows you to stay in the field longer and harvest more chitin.
Bring Healing Items: Be sure to bring plenty of healing items, such as berries or medical brews, to recover from injuries sustained during combat.
Use Torpor-Reducing Items: If you’re hunting scorpions or other creatures that inflict torpor, bring stimulants or other torpor-reducing items to prevent being knocked unconscious.
Clear the Area: Before you start harvesting, clear the area of any potential threats. This will prevent you from being interrupted by other creatures while you’re looting chitin.
Use a Chemistry Bench: A Chemistry Bench allows you to craft advanced items that require chitin more efficiently. Consider building one to streamline your crafting process.

Alternative Methods for Obtaining Chitin

While hunting creatures is the primary method for obtaining chitin, there are a few alternative methods you can use to supplement your supply.

Trading with Other Players

If you’re having trouble finding enough chitin, you can try trading with other players. Many players are willing to trade chitin for other resources or items.

Looting Supply Crates

Supply crates sometimes contain chitin, although this is not a reliable source. Keep an eye out for supply crates while exploring the Ark, but don’t rely on them for your primary chitin supply.

Conclusion

Mastering how to get chitin is essential for progression in Ark: Survival Evolved. By targeting the right creatures, using efficient harvesting techniques, and employing strategic hunting locations, you can ensure a steady supply of chitin to fuel your crafting needs. Whether you’re building armor, crafting saddles, or constructing advanced structures, chitin will be a crucial resource throughout your Ark adventure. So gear up, head out, and start farming!

Remember to adapt your strategies based on your current level and the resources available to you. Early game, focus on Trilobites and Scorpions. As you progress, venture into caves to hunt spiders, centipedes, and other high-yield creatures. With practice and persistence, you’ll become a master of chitin farming in Ark: Survival Evolved. [See also: Ark Survival Taming Guide] [See also: Best Base Locations in Ark] [See also: Ark Resource Map]