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Chitin Armor in ARK: Survival Evolved – A Comprehensive Guide

In the harsh world of ARK: Survival Evolved, survival hinges on preparedness. One of the earliest and most accessible armor sets players can craft is chitin armor. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of chitin armor, covering its crafting requirements, stats, durability, advantages, and disadvantages, and its place in the early to mid-game progression. Whether you are a new player just starting your journey or a seasoned survivor looking to refresh your knowledge, understanding chitin armor is crucial for staying alive.

What is Chitin Armor?

Chitin armor is a basic armor set in ARK: Survival Evolved, crafted primarily from chitin, a resource obtained from harvesting insects and other creatures. It’s an early-game staple, offering decent protection against physical damage and some insulation against the elements. While not the strongest armor available, its relatively easy acquisition makes it a valuable asset for players just starting out.

Crafting Chitin Armor

To craft chitin armor, you’ll need to gather the necessary resources and learn the engram. Here’s a breakdown:

Engram Requirement: Level 15
Crafting Station: Smithy (or Fabricator for higher quality versions)
Resources:
- Chitin: The primary component, obtained from killing and harvesting insects like ants, scorpions, and spiders.
- Hide: A common resource obtained from harvesting the bodies of most creatures.
- Fiber: Gathered from plants using your hands or a sickle.

The specific amount of each resource required varies depending on the armor piece (helmet, chestpiece, gauntlets, leggings, and boots). Consult your in-game crafting menu for the exact recipe.

Efficient Chitin Farming

Efficiently gathering chitin is crucial for crafting and maintaining your chitin armor. Some of the best methods include:

Swamps: Swamps are teeming with insects, making them prime locations for chitin farming. Be cautious of dangerous creatures like snakes and crocodiles.
Caves: Many caves, especially the lower-level ones, contain large numbers of insects. Bring a weapon effective against them, such as a sword or pike.
Taming a Dung Beetle: Dung Beetles passively produce fertilizer and oil from feces, but they also reduce the weight of chitin carried in their inventory, making them useful for extended farming trips.

Chitin Armor Stats and Durability

Chitin armor provides a base level of protection against damage. The exact stats vary slightly depending on the crafting quality (primitive, ramshackle, apprentice, etc.). Here’s a general overview:

Armor Value: Each piece of chitin armor adds to your total armor value, reducing incoming damage.
Durability: Chitin armor has a limited durability, meaning it will break down over time as you take damage. Repairing it requires more chitin, hide, and fiber.
Weight: Each piece of chitin armor adds weight to your inventory, impacting your movement speed.
Insulation: Chitin armor provides some insulation against both heat and cold, helping you regulate your body temperature in extreme environments.

Advantages of Chitin Armor

Chitin armor offers several advantages, particularly in the early game:

Early Availability: The engram unlocks at a relatively low level, making it accessible to new players.
Easy to Craft: The required resources are relatively easy to acquire, allowing you to quickly craft a full set of armor.
Decent Protection: While not the best, chitin armor provides adequate protection against early-game threats like raptors and dilophosaurs.
Good Insulation: The insulation provided by chitin armor can be helpful in surviving extreme temperatures, especially in areas like the snow biome.

Disadvantages of Chitin Armor

Despite its advantages, chitin armor also has some drawbacks:

Low Durability: Chitin armor is relatively fragile and breaks down quickly, requiring frequent repairs.
Limited Protection: As you progress through the game, chitin armor becomes less effective against stronger creatures and weapons.
Weight: The weight of chitin armor can be a burden, especially when carrying other resources.

When to Use Chitin Armor

Chitin armor is best suited for the early to mid-game. It’s ideal for:

New Players: Providing a basic level of protection while you explore and gather resources.
Early Exploration: Allowing you to venture further from your base without being immediately vulnerable.
Resource Gathering: Protecting you from minor threats while you focus on gathering essential materials.

As you level up and gain access to better resources, you should consider upgrading to more advanced armor sets like hide armor, flak armor, or riot armor. [See also: Hide Armor vs Chitin Armor: Which is Best for Early Game?]

Upgrading from Chitin Armor

Once you reach higher levels, you’ll want to transition to more durable and protective armor sets. Here are some options:

Hide Armor: A step up from chitin armor, offering better protection and durability.
Flak Armor: A more advanced armor set that provides excellent protection against both physical and projectile damage.
Riot Armor: Designed for protection against heat and projectiles, ideal for desert environments and PvP combat.
Tek Armor: The ultimate armor set, offering unparalleled protection and unique abilities, but requires advanced technology and resources.

Alternatives to Chitin Armor

While chitin armor is a readily available option, there are alternatives to consider, especially if you can find them early on:

Cloth Armor: Offers minimal protection but is very lightweight and easy to craft. Useful for hot environments where insulation is a priority.
Hide Armor: A superior alternative if you can acquire enough hide early on. Provides better protection and durability than chitin armor.

Tips and Tricks for Using Chitin Armor

Repair Frequently: Regularly check your chitin armor and repair it before it breaks completely. This will maximize its lifespan and effectiveness.
Carry Spare Parts: Always carry extra chitin, hide, and fiber so you can repair your armor on the go.
Combine with Buffs: Use buffs like Enduro Stew or Fortitude to increase your resistance to damage and reduce the strain on your armor.
Prioritize Protection: Focus on protecting your head and chest, as these areas are most vulnerable to damage.

The Importance of Armor in ARK: Survival Evolved

Armor is a vital component of survival in ARK: Survival Evolved. It protects you from damage, reduces the effects of extreme temperatures, and increases your overall survivability. Choosing the right armor for the situation is crucial for success.

Chitin armor is your gateway to surviving the early dangers of the ARK. Mastering its crafting, maintenance, and strategic use will significantly improve your chances of survival and set you on the path to becoming a formidable survivor. As you progress, remember to upgrade to more advanced armor sets to face the ever-increasing challenges that await you. [See also: Best Armor Sets in ARK: A Tier List]

Conclusion

Chitin armor is an essential early-game item in ARK: Survival Evolved. While it’s eventually surpassed by more advanced armor sets, its accessibility and decent protection make it a valuable asset for new players and early exploration. By understanding its strengths and weaknesses, you can effectively utilize chitin armor to survive and thrive in the challenging world of ARK. Remember to farm chitin efficiently, repair your armor regularly, and upgrade to better options as you progress. Good luck, survivor!