Polymer is an essential component in Ark: Survival Evolved for survivors looking to step into mid-to-late-game technology. Unlocking advanced weaponry, high-durability armor, and automated structures requires a reliable flow of this material. Understanding the required crafting ingredients and operational setup will save you valuable time during your progression.
Gathering the Core Crafting Materials
To craft standard polymer, you must collect two primary resources: obsidian and cementing paste. Obsidian can be mined from shiny, dark rocks usually found near mountain peaks or volcanic areas using a pickaxe or an Ankylo. Cementing paste is produced in a Mortar and Pestle using chitin or keratin combined with stone, or gathered directly from giant beaver dams.
You will need two units of obsidian and two units of cementing paste for every single piece of polymer you wish to craft. Preparing these ingredients in large quantities beforehand ensures your crafting queue runs without interruption.
Setting Up the Crafting Station
Standard polymer cannot be crafted by hand or in a simple workstation, as it requires a Fabricator. Survivors must unlock the Fabricator engram alongside the polymer engram, which becomes available at level 48. Additionally, the Fabricator requires gasoline in its inventory to power on and run.
To create gasoline, combine hide and oil in a Refining Forge or Industrial Forge. Once the fuel is loaded, place your obsidian and cementing paste into the Fabricator and activate it.
Steps to Craft Polymer in the Fabricator
After turning on the Fabricator, navigate through its inventory menu to locate the composite items folder. Select the polymer blueprint and begin crafting your desired quantity. Each unit takes approximately two seconds to process as long as the station remains powered.
Unlike natural alternatives, manufactured polymer does not spoil over time and stacks efficiently in large quantities. This durability makes it ideal for storing long-term reserve supplies in your base.
Exploring Organic Polymer Alternatives
If you lack access to a Fabricator or want to save obsidian, organic polymer offers a direct substitute. This natural variant can be harvested directly from wild creatures such as Kairuku penguins, Mantis, or Karkinos. Using specialized tames like a Pelagornis or Moschops significantly increases your harvesting efficiency.
However, organic polymer comes with a decay timer and smaller stack limits compared to crafted polymer. While useful for immediate crafting projects, regular polymer remains the superior choice for long-term storage and massive base construction.
