Are Chitin and Keratin the Same in Ark: Survival Evolved?
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The short answer is a resounding no, chitin and keratin are not the same in Ark: Survival Evolved. While both are vital resources for crafting and gear progression, they are distinct materials with different origins, properties, and uses within the game. Understanding their differences is crucial for efficient resource gathering and crafting. In the real world, they serve different purposes in biological organisms, and this translates into the game as well.
The Fundamental Differences
The primary difference lies in their composition and function. In the real world, keratin is a protein found in the structures of animals with claws, hooves, scales, and horns, such as humans with their fingernails and hair. It is known for its strength and resilience, providing structural support and protection. In Ark, this definition is carried over, as keratin drops from creatures with claws, hooves, scales, and horns.
Chitin, on the other hand, is a polysaccharide similar to cellulose, not a protein. In the real world, chitin forms the hard exoskeletons of insects, crustaceans, and other invertebrates. Think of the hard shells of beetles or the exoskeletons of crabs. In Ark, chitin is harvested from creatures like trilobites, scorpions, and certain insects, mirroring its real-world biological origins. The main function of chitin in animals is to hydrate and protect soft tissue.
Uses in Ark
In-game, this translates to different crafting recipes and purposes. Keratin is a primary ingredient in crafting certain tools, weapons, and armor, particularly those associated with harsher conditions or larger creatures. It’s often seen as a more advanced material than hide, reflecting its higher biological durability.
Chitin is primarily used in crafting chitin armor, which provides a decent level of protection and is often a stepping stone for players as they advance. Despite their different compositions, some recipes allow for chitin as a substitute for keratin, but not the other way around. This makes chitin a slightly more versatile, though still unique, resource within the game. Notably, you cannot substitute keratin for chitin when creating chitin armor.
Gathering and Efficiency
Another key difference is how they are gathered. Keratin is generally obtained by harvesting corpses of various creatures known to yield the resource. The most effective ways to gather Keratin are by using a metal hatchet on creatures like Direwolves, Sabertooths, and Therizinosaurus.
Chitin, however, has its own set of creatures that yield it. Trilobites are frequently cited as the best source, and they are typically found in the sea. Other effective methods are utilizing a Sabertooth or Megatherium to harvest from scorpions, spiders, and other chitin-bearing creatures. Caves are also a good place to gather chitin as many of the creatures within them drop it when harvested. It is often more readily available than keratin.
The tools used for harvesting also play a role. While a metal hatchet is generally good for both, specific creatures and the creatures used for harvesting may yield different amounts. Sabertooths, for example, are very efficient for gathering, yielding large amounts of materials based on their melee damage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Use Keratin for Chitin Armor?
No, you cannot substitute Keratin for chitin to craft chitin armor. The recipe requires specifically chitin, along with hide and fiber.
2. What Creatures are the Best for Gathering Chitin?
Trilobites are the best for gathering chitin. Also, you can farm chitin from scorpions, spiders, mantis, araneo and other bugs.
3. What Creatures are the Best for Gathering Keratin?
The most effective creatures to farm for keratin are Direwolves, Sabertooths, and Therizinosaurus. However, many creatures with claws, hooves, scales, and horns can provide keratin when harvested.
4. Which Tool is the Best for Harvesting Keratin and Chitin?
A Metal Hatchet is the best tool for harvesting both Keratin and Chitin. However, a high melee damage Sabertooth or Megatherium can be even more effective against certain creatures.
5. Are There Any Alternatives for Chitin?
Yes, while not a direct substitute for crafting, fungi are claimed to be a alternative to obtaining chitin, offering some advantages like easier extraction. Within Ark there aren’t any direct crafting alternatives to chitin.
6. Which is Faster: Gathering Chitin or Keratin?
It depends on your location and access to resources. If you have access to the ocean and the right tools, it’s possible to gather a lot of chitin from trilobites very quickly. However, if there are easily available keratin-dropping creatures, keratin can also be gathered effectively. Caves are the most consistent way to get chitin.
7. Can I Use a Pickaxe Instead of a Hatchet for Gathering?
While a Pickaxe can be used, a Hatchet is generally more effective for both chitin and keratin collection.
8. Is Keratin Stiffer than Chitin?
Yes, real-world keratin is generally stiffer than chitin, which translates to their roles in the game.
9. Can Bolas be Used on Creatures that Yield Chitin or Keratin?
Bolas can be used to immobilize certain creatures before harvesting. Notably, they work on Sabertooths, allowing for an easier harvest. You can then take them down easier with a ranged weapon such as tranq arrows.
10. Can Cooking Break Down Chitin?
Yes, cooking can break down chitin because chitin is a fibrous substance consisting of sugar, and heat can break down these structures.
11. Are There Any Creatures That Provide Both Chitin and Keratin?
Some creatures, like the Therizinosaurus and Spinosaur, can be sources of both chitin and keratin when harvested.
12. Where is the Best Place to Farm Chitin?
Caves are often considered the best place to farm chitin, particularly the Central Cave (Chitin Cave). Trilobites are also a great source.
13. Why Do I Need Cementing Paste When Gathering Chitin?
You don’t directly need cementing paste to gather chitin, but cementing paste is also harvested from the beaver dams, which are also located near where you might find trilobites. Both items are needed for mid-game crafting.
14. What is the most efficient way to gather both chitin and keratin?
Taming a Sabertooth and using it to harvest enemies is an extremely efficient way to gather both chitin and keratin. The Sabertooth yields large amounts of these materials, particularly as its melee damage stat increases. The Sabertooth is also capable of traveling around the map quickly and is easy to maintain.
15. Can chitin be used in place of keratin for more than just armor crafting?
Yes, chitin can be used in place of keratin for crafting recipes other than armor. However, this is not true vice-versa. The game prioritizes Keratin over chitin in certain recipes.
Conclusion
In summary, while both chitin and keratin are crucial resources in Ark: Survival Evolved, they are distinct materials with different uses. Chitin is primarily used for armor, while keratin is used for tools, weapons, and more advanced armor pieces. Understanding their origins, properties, and how to effectively gather them is key to progressing in the game. By understanding these nuanced differences, you can streamline your resource gathering and enhance your crafting efficiency, enabling you to thrive in the harsh environment of Ark.