Even though it has been over eight years since ARK: Survival Evolved was released, its player base continues to grow, garnering millions of players worldwide. And that's because Studio Wildcard keeps releasing new content, like upgraded maps that allow players to experience a whole new level of survival.
Another notable aspect of ARK: Survival Evolved is the vast number of prehistoric and fantasy-themed creatures that can be tamed, like the Triceratops or the Voidwyrm. But, players will need to farm a specific ingredient if they wish to tame these beasts: Mutagen.
Mutagen Usage
The main use of Mutagens is to "evolve" a tamed or bred creature, which essentially increases their stats. For example, a tamed creature will have each stat (Stamina, Health, Weight, and Melee Damage) increased by five levels while a bred creature will only gain one level for each stat. So, creatures like the Amargasaurus will be able to reach exceptional stats if fed enough Mutagens.
Another way players can use Mutagen in ARK: Survival Evolved is to tame the powerful Tek Creatures, Voidwyrms. Finally, Mutagens can be used to begin the Terminus, which will ultimately lead to the "final boss fight."
Best Method to Get More Mutagens
There are only two ways players can obtain Mutagens in ARK: Survival Evolved: crafting and farming Mutagen Bulbs.
Crafting Mutagen
To craft 6x Mutagen, players will need the following ingredients:
- 800 Mutagel
- Chemistry Bench
Players can harvest Mutagel in the Space region of ARK: Survival Evolved. But, players will want to search for the Ringed Asteroid since its secondary resource nodes are Mutagel. Unfortunately, the available Astroids constantly change, so players will need to use the skybox or supply crates to figure out the current Astroid. It's highly recommended players enter this area on a flying creature, like the Pteranodon, as it'll make cultivating Mutagel easier.
As for the Chemistry Bench, players must reach level 82 before being able to craft one. Once players reach level 82, they'll need Beer Barrel, Fabricator, and Mortar and Pestle to craft a Chemistry Bench.
Farming Mutagen Directly
The only area players will be able to locate Mutagen Bulbs is within Rockwell's Innards (biome). This biome spawns three Mutagen Bulbs every hour (eight hours on a dedicated server) and can be easily spotted. But, players will need to be extra cautious as they cultivate Mutagen Bulbs since multiple Summoners will spawn once players harvest the bulbs.
ARK: Survival Evolved is available on Linux, Microsoft Windows, macOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, and Stadia.