What is the best way to farm obsidian for base upgrades in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Farming obsidian in ARK: Survival Evolved is essential for crafting advanced items like polymer, electronics, and high-tier structures. Obsidian is a rare resource found in specific locations, often in mountainous or volcanic areas. To efficiently farm obsidian, you need to understand the mechanics, prepare properly, and use the right tools and creatures.
First, obsidian is primarily gathered by mining rocks with a pickaxe or a creature with high melee damage. The best tools for this are a metal pickaxe or a high-level Ankylosaurus. The Ankylosaurus is particularly effective because it has a weight reduction for obsidian, allowing you to carry more before becoming encumbered. Additionally, its tail attack can break rocks quickly, making it the ideal creature for obsidian farming.
To begin, you need to locate obsidian nodes. These are typically found in mountainous regions or near volcanoes. On The Island map, for example, obsidian is abundant in the mountains near the Red Obelisk and the volcano. On Scorched Earth, obsidian is found in the Badlands and near the Wyvern Trench. On other maps like Ragnarok or Valguero, obsidian is scattered across high-altitude areas. Knowing the map and its resource distribution is crucial for efficient farming.
Once you locate an obsidian node, approach it with your Ankylosaurus or metal pickaxe. If using an Ankylosaurus, position it so its tail attack hits the node. Each strike will yield a significant amount of obsidian. If using a pickaxe, swing at the node repeatedly until it breaks. Be prepared for the weight of obsidian, as it is heavy and can quickly encumber you or your creature. To mitigate this, level up weight on your Ankylosaurus or use a weight-reducing saddle if available.
Preparation is key. Before heading out, ensure you have a strong, high-level Ankylosaurus with good melee damage and weight stats. Bring a backup creature like a Argentavis or Quetzal for carrying additional weight or transporting the Ankylosaurus if needed. Pack enough food and supplies for your creatures, as well as tools for repairs. If you are solo, consider setting up a small outpost near the farming area with storage and a bed for respawning.
Common mistakes include not leveling up weight on your Ankylosaurus, leading to frequent trips to drop off obsidian. Another mistake is not bringing a flyer for transportation, which can slow down the farming process. Additionally, farming in dangerous areas without proper protection can result in losing your creatures or resources to predators. Always scout the area and clear out threats before starting.
Advanced techniques involve using a Quetzal with a platform saddle to carry the Ankylosaurus. This allows you to fly to obsidian nodes, mine them, and carry the resources without dismounting. Another optimization is using a Tek Stryder with a mining drill, which can gather obsidian efficiently and has high weight capacity. However, this requires access to Tek Tier technology.
Resource requirements include a metal pickaxe or a tamed Ankylosaurus, a flyer for transportation, and storage solutions like a vault or large storage boxes. If you are in a tribe, coordinate with members to maximize efficiency. One player can focus on mining while another transports resources back to base. Solo players should prioritize weight and mobility to minimize downtime.
In specific scenarios, such as farming on The Island, you might encounter threats like Carnotaurus or Argentavis. Always have a strong combat creature like a Rex or Spino nearby for protection. On Scorched Earth, beware of Deathworms and Wyverns, and consider farming during cooler parts of the day to avoid heatstroke.
In conclusion, farming obsidian requires preparation, the right tools, and an understanding of the map. Use an Ankylosaurus for efficient mining, bring a flyer for transportation, and always be aware of your surroundings. With these strategies, you can gather obsidian effectively and upgrade your base to withstand the challenges of ARK: Survival Evolved.
First, obsidian is primarily gathered by mining rocks with a pickaxe or a creature with high melee damage. The best tools for this are a metal pickaxe or a high-level Ankylosaurus. The Ankylosaurus is particularly effective because it has a weight reduction for obsidian, allowing you to carry more before becoming encumbered. Additionally, its tail attack can break rocks quickly, making it the ideal creature for obsidian farming.
To begin, you need to locate obsidian nodes. These are typically found in mountainous regions or near volcanoes. On The Island map, for example, obsidian is abundant in the mountains near the Red Obelisk and the volcano. On Scorched Earth, obsidian is found in the Badlands and near the Wyvern Trench. On other maps like Ragnarok or Valguero, obsidian is scattered across high-altitude areas. Knowing the map and its resource distribution is crucial for efficient farming.
Once you locate an obsidian node, approach it with your Ankylosaurus or metal pickaxe. If using an Ankylosaurus, position it so its tail attack hits the node. Each strike will yield a significant amount of obsidian. If using a pickaxe, swing at the node repeatedly until it breaks. Be prepared for the weight of obsidian, as it is heavy and can quickly encumber you or your creature. To mitigate this, level up weight on your Ankylosaurus or use a weight-reducing saddle if available.
Preparation is key. Before heading out, ensure you have a strong, high-level Ankylosaurus with good melee damage and weight stats. Bring a backup creature like a Argentavis or Quetzal for carrying additional weight or transporting the Ankylosaurus if needed. Pack enough food and supplies for your creatures, as well as tools for repairs. If you are solo, consider setting up a small outpost near the farming area with storage and a bed for respawning.
Common mistakes include not leveling up weight on your Ankylosaurus, leading to frequent trips to drop off obsidian. Another mistake is not bringing a flyer for transportation, which can slow down the farming process. Additionally, farming in dangerous areas without proper protection can result in losing your creatures or resources to predators. Always scout the area and clear out threats before starting.
Advanced techniques involve using a Quetzal with a platform saddle to carry the Ankylosaurus. This allows you to fly to obsidian nodes, mine them, and carry the resources without dismounting. Another optimization is using a Tek Stryder with a mining drill, which can gather obsidian efficiently and has high weight capacity. However, this requires access to Tek Tier technology.
Resource requirements include a metal pickaxe or a tamed Ankylosaurus, a flyer for transportation, and storage solutions like a vault or large storage boxes. If you are in a tribe, coordinate with members to maximize efficiency. One player can focus on mining while another transports resources back to base. Solo players should prioritize weight and mobility to minimize downtime.
In specific scenarios, such as farming on The Island, you might encounter threats like Carnotaurus or Argentavis. Always have a strong combat creature like a Rex or Spino nearby for protection. On Scorched Earth, beware of Deathworms and Wyverns, and consider farming during cooler parts of the day to avoid heatstroke.
In conclusion, farming obsidian requires preparation, the right tools, and an understanding of the map. Use an Ankylosaurus for efficient mining, bring a flyer for transportation, and always be aware of your surroundings. With these strategies, you can gather obsidian effectively and upgrade your base to withstand the challenges of ARK: Survival Evolved.