What are the best ways to farm oil for base building in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Farming oil is a critical part of base building in ARK: Survival Evolved, as it is used to craft essential items like gasoline, polymer, and advanced structures. Oil is a versatile resource, and there are several methods to gather it efficiently, depending on your map, progression level, and available tools. Below is a detailed guide on the best ways to farm oil, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.
One of the most common ways to gather oil is by harvesting oil nodes. These nodes are found in specific locations, often underwater or in cold biomes. On maps like The Island, oil nodes are abundant in the ocean, particularly in the deeper areas. To harvest these, you will need a pickaxe, a metal hatchet, or a creature with high melee damage, such as an Ankylosaurus. Underwater oil nodes are best collected using a tamed aquatic creature like a Dunkleosteus, which is specifically designed for underwater resource gathering. The Dunkleosteus can harvest oil nodes efficiently and carry large amounts of oil, making it ideal for underwater farming. If you are playing on a map like Scorched Earth or Ragnarok, oil nodes can also be found on land in desert or snowy areas. Using a high-level Ankylosaurus or a metal tool will yield the most oil per node.
Another method for obtaining oil is by killing and harvesting certain creatures. Trilobites, found along beaches and shallow waters, drop oil when harvested. While they do not provide large amounts of oil, they are an early-game option for players who do not yet have access to advanced tools or tames. Basilosaurus, a passive aquatic creature, also provides oil when harvested. These creatures are found in the ocean and can be a good source of oil if you have the means to hunt them. However, they are not as efficient as farming oil nodes, so this method is better suited for supplementing your oil supply rather than being your primary source.
For players with access to advanced technology, oil pumps are an excellent way to automate oil farming. Oil pumps can be placed on oil veins, which are specific locations on the map where oil naturally seeps to the surface. On maps like The Island, oil veins are found in the Snow Biome and the underwater caves. To use an oil pump, you will need to craft it using metal ingots, cementing paste, and electronics. Once placed on an oil vein, the pump will automatically generate oil over time, which can be collected from its inventory. This method is highly efficient but requires significant resources and preparation, making it more suitable for mid-to-late-game players.
When farming oil, preparation is key. If you are venturing into dangerous areas like the ocean or the Snow Biome, make sure to bring appropriate gear and tames. For underwater farming, a strong aquatic mount like a Megalodon or a Basilosaurus is essential for protection against hostile creatures like Cnidaria and Plesiosaurs. In cold biomes, wear fur armor or use a tamed creature with high insulation, such as an Otter, to avoid freezing. Always carry a backup set of tools or a repair station in case your equipment breaks during the farming process.
One common mistake players make is underestimating the dangers of oil farming locations. The ocean and Snow Biome are home to some of the most dangerous creatures in the game, so always be prepared for combat. Another mistake is not bringing enough storage or weight-reducing tames, which can limit the amount of oil you can carry back to your base. To avoid this, use creatures like the Argentavis or the Quetzal, which have high weight capacities and can carry large amounts of resources.
For advanced players, optimizing oil farming can involve setting up multiple oil pumps or creating a dedicated underwater base near oil-rich areas. This allows for continuous oil production without the need for frequent trips. Additionally, using a Tek Transmitter or a Cryopod to transport resources quickly can save time and effort. If you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to assign roles, such as one player gathering oil while another defends against threats. Solo players should focus on taming strong creatures and using stealth to avoid unnecessary combat.
In summary, farming oil in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning and preparation. Whether you are harvesting oil nodes, hunting creatures, or using oil pumps, each method has its own advantages and challenges. By understanding the mechanics, preparing adequately, and avoiding common mistakes, you can efficiently gather oil to support your base-building and crafting needs.
One of the most common ways to gather oil is by harvesting oil nodes. These nodes are found in specific locations, often underwater or in cold biomes. On maps like The Island, oil nodes are abundant in the ocean, particularly in the deeper areas. To harvest these, you will need a pickaxe, a metal hatchet, or a creature with high melee damage, such as an Ankylosaurus. Underwater oil nodes are best collected using a tamed aquatic creature like a Dunkleosteus, which is specifically designed for underwater resource gathering. The Dunkleosteus can harvest oil nodes efficiently and carry large amounts of oil, making it ideal for underwater farming. If you are playing on a map like Scorched Earth or Ragnarok, oil nodes can also be found on land in desert or snowy areas. Using a high-level Ankylosaurus or a metal tool will yield the most oil per node.
Another method for obtaining oil is by killing and harvesting certain creatures. Trilobites, found along beaches and shallow waters, drop oil when harvested. While they do not provide large amounts of oil, they are an early-game option for players who do not yet have access to advanced tools or tames. Basilosaurus, a passive aquatic creature, also provides oil when harvested. These creatures are found in the ocean and can be a good source of oil if you have the means to hunt them. However, they are not as efficient as farming oil nodes, so this method is better suited for supplementing your oil supply rather than being your primary source.
For players with access to advanced technology, oil pumps are an excellent way to automate oil farming. Oil pumps can be placed on oil veins, which are specific locations on the map where oil naturally seeps to the surface. On maps like The Island, oil veins are found in the Snow Biome and the underwater caves. To use an oil pump, you will need to craft it using metal ingots, cementing paste, and electronics. Once placed on an oil vein, the pump will automatically generate oil over time, which can be collected from its inventory. This method is highly efficient but requires significant resources and preparation, making it more suitable for mid-to-late-game players.
When farming oil, preparation is key. If you are venturing into dangerous areas like the ocean or the Snow Biome, make sure to bring appropriate gear and tames. For underwater farming, a strong aquatic mount like a Megalodon or a Basilosaurus is essential for protection against hostile creatures like Cnidaria and Plesiosaurs. In cold biomes, wear fur armor or use a tamed creature with high insulation, such as an Otter, to avoid freezing. Always carry a backup set of tools or a repair station in case your equipment breaks during the farming process.
One common mistake players make is underestimating the dangers of oil farming locations. The ocean and Snow Biome are home to some of the most dangerous creatures in the game, so always be prepared for combat. Another mistake is not bringing enough storage or weight-reducing tames, which can limit the amount of oil you can carry back to your base. To avoid this, use creatures like the Argentavis or the Quetzal, which have high weight capacities and can carry large amounts of resources.
For advanced players, optimizing oil farming can involve setting up multiple oil pumps or creating a dedicated underwater base near oil-rich areas. This allows for continuous oil production without the need for frequent trips. Additionally, using a Tek Transmitter or a Cryopod to transport resources quickly can save time and effort. If you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to assign roles, such as one player gathering oil while another defends against threats. Solo players should focus on taming strong creatures and using stealth to avoid unnecessary combat.
In summary, farming oil in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning and preparation. Whether you are harvesting oil nodes, hunting creatures, or using oil pumps, each method has its own advantages and challenges. By understanding the mechanics, preparing adequately, and avoiding common mistakes, you can efficiently gather oil to support your base-building and crafting needs.