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 advanced items like gasoline, polymer, and various industrial structures. Oil is a versatile resource, and there are several methods to gather it efficiently, depending on your location, progression level, and available tools or tames. Below is a detailed guide on the best ways to farm oil, covering mechanics, strategies, and tips for both solo players and tribes.
One of the most common ways to gather oil is by harvesting oil nodes. These nodes are found in specific locations across the map, such as underwater in the ocean, in snowy biomes, or in certain caves. On The Island map, for example, oil nodes are abundant in the underwater trenches near the western coast and in the snow biome around the mountains. To harvest these nodes, you will need a pickaxe or a metal tool like a metal pick or an Ankylosaurus. Ankylosaurus is particularly effective for this task, as it can gather large amounts of oil quickly and carry heavy loads. If you are farming underwater, you will need a water mount like a Megalodon or a Basilosaurus to reach the nodes safely. Basilosaurus is highly recommended because it is immune to the stun effects of jellyfish and electric eels, making it a safer option for underwater oil farming.
Another method to obtain 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, they are an easy early-game source of oil. Additionally, creatures like Tusoteuthis and Leech can be harvested for oil, though these are more challenging to farm. For example, Tusoteuthis, a deep-sea predator, drops significant amounts of oil but requires a strong water mount and careful preparation to defeat. Leeches, found in swamps, can also be harvested for oil, but they are dangerous and require caution.
For more advanced players, oil pumps are an excellent way to automate oil collection. Oil pumps can be placed on oil nodes in the ocean or in the snow biome. Once placed, they will passively generate oil over time, which can be collected by accessing the pump. This method is ideal for tribes, as it requires a significant investment of resources to build and maintain the pumps. You will need cementing paste, metal ingots, and electronics to craft an oil pump, so ensure you have a steady supply of these materials before attempting this strategy. Additionally, oil pumps are vulnerable to attacks from wild creatures or other players, so it is important to defend them with turrets or tamed creatures.
When farming oil, preparation is key. Always bring the right tools and tames for the job. For underwater farming, ensure you have scuba gear or a water mount with high oxygen and health stats. If you are farming in the snow biome, wear fur armor to protect against the cold and bring a strong mount like a Sabertooth or a Direwolf to fend off predators. For tribes, coordinating efforts can make oil farming more efficient. Assign roles to tribe members, such as one person gathering oil while another defends against threats or transports resources back to the base.
A common mistake to avoid is underestimating the dangers of oil farming locations. Underwater areas are filled with hostile creatures like Megalodons, jellyfish, and Tusoteuthis, while the snow biome is home to aggressive predators like Yetis and wolves. Always scout the area beforehand and bring adequate supplies, such as medical brews or food, to ensure survival. Another mistake is overloading your inventory or mount with oil, as it is a heavy resource. Use weight-reducing tames like Argentavis or a Quetzal to transport large quantities of oil back to your base.
Advanced techniques include using industrial forges to refine oil into gasoline more efficiently. Gasoline is essential for powering generators, fabricators, and other industrial structures, so having a steady supply is crucial. Additionally, consider setting up a secondary base near oil-rich areas to reduce travel time. For example, building a small outpost near the snow biome or underwater oil nodes can save time and resources in the long run.
In summary, farming oil in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning and preparation. Whether you are gathering oil nodes, harvesting creatures, or using oil pumps, always prioritize safety and efficiency. Use the right tools and tames for the job, and consider the unique challenges of each farming location. For tribes, coordination and resource sharing can greatly enhance oil production. By following these strategies and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure a steady supply of oil for all your base-building needs.
One of the most common ways to gather oil is by harvesting oil nodes. These nodes are found in specific locations across the map, such as underwater in the ocean, in snowy biomes, or in certain caves. On The Island map, for example, oil nodes are abundant in the underwater trenches near the western coast and in the snow biome around the mountains. To harvest these nodes, you will need a pickaxe or a metal tool like a metal pick or an Ankylosaurus. Ankylosaurus is particularly effective for this task, as it can gather large amounts of oil quickly and carry heavy loads. If you are farming underwater, you will need a water mount like a Megalodon or a Basilosaurus to reach the nodes safely. Basilosaurus is highly recommended because it is immune to the stun effects of jellyfish and electric eels, making it a safer option for underwater oil farming.
Another method to obtain 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, they are an easy early-game source of oil. Additionally, creatures like Tusoteuthis and Leech can be harvested for oil, though these are more challenging to farm. For example, Tusoteuthis, a deep-sea predator, drops significant amounts of oil but requires a strong water mount and careful preparation to defeat. Leeches, found in swamps, can also be harvested for oil, but they are dangerous and require caution.
For more advanced players, oil pumps are an excellent way to automate oil collection. Oil pumps can be placed on oil nodes in the ocean or in the snow biome. Once placed, they will passively generate oil over time, which can be collected by accessing the pump. This method is ideal for tribes, as it requires a significant investment of resources to build and maintain the pumps. You will need cementing paste, metal ingots, and electronics to craft an oil pump, so ensure you have a steady supply of these materials before attempting this strategy. Additionally, oil pumps are vulnerable to attacks from wild creatures or other players, so it is important to defend them with turrets or tamed creatures.
When farming oil, preparation is key. Always bring the right tools and tames for the job. For underwater farming, ensure you have scuba gear or a water mount with high oxygen and health stats. If you are farming in the snow biome, wear fur armor to protect against the cold and bring a strong mount like a Sabertooth or a Direwolf to fend off predators. For tribes, coordinating efforts can make oil farming more efficient. Assign roles to tribe members, such as one person gathering oil while another defends against threats or transports resources back to the base.
A common mistake to avoid is underestimating the dangers of oil farming locations. Underwater areas are filled with hostile creatures like Megalodons, jellyfish, and Tusoteuthis, while the snow biome is home to aggressive predators like Yetis and wolves. Always scout the area beforehand and bring adequate supplies, such as medical brews or food, to ensure survival. Another mistake is overloading your inventory or mount with oil, as it is a heavy resource. Use weight-reducing tames like Argentavis or a Quetzal to transport large quantities of oil back to your base.
Advanced techniques include using industrial forges to refine oil into gasoline more efficiently. Gasoline is essential for powering generators, fabricators, and other industrial structures, so having a steady supply is crucial. Additionally, consider setting up a secondary base near oil-rich areas to reduce travel time. For example, building a small outpost near the snow biome or underwater oil nodes can save time and resources in the long run.
In summary, farming oil in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning and preparation. Whether you are gathering oil nodes, harvesting creatures, or using oil pumps, always prioritize safety and efficiency. Use the right tools and tames for the job, and consider the unique challenges of each farming location. For tribes, coordination and resource sharing can greatly enhance oil production. By following these strategies and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure a steady supply of oil for all your base-building needs.