What are the best ways to gather obsidian for advanced base building in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Gathering obsidian in ARK: Survival Evolved is essential for advanced base building, as it is a key resource for crafting high-tier items like polymer, electronics, and advanced structures. Obsidian is primarily found in mountainous and volcanic regions, making it a challenging resource to collect due to its location and the dangers associated with those areas. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to efficiently gather obsidian, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

Obsidian is a rock-like resource that appears as shiny black nodes on the map. It is most commonly found in high-altitude areas, such as mountains, or near volcanic regions like the lava biome on certain maps. To gather obsidian, you need tools like a metal pickaxe, an Ankylosaurus, or a Magmasaur. The metal pickaxe is the most basic tool for harvesting obsidian, but it is less efficient compared to using tamed creatures. An Ankylosaurus is the best dinosaur for gathering obsidian due to its high harvesting efficiency and weight reduction for metal and obsidian. A Magmasaur, found in the Genesis DLC, is also highly effective for gathering obsidian, especially in volcanic areas.

To begin gathering obsidian, you need to prepare adequately. First, ensure you have the necessary tools or tamed creatures. If you are using a metal pickaxe, bring multiple picks as they degrade quickly when mining obsidian. If you are using an Ankylosaurus, make sure it is leveled in melee damage and weight to maximize efficiency and carry capacity. Additionally, bring a flying mount like an Argentavis or a Quetzal to transport the Ankylosaurus to mountainous areas. These flying creatures can carry the Ankylosaurus, making it easier to reach obsidian nodes in hard-to-access locations.

When you arrive at a mountain or volcanic area, scout for obsidian nodes. These nodes are usually found on cliffs or rocky outcrops. If you are using an Ankylosaurus, position it near the node and use its tail attack to harvest the obsidian. The Ankylosaurus will gather large amounts of obsidian quickly, but be mindful of its weight limit. If you are using a metal pickaxe, approach the node and start mining. Be prepared to repair or replace your pickaxe frequently, as obsidian is tough to harvest and will wear down your tools quickly.

One important tip is to avoid overloading your inventory or your dinosaurÔÇÖs inventory. Obsidian is heavy, and carrying too much can slow you down or prevent you from moving altogether. Use weight-reducing creatures like the Argentavis or Quetzal to help transport the obsidian back to your base. If you are playing solo, consider setting up a temporary storage box or a small outpost near the obsidian nodes to store the resource before transporting it in smaller batches. If you are in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to have one person gather while another transports the obsidian using a flying mount.

Common mistakes to avoid include venturing into dangerous areas unprepared. Mountainous and volcanic regions are often populated by aggressive creatures like Carnotaurus, Raptors, and even Rexes. Always bring a strong combat mount or weapons to defend yourself. Additionally, avoid mining obsidian during bad weather, as snowstorms or extreme heat can reduce visibility and make it harder to spot threats. Another mistake is not bringing enough tools or repair materials. Obsidian harvesting can quickly degrade your tools, so always carry extra pickaxes or repair materials like metal ingots.

Advanced techniques for gathering obsidian include using a Quetzal with a platform saddle to create a mobile mining base. You can place an Ankylosaurus on the platform and fly it directly to obsidian nodes, allowing for efficient harvesting without the need to dismount. Another advanced strategy is to use a Magmasaur in volcanic areas. The Magmasaur can harvest obsidian passively while walking over lava, making it an excellent choice for maps with volcanic biomes.

Resource requirements and preparation include having a metal pickaxe, an Ankylosaurus, or a Magmasaur, as well as a flying mount for transportation. You should also bring weapons or a combat mount for defense, repair materials for your tools, and storage solutions like a temporary storage box or a Quetzal platform saddle. If you are in a tribe, assign roles to each member to optimize the gathering process, such as one person gathering obsidian while another transports it.

In summary, gathering obsidian in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful preparation and strategy. Use the right tools or tamed creatures, scout for obsidian nodes in mountainous or volcanic areas, and be mindful of weight limits and potential dangers. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, efficient resource management and coordination are key to successfully gathering obsidian for advanced base building.