What are the best ways to gather oil in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Gathering oil in ARK: Survival Evolved is a crucial task for mid to late-game progression, as it is used to craft essential items like gasoline, polymer, and advanced tools. Oil can be found in several locations across the map, and the methods for gathering it vary depending on your resources and the stage of the game. Below is a detailed guide on the best ways to gather oil, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.
Oil is primarily found in underwater nodes, tar pits, and certain creatures like Trilobites and Basilosaurus. Underwater oil nodes are the most common source and are found in the ocean, particularly in the deeper parts of the map. Tar pits, found in specific biomes like the Snow Biome or the Desert Biome, also contain oil nodes. Trilobites, small aquatic creatures, drop oil when harvested, and Basilosaurus, a passive whale-like creature, produces oil passively over time.
For early-game players, the easiest way to gather oil is by hunting Trilobites. These creatures are found along beaches and shallow waters. Use a pickaxe or hatchet to harvest them, as they yield oil, chitin, and silica pearls. This method is low-risk and requires minimal preparation, making it ideal for solo players or small tribes. However, Trilobites are not a reliable long-term source of oil due to their limited spawns and low yield.
Once you have access to a water mount like an Ichthyosaurus or a Megalodon, you can venture into the ocean to gather oil from underwater nodes. These nodes appear as black rocks with a shiny surface and can be harvested with a pickaxe. To do this safely, tame a water mount and equip it with a saddle for protection. Bring a few oxygen tanks and flippers to extend your underwater time. This method is more efficient than hunting Trilobites but requires preparation and a tamed mount.
For mid to late-game players, tar pits are an excellent source of oil. These are found in specific biomes, such as the Snow Biome on The Island map or the Desert Biome on Scorched Earth. Tar pits contain multiple oil nodes that can be harvested with a pickaxe or a metal hatchet. However, these areas are often dangerous, with aggressive creatures like Sabertooths or Carnotaurus nearby. Bring a strong mount like a Rex or a Spino for protection, and consider building a small outpost nearby to store your oil safely.
Advanced players can tame a Basilosaurus, a passive creature found in the ocean. Basilosaurus passively produces oil over time, making it a renewable source. Taming a Basilosaurus requires patience, as it is surrounded by aggressive creatures like Mantas and Electrophorus. Use a crossbow with tranquilizer arrows to knock it out, and feed it prime meat or kibble to tame it. Once tamed, the Basilosaurus can be kept in a water pen near your base for easy access to oil.
Another advanced method is using an Oil Pump, which can be placed on oil nodes in the Snow Biome or the Desert Biome. The Oil Pump automatically extracts oil over time, making it a hands-free method for gathering large quantities. However, this requires a significant investment in resources and technology, as the Oil Pump is a late-game item.
Common mistakes to avoid include venturing into dangerous areas without proper preparation, such as the ocean or tar pits. Always bring a strong mount and adequate supplies like food, water, and medical brews. Another mistake is overharvesting oil nodes without a plan for storage or transportation. Oil is heavy, so use a mount with high weight capacity or a storage box to avoid being overencumbered.
For tribes, coordination is key. Assign roles to tribe members, such as one person gathering oil while another provides protection. Build a secure storage area near oil-rich locations to minimize travel time. Solo players should focus on taming a strong mount and using safe methods like hunting Trilobites or gathering from tar pits with caution.
In summary, gathering oil in ARK requires careful planning and preparation. Start with low-risk methods like hunting Trilobites, then progress to underwater nodes and tar pits as you gain stronger mounts and equipment. Advanced players can tame Basilosaurus or use Oil Pumps for renewable sources. Always prioritize safety and efficiency, and avoid common mistakes like overharvesting or venturing into dangerous areas unprepared. With these strategies, you can ensure a steady supply of oil for your crafting and progression needs.
Oil is primarily found in underwater nodes, tar pits, and certain creatures like Trilobites and Basilosaurus. Underwater oil nodes are the most common source and are found in the ocean, particularly in the deeper parts of the map. Tar pits, found in specific biomes like the Snow Biome or the Desert Biome, also contain oil nodes. Trilobites, small aquatic creatures, drop oil when harvested, and Basilosaurus, a passive whale-like creature, produces oil passively over time.
For early-game players, the easiest way to gather oil is by hunting Trilobites. These creatures are found along beaches and shallow waters. Use a pickaxe or hatchet to harvest them, as they yield oil, chitin, and silica pearls. This method is low-risk and requires minimal preparation, making it ideal for solo players or small tribes. However, Trilobites are not a reliable long-term source of oil due to their limited spawns and low yield.
Once you have access to a water mount like an Ichthyosaurus or a Megalodon, you can venture into the ocean to gather oil from underwater nodes. These nodes appear as black rocks with a shiny surface and can be harvested with a pickaxe. To do this safely, tame a water mount and equip it with a saddle for protection. Bring a few oxygen tanks and flippers to extend your underwater time. This method is more efficient than hunting Trilobites but requires preparation and a tamed mount.
For mid to late-game players, tar pits are an excellent source of oil. These are found in specific biomes, such as the Snow Biome on The Island map or the Desert Biome on Scorched Earth. Tar pits contain multiple oil nodes that can be harvested with a pickaxe or a metal hatchet. However, these areas are often dangerous, with aggressive creatures like Sabertooths or Carnotaurus nearby. Bring a strong mount like a Rex or a Spino for protection, and consider building a small outpost nearby to store your oil safely.
Advanced players can tame a Basilosaurus, a passive creature found in the ocean. Basilosaurus passively produces oil over time, making it a renewable source. Taming a Basilosaurus requires patience, as it is surrounded by aggressive creatures like Mantas and Electrophorus. Use a crossbow with tranquilizer arrows to knock it out, and feed it prime meat or kibble to tame it. Once tamed, the Basilosaurus can be kept in a water pen near your base for easy access to oil.
Another advanced method is using an Oil Pump, which can be placed on oil nodes in the Snow Biome or the Desert Biome. The Oil Pump automatically extracts oil over time, making it a hands-free method for gathering large quantities. However, this requires a significant investment in resources and technology, as the Oil Pump is a late-game item.
Common mistakes to avoid include venturing into dangerous areas without proper preparation, such as the ocean or tar pits. Always bring a strong mount and adequate supplies like food, water, and medical brews. Another mistake is overharvesting oil nodes without a plan for storage or transportation. Oil is heavy, so use a mount with high weight capacity or a storage box to avoid being overencumbered.
For tribes, coordination is key. Assign roles to tribe members, such as one person gathering oil while another provides protection. Build a secure storage area near oil-rich locations to minimize travel time. Solo players should focus on taming a strong mount and using safe methods like hunting Trilobites or gathering from tar pits with caution.
In summary, gathering oil in ARK requires careful planning and preparation. Start with low-risk methods like hunting Trilobites, then progress to underwater nodes and tar pits as you gain stronger mounts and equipment. Advanced players can tame Basilosaurus or use Oil Pumps for renewable sources. Always prioritize safety and efficiency, and avoid common mistakes like overharvesting or venturing into dangerous areas unprepared. With these strategies, you can ensure a steady supply of oil for your crafting and progression needs.