What is the best way to gather obsidian in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Gathering obsidian in ARK: Survival Evolved is a crucial task for mid-to-late game progression, as it is a key resource for crafting advanced items like polymer, electronics, and high-tier tools. Obsidian is primarily found in mountainous regions and volcanic areas, making it a challenging resource to collect due to the dangerous environments and creatures that inhabit these zones. Below is a detailed guide on how to efficiently gather obsidian, covering mechanics, strategies, and tips to maximize your efforts.
First, understanding the mechanics of obsidian gathering is essential. Obsidian nodes are large, black, glassy rocks that are typically found on mountains or in volcanic biomes. These nodes require specific tools to harvest effectively. The most efficient tools for gathering obsidian are metal picks and certain tamed creatures like the Ankylosaurus or the Magmasaur. Using a metal pick yields the highest amount of obsidian per node, but tamed creatures can gather obsidian in bulk, making them ideal for large-scale collection. It is important to note that obsidian is heavy, so managing your inventory or using creatures with high weight capacity is crucial.
To begin gathering obsidian, you will need to prepare adequately. Start by crafting a metal pick if you do not already have one. Metal picks require metal ingots, wood, and hide, which are relatively easy to obtain in the early to mid-game. If you plan to use a tamed creature, consider taming an Ankylosaurus, as it is one of the best gatherers for obsidian. Ankylosaurus can be found in various regions, including the mountains and forests. Taming one requires narcotics, berries, or crops, depending on its level and preferred food. Once tamed, the Ankylosaurus can be used to gather obsidian efficiently, as it has a high weight capacity and can carry large amounts of the resource.
When you are ready to gather obsidian, head to a mountainous or volcanic area. Some of the best locations for obsidian include the volcano on The Island map, the mountains in the northwest and northeast regions, and the Obsidian-rich areas in the Extinction map. Be prepared for dangerous creatures like Carnotaurus, Rexes, and Argentavis, which are common in these areas. Bring weapons, armor, and healing items to defend yourself. If you are using a tamed creature, ensure it is well-protected and has enough health to survive potential attacks.
Once you locate an obsidian node, approach it and use your metal pick or Ankylosaurus to harvest the resource. If you are using a pick, swing at the node repeatedly until it breaks. If you are using an Ankylosaurus, simply attack the node with its tail swing. The Ankylosaurus will gather obsidian automatically and store it in its inventory. Be mindful of your weight limit, as obsidian is heavy and can quickly fill your inventory or your creature's inventory. If you are solo, consider bringing multiple creatures or a pack animal like a Paracer or Brontosaurus to carry additional obsidian.
One common mistake to avoid is venturing into obsidian-rich areas without proper preparation. These zones are often filled with aggressive creatures and harsh environmental conditions, such as extreme temperatures. Always bring adequate supplies, including food, water, and temperature-regulating gear like fur armor or desert gear, depending on the biome. Another mistake is overloading your inventory or your creature's inventory with obsidian, which can slow you down and make you vulnerable to attacks. Always monitor your weight and make multiple trips if necessary.
Advanced techniques for gathering obsidian include using a Quetzal or Argentavis to transport your Ankylosaurus to obsidian nodes. This allows you to cover more ground quickly and avoid dangerous terrain. Additionally, using a Magmasaur, which is a creature from the Genesis DLC, can be highly effective for gathering obsidian in volcanic areas. Magmasaurs have a unique ability to harvest obsidian efficiently and can even smelt it into metal while gathering, saving you time and resources.
Resource requirements for gathering obsidian include a metal pick or a tamed Ankylosaurus, as well as weapons and armor for protection. If you are using a Quetzal or Argentavis for transportation, ensure they are saddled and have enough stamina to carry your Ankylosaurus. Bring plenty of food, water, and healing items to sustain yourself during the trip. If you are in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to gather obsidian more efficiently. One player can focus on gathering while others provide protection or transport resources back to your base.
In conclusion, gathering obsidian in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful preparation, the right tools, and a solid strategy. Whether you are solo or in a tribe, using a metal pick or a tamed Ankylosaurus is the most effective way to collect obsidian. Be mindful of the dangers in obsidian-rich areas and always prioritize your safety. With the right approach, you can gather large amounts of obsidian to fuel your advanced crafting needs and progress further in the game.
First, understanding the mechanics of obsidian gathering is essential. Obsidian nodes are large, black, glassy rocks that are typically found on mountains or in volcanic biomes. These nodes require specific tools to harvest effectively. The most efficient tools for gathering obsidian are metal picks and certain tamed creatures like the Ankylosaurus or the Magmasaur. Using a metal pick yields the highest amount of obsidian per node, but tamed creatures can gather obsidian in bulk, making them ideal for large-scale collection. It is important to note that obsidian is heavy, so managing your inventory or using creatures with high weight capacity is crucial.
To begin gathering obsidian, you will need to prepare adequately. Start by crafting a metal pick if you do not already have one. Metal picks require metal ingots, wood, and hide, which are relatively easy to obtain in the early to mid-game. If you plan to use a tamed creature, consider taming an Ankylosaurus, as it is one of the best gatherers for obsidian. Ankylosaurus can be found in various regions, including the mountains and forests. Taming one requires narcotics, berries, or crops, depending on its level and preferred food. Once tamed, the Ankylosaurus can be used to gather obsidian efficiently, as it has a high weight capacity and can carry large amounts of the resource.
When you are ready to gather obsidian, head to a mountainous or volcanic area. Some of the best locations for obsidian include the volcano on The Island map, the mountains in the northwest and northeast regions, and the Obsidian-rich areas in the Extinction map. Be prepared for dangerous creatures like Carnotaurus, Rexes, and Argentavis, which are common in these areas. Bring weapons, armor, and healing items to defend yourself. If you are using a tamed creature, ensure it is well-protected and has enough health to survive potential attacks.
Once you locate an obsidian node, approach it and use your metal pick or Ankylosaurus to harvest the resource. If you are using a pick, swing at the node repeatedly until it breaks. If you are using an Ankylosaurus, simply attack the node with its tail swing. The Ankylosaurus will gather obsidian automatically and store it in its inventory. Be mindful of your weight limit, as obsidian is heavy and can quickly fill your inventory or your creature's inventory. If you are solo, consider bringing multiple creatures or a pack animal like a Paracer or Brontosaurus to carry additional obsidian.
One common mistake to avoid is venturing into obsidian-rich areas without proper preparation. These zones are often filled with aggressive creatures and harsh environmental conditions, such as extreme temperatures. Always bring adequate supplies, including food, water, and temperature-regulating gear like fur armor or desert gear, depending on the biome. Another mistake is overloading your inventory or your creature's inventory with obsidian, which can slow you down and make you vulnerable to attacks. Always monitor your weight and make multiple trips if necessary.
Advanced techniques for gathering obsidian include using a Quetzal or Argentavis to transport your Ankylosaurus to obsidian nodes. This allows you to cover more ground quickly and avoid dangerous terrain. Additionally, using a Magmasaur, which is a creature from the Genesis DLC, can be highly effective for gathering obsidian in volcanic areas. Magmasaurs have a unique ability to harvest obsidian efficiently and can even smelt it into metal while gathering, saving you time and resources.
Resource requirements for gathering obsidian include a metal pick or a tamed Ankylosaurus, as well as weapons and armor for protection. If you are using a Quetzal or Argentavis for transportation, ensure they are saddled and have enough stamina to carry your Ankylosaurus. Bring plenty of food, water, and healing items to sustain yourself during the trip. If you are in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to gather obsidian more efficiently. One player can focus on gathering while others provide protection or transport resources back to your base.
In conclusion, gathering obsidian in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful preparation, the right tools, and a solid strategy. Whether you are solo or in a tribe, using a metal pick or a tamed Ankylosaurus is the most effective way to collect obsidian. Be mindful of the dangers in obsidian-rich areas and always prioritize your safety. With the right approach, you can gather large amounts of obsidian to fuel your advanced crafting needs and progress further in the game.