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 weapons. Obsidian is a rare resource found in specific locations across the maps, often in mountainous or volcanic regions. To efficiently gather obsidian, you need to understand the mechanics, prepare the right tools and dinosaurs, and plan your approach carefully.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of gathering obsidian. Obsidian nodes are black, shiny rocks that are distinct from regular stone or metal nodes. They require a pickaxe or a dinosaur with high melee damage to harvest effectively. Using a pickaxe yields more obsidian, while a hatchet will give you more stone as a byproduct. Certain dinosaurs, such as the Ankylosaurus, are highly efficient at gathering obsidian due to their high melee damage and resource-gathering multipliers. The Ankylosaurus, in particular, is the best choice for this task because it can carry a lot of weight and has a special ability to reduce the weight of metal and obsidian in its inventory.
To begin gathering obsidian, you need to prepare the right tools and dinosaurs. If you are early in the game and do not have access to an Ankylosaurus, you can use a metal pickaxe. However, this method is less efficient and will require multiple trips due to the weight of obsidian. If you have tamed an Ankylosaurus, equip it with a saddle and level up its melee damage and weight capacity. This will allow it to gather more obsidian per swing and carry larger amounts without becoming overencumbered. Additionally, consider bringing a flying mount like an Argentavis or a Quetzal to transport the Ankylosaurus to and from obsidian-rich areas, as these regions are often difficult to access on foot.
Next, identify the best locations for obsidian. On The Island map, obsidian is abundant in the mountains, particularly around the volcano and the snow biome. On other maps like Ragnarok or Valguero, obsidian can be found in high-altitude areas or volcanic regions. Use your map or explore these areas to locate obsidian nodes. Be cautious, as these regions are often populated by aggressive creatures like Carnotaurus, Raptors, and even Rexes. Bring a strong combat mount or weapons to defend yourself while gathering.
When you arrive at an obsidian-rich area, dismount your Ankylosaurus and use its tail swing attack to harvest the obsidian nodes. Each swing will yield a significant amount of obsidian, but be mindful of the dinosaurÔÇÖs weight limit. If the Ankylosaurus becomes overencumbered, you can transfer some obsidian to your flying mount or your own inventory to continue gathering. Once you have collected enough obsidian, return to your base to store it in a preserving bin or refrigerator, as obsidian does not spoil but can take up valuable storage space.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind while gathering obsidian. First, always scout the area for threats before starting to gather. Aggressive creatures can interrupt your progress and potentially kill your dinosaurs. Second, bring a backup pickaxe or repair materials in case your tools break during the process. Third, consider using a weight-reducing dinosaur like a Argentavis or a Quetzal to carry the obsidian back to your base, as these mounts can significantly reduce the number of trips required.
Common mistakes to avoid include venturing into dangerous areas unprepared, overloading your dinosaurs, and neglecting to repair your tools. Always bring adequate supplies, such as food, water, and medical items, to ensure your survival in hostile environments. Additionally, avoid gathering obsidian during nighttime or in poor weather conditions, as visibility is reduced, and the risk of encountering predators increases.
Advanced techniques for optimizing obsidian gathering include using a Quetzal with a platform saddle to carry your Ankylosaurus directly to the obsidian nodes. This eliminates the need to dismount and allows you to gather obsidian more efficiently. You can also use a Tek Stryder with the Resource Harvester attachment in late-game scenarios, as it can gather obsidian at an incredible rate. Additionally, consider setting up a small outpost near obsidian-rich areas to store resources and reduce travel time.
Resource requirements and preparation are essential for successful obsidian gathering. You will need a metal pickaxe or an Ankylosaurus, a flying mount, and adequate storage solutions. Bring repair materials for your tools and enough food and water for yourself and your dinosaurs. If you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to maximize efficiency. One player can focus on gathering obsidian while another defends against threats or transports resources back to the base.
In solo play, obsidian gathering can be more challenging due to the lack of support. Prioritize taming an Ankylosaurus and a flying mount to streamline the process. Use caution when exploring dangerous areas and consider building a small shelter or trap to protect yourself from aggressive creatures.
Specific examples of obsidian-rich locations include the volcano on The Island, the highlands on Ragnarok, and the chalk hills on Valguero. These areas are known for their abundant obsidian nodes but are also home to dangerous predators. Always approach these locations with a plan and the right tools to ensure a successful gathering trip.
In conclusion, gathering obsidian in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful preparation, the right tools and dinosaurs, and a strategic approach. By following these steps and tips, you can efficiently collect this valuable resource and advance your gameplay. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, mastering obsidian gathering is a key step toward thriving in the world of ARK.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of gathering obsidian. Obsidian nodes are black, shiny rocks that are distinct from regular stone or metal nodes. They require a pickaxe or a dinosaur with high melee damage to harvest effectively. Using a pickaxe yields more obsidian, while a hatchet will give you more stone as a byproduct. Certain dinosaurs, such as the Ankylosaurus, are highly efficient at gathering obsidian due to their high melee damage and resource-gathering multipliers. The Ankylosaurus, in particular, is the best choice for this task because it can carry a lot of weight and has a special ability to reduce the weight of metal and obsidian in its inventory.
To begin gathering obsidian, you need to prepare the right tools and dinosaurs. If you are early in the game and do not have access to an Ankylosaurus, you can use a metal pickaxe. However, this method is less efficient and will require multiple trips due to the weight of obsidian. If you have tamed an Ankylosaurus, equip it with a saddle and level up its melee damage and weight capacity. This will allow it to gather more obsidian per swing and carry larger amounts without becoming overencumbered. Additionally, consider bringing a flying mount like an Argentavis or a Quetzal to transport the Ankylosaurus to and from obsidian-rich areas, as these regions are often difficult to access on foot.
Next, identify the best locations for obsidian. On The Island map, obsidian is abundant in the mountains, particularly around the volcano and the snow biome. On other maps like Ragnarok or Valguero, obsidian can be found in high-altitude areas or volcanic regions. Use your map or explore these areas to locate obsidian nodes. Be cautious, as these regions are often populated by aggressive creatures like Carnotaurus, Raptors, and even Rexes. Bring a strong combat mount or weapons to defend yourself while gathering.
When you arrive at an obsidian-rich area, dismount your Ankylosaurus and use its tail swing attack to harvest the obsidian nodes. Each swing will yield a significant amount of obsidian, but be mindful of the dinosaurÔÇÖs weight limit. If the Ankylosaurus becomes overencumbered, you can transfer some obsidian to your flying mount or your own inventory to continue gathering. Once you have collected enough obsidian, return to your base to store it in a preserving bin or refrigerator, as obsidian does not spoil but can take up valuable storage space.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind while gathering obsidian. First, always scout the area for threats before starting to gather. Aggressive creatures can interrupt your progress and potentially kill your dinosaurs. Second, bring a backup pickaxe or repair materials in case your tools break during the process. Third, consider using a weight-reducing dinosaur like a Argentavis or a Quetzal to carry the obsidian back to your base, as these mounts can significantly reduce the number of trips required.
Common mistakes to avoid include venturing into dangerous areas unprepared, overloading your dinosaurs, and neglecting to repair your tools. Always bring adequate supplies, such as food, water, and medical items, to ensure your survival in hostile environments. Additionally, avoid gathering obsidian during nighttime or in poor weather conditions, as visibility is reduced, and the risk of encountering predators increases.
Advanced techniques for optimizing obsidian gathering include using a Quetzal with a platform saddle to carry your Ankylosaurus directly to the obsidian nodes. This eliminates the need to dismount and allows you to gather obsidian more efficiently. You can also use a Tek Stryder with the Resource Harvester attachment in late-game scenarios, as it can gather obsidian at an incredible rate. Additionally, consider setting up a small outpost near obsidian-rich areas to store resources and reduce travel time.
Resource requirements and preparation are essential for successful obsidian gathering. You will need a metal pickaxe or an Ankylosaurus, a flying mount, and adequate storage solutions. Bring repair materials for your tools and enough food and water for yourself and your dinosaurs. If you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to maximize efficiency. One player can focus on gathering obsidian while another defends against threats or transports resources back to the base.
In solo play, obsidian gathering can be more challenging due to the lack of support. Prioritize taming an Ankylosaurus and a flying mount to streamline the process. Use caution when exploring dangerous areas and consider building a small shelter or trap to protect yourself from aggressive creatures.
Specific examples of obsidian-rich locations include the volcano on The Island, the highlands on Ragnarok, and the chalk hills on Valguero. These areas are known for their abundant obsidian nodes but are also home to dangerous predators. Always approach these locations with a plan and the right tools to ensure a successful gathering trip.
In conclusion, gathering obsidian in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful preparation, the right tools and dinosaurs, and a strategic approach. By following these steps and tips, you can efficiently collect this valuable resource and advance your gameplay. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, mastering obsidian gathering is a key step toward thriving in the world of ARK.