What is the best way to gather oil in the early game of ARK: Survival Evolved?
Gathering oil in the early game of ARK: Survival Evolved is a crucial step for progressing toward mid-game and late-game content. Oil is a vital resource used in crafting advanced items like gasoline, which powers generators, fabricators, and other machinery. It is also required for crafting polymer, a key material for high-tier equipment. However, oil is not as readily available as other early-game resources like wood or stone, so knowing how to gather it efficiently is essential.
In the early game, oil can be found in several locations, but the most accessible sources are underwater oil nodes, trilobites, and dung beetles. Underwater oil nodes are the most reliable source, but they require some preparation to access safely. Trilobites and dung beetles provide smaller amounts of oil but are easier to harvest without specialized equipment. LetÔÇÖs break down the mechanics and strategies for each method.
Underwater oil nodes are found in the ocean and some rivers. These nodes appear as black, spiky rocks that can be harvested with a pickaxe or a metal hatchet. However, venturing into the water in the early game is dangerous due to predators like megalodons and jellyfish. To safely gather oil from underwater nodes, you will need a few key items: a raft, a scuba mask or Lazarus Chowder (a consumable that increases oxygen), and a weapon for self-defense. Building a raft allows you to travel across the water without swimming, reducing the risk of encountering dangerous creatures. Once you locate an oil node, you can dive down and harvest it quickly before returning to the raft. Lazarus Chowder is a useful consumable that extends your oxygen supply, giving you more time underwater. If you donÔÇÖt have access to this, you can still gather oil by making multiple short dives.
Trilobites are small, crab-like creatures found along beaches and shallow waters. They are passive and will not attack, making them an easy target for early-game players. Killing a trilobite with a pickaxe or hatchet yields a small amount of oil, along with other resources like chitin and silica pearls. While trilobites are not a primary source of oil, they are a good supplementary option if you are not yet ready to venture into deeper waters. Keep in mind that trilobites are not very common, so you may need to search multiple beaches to find them.
Dung beetles are another source of oil, though they are less straightforward to utilize. These creatures are found in caves and can be tamed by feeding them spoiled meat or feces. Once tamed, dung beetles produce oil and fertilizer over time as long as they have feces in their inventory. While this method requires some setup, it provides a steady, passive source of oil once established. Taming a dung beetle early on can be a smart long-term investment, especially if you plan to build a base with advanced crafting stations.
When gathering oil, there are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind. First, always be aware of your surroundings, especially when harvesting underwater nodes. Predators like megalodons can quickly overwhelm an unprepared player, so having a weapon like a crossbow or pike is essential. Second, prioritize building a raft as soon as possible. A raft not only allows you to travel safely but can also serve as a mobile base for storing resources and crafting items. Third, if you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to gather oil more efficiently. One player can focus on harvesting while another keeps watch for threats.
Common mistakes to avoid include venturing too far into the ocean without proper preparation. The ocean is home to some of the most dangerous creatures in ARK, and without a raft or scuba gear, you are at high risk of drowning or being attacked. Another mistake is neglecting to bring enough tools or weapons. Running out of durability on your pickaxe or hatchet mid-harvest can leave you stranded and vulnerable. Always bring extra tools and repair materials when gathering oil.
Advanced techniques for oil gathering include using tamed creatures to improve efficiency. For example, an Ichthyosaurus or a Megalodon can make underwater harvesting much safer and faster. These creatures can attack predators and carry you to oil nodes quickly. Additionally, building an underwater base near oil-rich areas can streamline the gathering process. An underwater base with a bed allows you to respawn nearby if you die, and storage containers can hold your harvested oil until you are ready to transport it.
Resource requirements for oil gathering depend on the method you choose. For underwater nodes, you will need a raft, a pickaxe or hatchet, and possibly Lazarus Chowder or a scuba mask. For trilobites, a simple weapon like a spear or bow will suffice. Taming a dung beetle requires spoiled meat or feces and a safe place to keep it. Regardless of the method, always bring extra tools, weapons, and food to ensure you can handle any situation.
In solo play, oil gathering can be more challenging due to the lack of backup. Focus on building a raft and taming a creature like an Ichthyosaurus to make the process safer. In a tribe, divide tasks among members to maximize efficiency. For example, one player can gather oil while another tames creatures or gathers other resources.
Specific examples of oil-rich locations include the western coast of The Island map, where underwater nodes are plentiful. On Scorched Earth, oil nodes can be found in the desert, often near rock formations. On Aberration, oil is primarily obtained from oil veins in the blue zone or by harvesting lampreys. Knowing the map you are playing on and the locations of oil sources will save you time and effort.
In conclusion, gathering oil in the early game requires careful planning and preparation. Whether you choose to harvest underwater nodes, hunt trilobites, or tame dung beetles, understanding the mechanics and risks involved is key to success. By following these strategies and tips, you can efficiently gather oil and progress toward more advanced crafting and building in ARK: Survival Evolved.
In the early game, oil can be found in several locations, but the most accessible sources are underwater oil nodes, trilobites, and dung beetles. Underwater oil nodes are the most reliable source, but they require some preparation to access safely. Trilobites and dung beetles provide smaller amounts of oil but are easier to harvest without specialized equipment. LetÔÇÖs break down the mechanics and strategies for each method.
Underwater oil nodes are found in the ocean and some rivers. These nodes appear as black, spiky rocks that can be harvested with a pickaxe or a metal hatchet. However, venturing into the water in the early game is dangerous due to predators like megalodons and jellyfish. To safely gather oil from underwater nodes, you will need a few key items: a raft, a scuba mask or Lazarus Chowder (a consumable that increases oxygen), and a weapon for self-defense. Building a raft allows you to travel across the water without swimming, reducing the risk of encountering dangerous creatures. Once you locate an oil node, you can dive down and harvest it quickly before returning to the raft. Lazarus Chowder is a useful consumable that extends your oxygen supply, giving you more time underwater. If you donÔÇÖt have access to this, you can still gather oil by making multiple short dives.
Trilobites are small, crab-like creatures found along beaches and shallow waters. They are passive and will not attack, making them an easy target for early-game players. Killing a trilobite with a pickaxe or hatchet yields a small amount of oil, along with other resources like chitin and silica pearls. While trilobites are not a primary source of oil, they are a good supplementary option if you are not yet ready to venture into deeper waters. Keep in mind that trilobites are not very common, so you may need to search multiple beaches to find them.
Dung beetles are another source of oil, though they are less straightforward to utilize. These creatures are found in caves and can be tamed by feeding them spoiled meat or feces. Once tamed, dung beetles produce oil and fertilizer over time as long as they have feces in their inventory. While this method requires some setup, it provides a steady, passive source of oil once established. Taming a dung beetle early on can be a smart long-term investment, especially if you plan to build a base with advanced crafting stations.
When gathering oil, there are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind. First, always be aware of your surroundings, especially when harvesting underwater nodes. Predators like megalodons can quickly overwhelm an unprepared player, so having a weapon like a crossbow or pike is essential. Second, prioritize building a raft as soon as possible. A raft not only allows you to travel safely but can also serve as a mobile base for storing resources and crafting items. Third, if you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to gather oil more efficiently. One player can focus on harvesting while another keeps watch for threats.
Common mistakes to avoid include venturing too far into the ocean without proper preparation. The ocean is home to some of the most dangerous creatures in ARK, and without a raft or scuba gear, you are at high risk of drowning or being attacked. Another mistake is neglecting to bring enough tools or weapons. Running out of durability on your pickaxe or hatchet mid-harvest can leave you stranded and vulnerable. Always bring extra tools and repair materials when gathering oil.
Advanced techniques for oil gathering include using tamed creatures to improve efficiency. For example, an Ichthyosaurus or a Megalodon can make underwater harvesting much safer and faster. These creatures can attack predators and carry you to oil nodes quickly. Additionally, building an underwater base near oil-rich areas can streamline the gathering process. An underwater base with a bed allows you to respawn nearby if you die, and storage containers can hold your harvested oil until you are ready to transport it.
Resource requirements for oil gathering depend on the method you choose. For underwater nodes, you will need a raft, a pickaxe or hatchet, and possibly Lazarus Chowder or a scuba mask. For trilobites, a simple weapon like a spear or bow will suffice. Taming a dung beetle requires spoiled meat or feces and a safe place to keep it. Regardless of the method, always bring extra tools, weapons, and food to ensure you can handle any situation.
In solo play, oil gathering can be more challenging due to the lack of backup. Focus on building a raft and taming a creature like an Ichthyosaurus to make the process safer. In a tribe, divide tasks among members to maximize efficiency. For example, one player can gather oil while another tames creatures or gathers other resources.
Specific examples of oil-rich locations include the western coast of The Island map, where underwater nodes are plentiful. On Scorched Earth, oil nodes can be found in the desert, often near rock formations. On Aberration, oil is primarily obtained from oil veins in the blue zone or by harvesting lampreys. Knowing the map you are playing on and the locations of oil sources will save you time and effort.
In conclusion, gathering oil in the early game requires careful planning and preparation. Whether you choose to harvest underwater nodes, hunt trilobites, or tame dung beetles, understanding the mechanics and risks involved is key to success. By following these strategies and tips, you can efficiently gather oil and progress toward more advanced crafting and building in ARK: Survival Evolved.