What is the best way to gather oil and pearls in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Gathering oil and pearls in ARK: Survival Evolved is essential for mid-to-late game progression, as these resources are used to craft advanced items like gasoline, electronics, and scuba gear. Oil is primarily found underwater or in specific land-based nodes, while pearls are exclusively found in underwater locations. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to efficiently gather these resources, including strategies, tips, and considerations for both solo players and tribes.

Oil can be gathered in several ways. On land, oil nodes are found in snowy biomes, such as the Snow Biome on The Island or the Arctic regions on other maps. These nodes look like black rocks and can be harvested with a pickaxe, hatchet, or a tamed creature like an Ankylosaurus. Underwater, oil is found in black oil veins on the ocean floor, which can be harvested with a pickaxe or a tamed creature like a Dunkleosteus, which is highly efficient for this task. Additionally, oil can be obtained by killing Trilobites, which spawn along beaches and shallow waters, or by harvesting Basilosaurus, a passive whale-like creature found in the ocean.

Pearls, on the other hand, are found in underwater locations. Silica Pearls, the most common type, are found in clusters of shiny, white shells on the ocean floor. These can be harvested by hand or with a tamed creature like an Anglerfish, which is the most efficient way to gather pearls. Black Pearls, a rarer variant, are dropped by certain creatures like Eurypterids, Ammonites, and Alpha Tusoteuthis, or found in specific underwater caves.

To gather oil and pearls effectively, preparation is key. For underwater gathering, youÔÇÖll need scuba gear or a tamed aquatic creature like a Megalodon, Ichthyosaurus, or Basilosaurus. Scuba gear requires crafting a scuba tank, mask, and flippers, which need materials like cementing paste, silica pearls, and fiber. If youÔÇÖre using a tamed creature, ensure it has high health and stamina to handle potential threats like Cnidaria or Megalodons. For land-based oil gathering in snowy biomes, youÔÇÖll need cold-weather gear or a tamed creature like an Otter to keep warm.

A step-by-step strategy for gathering oil and pearls involves first scouting the area. For underwater resources, start by taming an aquatic creature like an Ichthyosaurus for quick exploration or a Basilosaurus for its immunity to jellyfish stings. Once youÔÇÖve located oil veins or pearl clusters, use a pickaxe or a tamed Dunkleosteus for oil and an Anglerfish for pearls. For land-based oil, head to the snowy biome with an Ankylosaurus or a high-level pickaxe. Always bring a backup weapon or creature for defense, as hostile creatures like Sabertooths or Purlovia can ambush you in the snow.

Important tips include always carrying a bed or sleeping bag to set a respawn point near your gathering location, as underwater exploration can be risky. Additionally, use a tamed creature with high weight capacity, like a Diplodocus or Argentavis, to transport large amounts of resources back to your base. For tribes, assigning roles can optimize resource gathering, with one player focusing on taming and another on gathering.

Common mistakes to avoid include venturing into dangerous areas unprepared. For example, underwater caves often contain hostile creatures like Eurypterids or Tusoteuthis, so bring a strong aquatic mount and avoid overextending. Another mistake is neglecting to check your oxygen levels while underwater, which can lead to drowning. Always monitor your stats and have a plan to surface quickly if needed.

Advanced techniques include using a Tek Suit for underwater exploration, as it provides unlimited oxygen and enhanced mobility. For tribes, setting up underwater bases near resource-rich areas can save time and effort. Additionally, using a Quetzal or Argentavis with a platform saddle can allow you to transport Ankylosaurus or other resource-gathering creatures to remote locations efficiently.

Resource requirements for gathering oil and pearls include tools like pickaxes, scuba gear, and taming materials for aquatic creatures. For tribes, coordinating resource allocation and taming efforts can streamline the process. Solo players should focus on taming versatile creatures like the Basilosaurus, which can gather oil and defend against threats.

In specific scenarios, such as gathering black pearls, you may need to venture into dangerous areas like the deep ocean or underwater caves. In these cases, having a strong tamed creature like a Mosasaurus or Tusoteuthis is crucial. For example, on The Island map, the underwater cave in the northwest contains black pearls but is guarded by hostile creatures, so preparation and caution are essential.

In summary, gathering oil and pearls in ARK requires careful planning, the right tools and creatures, and an understanding of the gameÔÇÖs mechanics. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, efficient resource gathering can significantly enhance your survival and progression in the game.