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 obsidian is a key resource for crafting advanced items like polymer, electronics, and certain high-tier structures. Obsidian is primarily found in mountainous regions and volcanic areas, often in hard-to-reach locations. 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 large, black, glassy rocks that are typically found in clusters on mountains or near lava flows. Unlike other resources, obsidian cannot be gathered with just any tool. You need a metal pick or a high-tier dinosaur with a harvesting ability to collect it effectively. Using a stone pick or a low-tier dinosaur will yield very little obsidian, making the process inefficient. Additionally, obsidian nodes are often located in dangerous areas, so you must be prepared to deal with aggressive creatures and environmental hazards like extreme temperatures.

To start gathering obsidian, you need to prepare the right tools and dinosaurs. A metal pick is the most basic tool for harvesting obsidian, but it is not the most efficient. For solo players, an Ankylosaurus is the best dinosaur for gathering obsidian. The Ankylosaurus has a high harvesting multiplier for obsidian, making it far more effective than using a pick. If you are in a tribe, you can assign one member to ride the Ankylosaurus while others provide protection or transport the resources. Another excellent option is the Magmasaur, which is immune to lava damage and can harvest obsidian efficiently in volcanic areas. However, Magmasaurs are harder to tame and require specific conditions, so they are more of a late-game option.

Before heading out to gather obsidian, make sure you are well-prepared. Bring plenty of food, water, and medical supplies, as the areas where obsidian is found are often harsh and dangerous. If you are traveling to a cold mountain, wear fur armor or bring a torch to stay warm. If you are going to a volcanic area, consider using ghillie armor or other heat-resistant gear. Additionally, bring a strong mount for protection, such as a Rex or a Spino, as you will likely encounter aggressive creatures like Carnotaurus, Raptors, or even Alpha predators.

When you arrive at the obsidian nodes, start harvesting with your Ankylosaurus or metal pick. If you are using an Ankylosaurus, its tail swing attack will break the obsidian nodes quickly, yielding large amounts of obsidian. Be mindful of your surroundings, as the noise from harvesting can attract nearby predators. If you are in a tribe, have one member focus on harvesting while others keep watch and defend against threats. Once your inventory or the AnkylosaurusÔÇÖs inventory is full, you will need to transport the obsidian back to your base. This is where a weight-reducing dinosaur like an Argentavis or a Quetzal comes in handy. These flying dinosaurs can carry large amounts of obsidian and other resources, making the trip back to your base much faster and safer.

One common mistake players make is underestimating the dangers of obsidian-rich areas. These locations are often filled with high-level predators and environmental hazards, so going unprepared can lead to losing your gear or even your dinosaur. Always scout the area first and clear out any threats before starting to harvest. Another mistake is using the wrong tools or dinosaurs. Using a stone pick or a low-tier dinosaur will result in very little obsidian, wasting your time and effort. Always use a metal pick or an Ankylosaurus for maximum efficiency.

For advanced players, there are ways to optimize obsidian gathering. If you have access to a Tek suit, you can fly directly to obsidian nodes and harvest them quickly without needing a dinosaur. Additionally, setting up a small outpost near an obsidian-rich area can save time and resources. Build a small base with storage boxes, a bed, and a few turrets for defense. This allows you to store obsidian on-site and make multiple trips without returning to your main base each time.

In conclusion, gathering obsidian in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful preparation, the right tools and dinosaurs, and a solid strategy. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, using an Ankylosaurus or a Magmasaur is the most efficient way to harvest obsidian. Always be prepared for the dangers of obsidian-rich areas, and consider setting up an outpost to optimize your resource gathering. With these tips and strategies, you can efficiently gather obsidian and progress further in the game.