What are the best strategies for farming oil in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Farming oil in ARK: Survival Evolved is a crucial task for mid to late-game progression, as oil is used to craft essential items like gasoline, polymer, and advanced tools. Oil can be found in various locations across the maps, and the best strategies for farming it depend on the map you are playing on, your current progression level, and whether you are playing solo or in a tribe. Below is a detailed guide on how to efficiently farm oil, covering mechanics, strategies, and tips.
Oil can be obtained in several ways: harvesting oil nodes, killing certain creatures, or using oil pumps. Oil nodes are the most common source and are found in specific biomes, such as underwater areas, snowy regions, or desert environments. On The Island, for example, oil nodes are abundant in the ocean, particularly around the underwater caves and the Arctic biome. On Scorched Earth, oil nodes are found in the desert, often near rocks or in dry riverbeds. On Aberration, oil is found in the blue zone, and on Extinction, it can be harvested from oil veins in the desert biome.
To farm oil from nodes, you will need a pickaxe or a metal hatchet. A pickaxe yields more oil per node, but a hatchet is faster. For underwater nodes, you will need scuba gear or a water-breathing dinosaur like the Basilosaurus or Ichthyosaurus to safely harvest. In snowy or desert biomes, you will need appropriate gear to survive the extreme temperatures, such as fur armor for the cold or desert cloth armor for the heat.
One of the most efficient ways to farm oil is by using an Ankylosaurus. The Ankylosaurus has a high harvesting multiplier for oil nodes, making it ideal for gathering large amounts quickly. If you are farming underwater, a Dunkleosteus is the best option, as it can harvest oil nodes with ease and has high health and oxygen stats. For solo players, taming these creatures is a priority, as they significantly speed up the farming process.
Another method is using an oil pump, which is a late-game structure that can be placed on oil veins. Oil pumps automatically generate oil over time, but they require a significant amount of resources to craft and can only be placed in specific locations. On The Island, oil veins are found in the Arctic biome, while on Scorched Earth, they are in the desert. Oil pumps are best used by tribes, as they require constant maintenance and protection from other players or wild creatures.
When farming oil, it is important to plan your trips carefully. Bring enough food, water, and tools to last the entire trip, especially if you are venturing into dangerous areas. If you are farming underwater, always bring a backup oxygen source, such as Lazarus Chowder, in case your scuba gear runs out. For snowy or desert biomes, bring appropriate temperature-regulating items and healing supplies to deal with environmental hazards.
A common mistake is underestimating the dangers of oil farming locations. Underwater areas are often populated by aggressive creatures like Megalodons and Electrophorus, while snowy and desert biomes have predators like Direwolves and Wyverns. Always scout the area beforehand and clear out any threats before starting to farm. If you are playing solo, consider building a small outpost near the farming location to store your resources and provide a safe retreat.
Advanced techniques include using a Quetzal or Argentavis to transport your Ankylosaurus to oil-rich areas, allowing you to farm large quantities quickly. You can also use a Tek Suit to fly directly to oil nodes, but this requires access to Tek Tier technology. For tribes, setting up a dedicated oil farming team with assigned roles, such as gatherers and defenders, can optimize the process and ensure safety.
In summary, farming oil in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, the right tools and creatures, and an understanding of the map's layout and dangers. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, prioritizing the taming of oil-harvesting dinosaurs and preparing for environmental hazards will make the process much smoother. By following these strategies and avoiding common mistakes, you can efficiently gather the oil needed for advanced crafting and progression.
Oil can be obtained in several ways: harvesting oil nodes, killing certain creatures, or using oil pumps. Oil nodes are the most common source and are found in specific biomes, such as underwater areas, snowy regions, or desert environments. On The Island, for example, oil nodes are abundant in the ocean, particularly around the underwater caves and the Arctic biome. On Scorched Earth, oil nodes are found in the desert, often near rocks or in dry riverbeds. On Aberration, oil is found in the blue zone, and on Extinction, it can be harvested from oil veins in the desert biome.
To farm oil from nodes, you will need a pickaxe or a metal hatchet. A pickaxe yields more oil per node, but a hatchet is faster. For underwater nodes, you will need scuba gear or a water-breathing dinosaur like the Basilosaurus or Ichthyosaurus to safely harvest. In snowy or desert biomes, you will need appropriate gear to survive the extreme temperatures, such as fur armor for the cold or desert cloth armor for the heat.
One of the most efficient ways to farm oil is by using an Ankylosaurus. The Ankylosaurus has a high harvesting multiplier for oil nodes, making it ideal for gathering large amounts quickly. If you are farming underwater, a Dunkleosteus is the best option, as it can harvest oil nodes with ease and has high health and oxygen stats. For solo players, taming these creatures is a priority, as they significantly speed up the farming process.
Another method is using an oil pump, which is a late-game structure that can be placed on oil veins. Oil pumps automatically generate oil over time, but they require a significant amount of resources to craft and can only be placed in specific locations. On The Island, oil veins are found in the Arctic biome, while on Scorched Earth, they are in the desert. Oil pumps are best used by tribes, as they require constant maintenance and protection from other players or wild creatures.
When farming oil, it is important to plan your trips carefully. Bring enough food, water, and tools to last the entire trip, especially if you are venturing into dangerous areas. If you are farming underwater, always bring a backup oxygen source, such as Lazarus Chowder, in case your scuba gear runs out. For snowy or desert biomes, bring appropriate temperature-regulating items and healing supplies to deal with environmental hazards.
A common mistake is underestimating the dangers of oil farming locations. Underwater areas are often populated by aggressive creatures like Megalodons and Electrophorus, while snowy and desert biomes have predators like Direwolves and Wyverns. Always scout the area beforehand and clear out any threats before starting to farm. If you are playing solo, consider building a small outpost near the farming location to store your resources and provide a safe retreat.
Advanced techniques include using a Quetzal or Argentavis to transport your Ankylosaurus to oil-rich areas, allowing you to farm large quantities quickly. You can also use a Tek Suit to fly directly to oil nodes, but this requires access to Tek Tier technology. For tribes, setting up a dedicated oil farming team with assigned roles, such as gatherers and defenders, can optimize the process and ensure safety.
In summary, farming oil in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, the right tools and creatures, and an understanding of the map's layout and dangers. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, prioritizing the taming of oil-harvesting dinosaurs and preparing for environmental hazards will make the process much smoother. By following these strategies and avoiding common mistakes, you can efficiently gather the oil needed for advanced crafting and progression.