What are the best ways to farm 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. The methods for gathering oil vary depending on the map, your progression level, and whether you are playing solo or in a tribe. Below is a detailed guide on the best ways to farm oil, covering mechanics, strategies, and tips.
Oil can be found in several forms across the maps. On most maps, oil nodes are located in specific biomes, such as underwater areas, snowy regions, or deserts. These nodes can be harvested using tools like a pickaxe or a metal hatchet, but the most efficient way is to use a creature with high harvesting capabilities, such as an Ankylosaurus or a Metal Pick. On maps like Aberration, oil nodes are replaced by oil veins in the Bioluminescent Zone, which can be tapped using an Oil Pump. Additionally, oil can be obtained from certain creatures, such as Trilobites, Basilosaurus, and Leech Blood, which can be converted into oil at a Refining Forge or Industrial Forge.
For early-game players, the easiest way to gather oil is by hunting Trilobites, which spawn along beaches and shallow waters. These creatures drop oil, chitin, and silica pearls when killed. While this method is low-risk, it is also time-consuming and yields limited amounts of oil. A more efficient early-game method is to venture into the ocean and harvest oil nodes found on the ocean floor. This requires preparation, such as crafting Scuba Gear or taming a water creature like an Ichthyosaurus for mobility and protection. Be cautious of hostile sea creatures like Megalodons and Eels.
Mid to late-game players can focus on oil-rich biomes. On The Island, the snow biome and underwater caves are prime locations for oil nodes. In Scorched Earth, oil nodes are found in the desert. On Aberration, oil veins in the Bioluminescent Zone are the primary source. For these methods, it is highly recommended to use a tamed creature for harvesting and transportation. Ankylosaurus is excellent for land-based oil nodes, while a Dunkleosteus is ideal for underwater nodes due to its ability to harvest oil efficiently and carry large amounts. On Aberration, an Oil Pump placed on an oil vein will passively generate oil over time, making it a low-maintenance option.
Advanced players can optimize oil farming by setting up an oil outpost near resource-rich areas. For example, on The Island, building a small base near the snow biome or underwater caves allows for quick access to oil nodes. Use a flying creature like an Argentavis or a Quetzal to transport large quantities of oil back to your main base. On Aberration, placing multiple Oil Pumps on oil veins and connecting them to a network of pipes and reservoirs can create a steady oil supply. Be sure to defend your outpost with turrets or tamed creatures to prevent raids or wild creature attacks.
When farming oil, preparation is key. Always bring the necessary tools, such as a Metal Pick or a tamed creature with high harvesting stats. For underwater farming, Scuba Gear or a Lazarus Chowder is essential to avoid drowning. If you are venturing into dangerous areas, bring weapons, armor, and healing items to defend yourself. For tribe play, coordinate with your teammates to maximize efficiency. Assign roles, such as one player harvesting while another guards against threats. Solo players should focus on minimizing risk by using tamed creatures for both harvesting and protection.
Common mistakes to avoid include venturing into dangerous areas unprepared, overloading your inventory or creature with oil, and neglecting to defend your oil outpost. Always scout the area for threats before gathering resources, and consider using a weight-reducing creature like a Megaloceros or a Paraceratherium to carry more oil. Additionally, avoid leaving oil in vulnerable storage containers, as it is a valuable resource that other players may target in PvP.
In summary, farming oil in ARK requires a combination of preparation, strategy, and resource management. Whether you are a solo player or part of a tribe, understanding the mechanics and optimizing your approach will ensure a steady supply of this vital resource. By using the right tools, creatures, and locations, you can efficiently gather oil and advance your gameplay.
Oil can be found in several forms across the maps. On most maps, oil nodes are located in specific biomes, such as underwater areas, snowy regions, or deserts. These nodes can be harvested using tools like a pickaxe or a metal hatchet, but the most efficient way is to use a creature with high harvesting capabilities, such as an Ankylosaurus or a Metal Pick. On maps like Aberration, oil nodes are replaced by oil veins in the Bioluminescent Zone, which can be tapped using an Oil Pump. Additionally, oil can be obtained from certain creatures, such as Trilobites, Basilosaurus, and Leech Blood, which can be converted into oil at a Refining Forge or Industrial Forge.
For early-game players, the easiest way to gather oil is by hunting Trilobites, which spawn along beaches and shallow waters. These creatures drop oil, chitin, and silica pearls when killed. While this method is low-risk, it is also time-consuming and yields limited amounts of oil. A more efficient early-game method is to venture into the ocean and harvest oil nodes found on the ocean floor. This requires preparation, such as crafting Scuba Gear or taming a water creature like an Ichthyosaurus for mobility and protection. Be cautious of hostile sea creatures like Megalodons and Eels.
Mid to late-game players can focus on oil-rich biomes. On The Island, the snow biome and underwater caves are prime locations for oil nodes. In Scorched Earth, oil nodes are found in the desert. On Aberration, oil veins in the Bioluminescent Zone are the primary source. For these methods, it is highly recommended to use a tamed creature for harvesting and transportation. Ankylosaurus is excellent for land-based oil nodes, while a Dunkleosteus is ideal for underwater nodes due to its ability to harvest oil efficiently and carry large amounts. On Aberration, an Oil Pump placed on an oil vein will passively generate oil over time, making it a low-maintenance option.
Advanced players can optimize oil farming by setting up an oil outpost near resource-rich areas. For example, on The Island, building a small base near the snow biome or underwater caves allows for quick access to oil nodes. Use a flying creature like an Argentavis or a Quetzal to transport large quantities of oil back to your main base. On Aberration, placing multiple Oil Pumps on oil veins and connecting them to a network of pipes and reservoirs can create a steady oil supply. Be sure to defend your outpost with turrets or tamed creatures to prevent raids or wild creature attacks.
When farming oil, preparation is key. Always bring the necessary tools, such as a Metal Pick or a tamed creature with high harvesting stats. For underwater farming, Scuba Gear or a Lazarus Chowder is essential to avoid drowning. If you are venturing into dangerous areas, bring weapons, armor, and healing items to defend yourself. For tribe play, coordinate with your teammates to maximize efficiency. Assign roles, such as one player harvesting while another guards against threats. Solo players should focus on minimizing risk by using tamed creatures for both harvesting and protection.
Common mistakes to avoid include venturing into dangerous areas unprepared, overloading your inventory or creature with oil, and neglecting to defend your oil outpost. Always scout the area for threats before gathering resources, and consider using a weight-reducing creature like a Megaloceros or a Paraceratherium to carry more oil. Additionally, avoid leaving oil in vulnerable storage containers, as it is a valuable resource that other players may target in PvP.
In summary, farming oil in ARK requires a combination of preparation, strategy, and resource management. Whether you are a solo player or part of a tribe, understanding the mechanics and optimizing your approach will ensure a steady supply of this vital resource. By using the right tools, creatures, and locations, you can efficiently gather oil and advance your gameplay.