What are the best locations 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 best locations to farm oil depend on the map you are playing on, but there are general strategies and considerations that apply across all maps. Below is a detailed guide on how to efficiently farm oil, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

Oil can be found in several forms across the maps. The most common sources are oil nodes, which are black rocks found in specific biomes, and oil veins, which are underwater deposits. Oil can also be obtained from certain creatures, such as Trilobites and Basilosaurus, or by refining organic polymer from creatures like Kairuku or Hesperornis. For large-scale farming, oil nodes and veins are the most reliable sources.

On The Island, one of the best locations for oil farming is the snow biome in the northwest. This area has numerous oil nodes scattered across the icy landscape. However, the cold weather and hostile creatures like Wolves and Yetis make this a dangerous location. To farm here, you will need cold-weather gear or a strong mount like a Sabertooth or Direwolf to survive. Another excellent location is the underwater oil veins near the western coast. These veins require a water mount like an Ichthyosaurus or a Basilosaurus to harvest. Basilosaurus is particularly useful because it is immune to the electric shocks from Electrophorus and Cnidaria, which are common threats in the ocean.

On Scorched Earth, oil nodes are found in the desert and near the edges of the map. The desert biome is harsh, with extreme heat and dangerous creatures like Deathworms. To farm oil here, you will need heat-resistant gear and a fast mount like a Wyvern or a Rock Elemental for protection. Oil veins are also present in the underground cave systems, but these areas are filled with hostile creatures and require careful navigation.

On Aberration, oil nodes are found in the blue and red zones. The blue zone is relatively safer, but the red zone is filled with dangerous creatures like Reapers and Nameless. A strong mount like a Ravager or a Karkinos is essential for farming in these areas. Oil veins are also present in the underground water sources, but they are harder to access due to the map's verticality and the presence of hostile creatures.

On Extinction, oil nodes are found in the desert biome and the underground city. The desert biome is similar to Scorched Earth, with extreme heat and dangerous creatures. The underground city is safer but requires a strong mount like a Giga or a Velonasaur to deal with the hostile creatures. Oil veins are also present in the snow biome, but this area is cold and filled with dangerous creatures like Snow Owls and Managarmr.

To efficiently farm oil, you will need the right tools and mounts. A metal pickaxe or a chainsaw is the best tool for harvesting oil nodes, while an Ankylosaurus or a Dunkleosteus is the best mount for harvesting oil veins. For underwater farming, a Basilosaurus is highly recommended due to its immunity to electric shocks and its ability to harvest oil veins quickly. You should also bring a strong mount for protection, as oil-rich areas are often filled with hostile creatures.

Preparation is key when farming oil. Make sure to bring enough food, water, and medical supplies, especially if you are farming in harsh biomes like the snow or desert. Cold-weather gear or heat-resistant gear is essential for surviving in these areas. You should also bring a bed or a sleeping bag to set up a respawn point in case you die. If you are farming underwater, bring scuba gear or a Lazarus Chowder to extend your oxygen supply.

For tribe play, coordination is important. Assign roles to tribe members, such as one person harvesting oil while another provides protection. You can also set up a base near the oil-rich area to store resources and respawn if needed. For solo play, focus on efficiency and safety. Use a strong mount for protection and avoid engaging unnecessary fights. Always have an escape plan in case things go wrong.

Common mistakes to avoid include not bringing the right gear or mounts, underestimating the dangers of the area, and not setting up a respawn point. Always scout the area before committing to farming, and be prepared to retreat if the situation becomes too dangerous. Advanced techniques include using a Quetzal or a platform saddle to transport an Ankylosaurus to oil-rich areas, or using a Tek Suit to quickly travel between oil nodes.

In summary, farming oil in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning and preparation. The best locations depend on the map, but the general strategy involves using the right tools and mounts, preparing for the environmental hazards, and being aware of the dangers in the area. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, efficient oil farming is essential for progressing in the game.