Where can I find the best oil nodes in the Ragnarok map of ARK: Survival Evolved?

In ARK: Survival Evolved, oil is a critical resource used for crafting advanced items like gasoline, polymer, and various industrial structures. On the Ragnarok map, oil nodes are abundant, but some locations are more efficient for farming than others. Below is a detailed guide on finding and harvesting oil nodes in Ragnarok, including strategies, tips, and considerations for both solo players and tribes.

Oil nodes in Ragnarok are primarily found in underwater locations, particularly in the ocean biome, as well as in specific land-based areas like the desert and snowy regions. Underwater oil nodes are the most common and yield the highest amount of oil per node. These nodes appear as black, spiky rocks on the ocean floor and can be harvested using a pickaxe, an Ankylosaurus, or a Dunkleosteus. Land-based oil nodes are less common and are typically found in the desert biome near the Wyvern Trench or in the snowy mountains. These nodes resemble black rocks and can be harvested with a pickaxe or an Ankylosaurus.

To efficiently farm oil, you will need to prepare adequately. For underwater oil farming, you will need a water-capable mount like a Basilosaurus, Ichthyosaurus, or Megalodon. The Basilosaurus is highly recommended due to its immunity to jellyfish and eels, making it safer for underwater exploration. You will also need scuba gear or Lazarus Chowder to extend your underwater breathing time. For land-based oil farming, a flying mount like an Argentavis or a Wyvern is ideal for transporting resources, and an Ankylosaurus is highly effective for harvesting oil nodes.

One of the best locations for underwater oil nodes is the ocean biome near the Viking Bay area. This region has a high concentration of oil nodes scattered across the ocean floor. Another excellent spot is the deep ocean near the Murder Snow biome, where oil nodes are plentiful but guarded by dangerous creatures like Mosasaurs and Tusoteuthis. For land-based oil, the desert biome near the Wyvern Trench is a reliable location, though it is often contested due to its proximity to Wyvern nests. The snowy mountains also have oil nodes, but they are less abundant and harder to access due to the cold weather and aggressive creatures like Yetis and Direwolves.

When farming oil, it is crucial to be aware of the dangers in each area. Underwater farming is particularly risky due to the presence of hostile creatures like jellyfish, eels, and sharks. Always bring a strong water mount and avoid areas with high concentrations of dangerous creatures. For land-based farming, be cautious of predators like Wyverns, Sabertooths, and Direwolves. It is also advisable to bring a tamed creature for protection, such as a Rex or a Spino.

A common mistake players make is underestimating the dangers of underwater farming. Without proper preparation, you can easily be overwhelmed by hostile creatures or run out of oxygen. Always bring scuba gear or Lazarus Chowder, and avoid venturing too deep without a strong mount. Another mistake is overloading your inventory with oil, which can slow you down and make it harder to escape danger. Use a mount with high weight capacity, like an Argentavis or a Basilosaurus, to carry the oil back to your base.

For advanced players, optimizing oil farming can involve setting up an underwater base or taming a Dunkleosteus. The Dunkleosteus is an excellent choice for underwater oil farming, as it can harvest oil nodes quickly and efficiently. Setting up an underwater base near oil-rich areas can also save time and resources, as you can store oil and other materials on-site. Additionally, using a Tek Suit or Tek Transmitter can make transporting oil easier, though these require advanced technology and resources.

Tribes can benefit from coordinated oil farming efforts. Assigning roles, such as one player gathering oil while another provides protection, can make the process faster and safer. Tribes can also set up resource outposts near oil-rich areas, allowing for continuous farming and storage. Solo players should focus on efficiency and safety, using strong mounts and avoiding high-risk areas unless absolutely necessary.

In summary, oil farming in Ragnarok requires careful preparation, awareness of dangers, and efficient resource management. By focusing on high-yield locations like the ocean biome near Viking Bay and the desert biome near the Wyvern Trench, you can gather large amounts of oil quickly. Always bring the right tools and mounts, and be prepared to defend yourself against hostile creatures. With the right strategy, oil farming can become a reliable and profitable activity in ARK: Survival Evolved.