Where are the best spots for farming obsidian in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Farming obsidian in ARK: Survival Evolved is a crucial task for players looking to craft advanced items like polymer, electronics, and high-tier structures. Obsidian is a rare resource found in specific locations across the maps, and knowing where to find it and how to efficiently gather it can save you a lot of time and effort. Below is a detailed guide on the best spots for farming obsidian, along with strategies, tips, and considerations to maximize your efficiency.

Obsidian is primarily found in mountainous regions and volcanic areas. On The Island map, the best locations for farming obsidian are the mountains in the northwest, northeast, and central areas. The volcano in the center of the map is particularly rich in obsidian, with large nodes scattered around its slopes. On Scorched Earth, obsidian is found in the mountains and canyons, while on Aberration, it is located in the surface biome. Extinction has obsidian in the snow biome and around the city. Each map has its own unique spots, so itÔÇÖs important to familiarize yourself with the terrain.

To farm obsidian, you will need a metal pick or a high-level dinosaur with a good harvesting ability, such as an Ankylosaurus or a Mantis with a metal pick attachment. Obsidian nodes are black and shiny, making them relatively easy to spot against the rocky terrain. When using a pick, aim for the center of the node to maximize yield. If using a dinosaur, position it so that its attack hits the node directly. Ankylosaurus is the best choice for this task due to its high damage and weight reduction for obsidian.

Preparation is key when farming obsidian. Bring a strong mount, preferably an Ankylosaurus, and a flying creature like an Argentavis or a Quetzal to carry the heavy load. Obsidian is extremely heavy, so having a dinosaur with weight reduction for this resource is essential. Additionally, bring plenty of food, water, and tools for repairs, as you may be in dangerous areas with hostile creatures. ItÔÇÖs also a good idea to set up a small outpost nearby with storage and a bed for respawning in case of emergencies.

One common mistake is underestimating the weight of obsidian. Even with a high-weight dinosaur, you can quickly become encumbered. To avoid this, make multiple trips or use a Quetzal with a platform saddle to transport large quantities. Another mistake is venturing into dangerous areas unprepared. Mountainous regions are often home to predators like Rexes, Carnos, and Raptors, so bring a strong mount and weapons for defense.

Advanced techniques include using a Tek Suit for faster travel and increased carry weight, or a Magmasaur, which can harvest obsidian more efficiently than an Ankylosaurus. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to have one person scout for nodes while others gather and transport the obsidian. This division of labor can significantly speed up the process.

For solo players, focus on smaller, safer nodes and make multiple trips if necessary. Use a flying mount to quickly escape dangerous situations. If youÔÇÖre playing on a server with high resource respawn rates, consider farming obsidian during off-peak hours to avoid competition from other players.

In summary, farming obsidian requires careful planning and the right tools. Focus on mountainous and volcanic areas, use a strong mount like an Ankylosaurus, and be prepared for the weight and dangers involved. With these strategies, you can efficiently gather obsidian and advance your crafting capabilities in ARK: Survival Evolved.