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

Obsidian is a crucial resource in ARK: Survival Evolved, used primarily for crafting advanced items like polymer, electronics, and high-tier structures. It is a rare material found in specific locations across the maps, and farming it efficiently requires preparation, strategy, and the right tools. Below is a detailed guide on how to farm obsidian effectively, covering mechanics, strategies, and tips for both solo players and tribes.

Obsidian is typically found in mountainous or volcanic regions, often near metal nodes. It appears as shiny black rocks with a glassy texture. To harvest obsidian, you need tools like a metal pick or a high-level dinosaur with a strong harvesting ability. Ankylosaurus is the best dinosaur for farming obsidian due to its high damage output and weight reduction for metal and obsidian. Other creatures like the Mantis with a metal pick or the Magmasaur can also be effective, but Ankylosaurus remains the most reliable choice.

To begin farming obsidian, you must first locate the best spots on your map. On The Island, the most abundant obsidian nodes are found in the volcano at the center of the map, as well as on the mountains in the northwest and northeast regions. On Scorched Earth, obsidian is scattered across the dunes and rocky areas, while on Ragnarok, it is plentiful in the highlands and around the volcano. On Extinction, obsidian can be found in the desert biome and near the city terminals. Each map has unique obsidian locations, so it is essential to explore and identify the most efficient farming spots.

Once you have identified a good location, prepare for the trip. Bring an Ankylosaurus or another suitable harvesting creature, and ensure it has enough weight capacity to carry the obsidian. Obsidian is heavy, so weight management is critical. You may also want to bring a flyer like an Argentavis or a Quetzal to transport your Ankylosaurus and the harvested resources. Additionally, pack essential supplies like food, water, and weapons to defend against hostile creatures in the area.

When you arrive at the farming spot, dismount your Ankylosaurus and use its attack to harvest the obsidian nodes. Each node will yield a significant amount of obsidian, but the Ankylosaurus will quickly become encumbered due to the weight. To mitigate this, you can use a Quetzal with a platform saddle to carry the Ankylosaurus while it harvests, allowing you to transfer the obsidian directly to the QuetzalÔÇÖs inventory. This method is highly efficient and reduces the need for multiple trips.

For solo players, farming obsidian can be more challenging due to the lack of tribe support. However, you can still optimize your efforts by using a high-level Ankylosaurus and a flyer. Focus on smaller farming runs and avoid overloading your dinosaur. Alternatively, you can build a small outpost near the farming location to store resources temporarily. This approach requires careful planning and resource management but can be effective for solo players.

Tribes have the advantage of teamwork, which makes obsidian farming much easier. Multiple players can work together to harvest and transport obsidian, using a combination of Ankylosaurus, Quetzals, and other dinosaurs. Tribes can also establish mining outposts near obsidian-rich areas, complete with storage and defenses. This allows for continuous farming and resource collection, significantly boosting the tribeÔÇÖs progress.

One common mistake to avoid is underestimating the dangers of obsidian farming locations. These areas are often populated by aggressive creatures like Carnotaurus, Raptors, and even Rexes. Always be prepared for combat and bring strong tames or weapons to defend yourself. Additionally, avoid overloading your dinosaurs, as this can leave you vulnerable to attacks or stranded in dangerous areas.

Advanced techniques for obsidian farming include using a Magmasaur, which can harvest obsidian more efficiently than an Ankylosaurus. Magmasaurs also have a weight reduction for obsidian, making them ideal for large-scale farming. Another optimization is to use a Tek Suit or Tek Transmitter to transport resources quickly, though this requires access to advanced technology.

In conclusion, farming obsidian in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, the right tools, and an understanding of the mapÔÇÖs resource locations. Whether you are playing solo or as part of a tribe, using an Ankylosaurus and a flyer is the most effective strategy. Always be prepared for dangers, manage your weight carefully, and consider advanced techniques like using a Magmasaur or Tek equipment to optimize your farming efforts. With these strategies, you can gather obsidian efficiently and progress in the game.