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 significantly boost your progress. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on the best spots for farming obsidian, along with strategies, tips, and considerations.

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 itself is a prime spot, but itÔÇÖs also dangerous due to the presence of predators like raptors, carnos, and rexes. On Scorched Earth, obsidian is found in the mountains and canyons, while on Aberration, itÔÇÖs located in the surface biome. Extinction has obsidian in the desert biome and near the city terminals. Each map has its unique challenges, so preparation is key.

To farm obsidian efficiently, youÔÇÖll need the right tools and dinosaurs. An Ankylosaurus is the best dinosaur for gathering obsidian due to its high harvesting efficiency. Equip it with a metal pickaxe for even better results. If you donÔÇÖt have an Ankylo, a metal pickaxe will work, but itÔÇÖs less efficient. Before heading out, ensure you have a strong mount for protection, such as a Rex or Spino, as the areas with obsidian are often populated with dangerous creatures.

When farming obsidian, always bring a flyer like an Argentavis or Quetzal to carry the Ankylo or transport the obsidian back to your base. Obsidian is heavy, so having a weight-reducing mount is essential. Argentavis is particularly useful because it reduces the weight of obsidian by 50% when carried in its inventory. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, consider setting up a small outpost near the farming location with storage boxes and a bed for respawning in case of death.

One common mistake is not bringing enough supplies. Always carry extra tools, food, water, and medical brews. The mountainous areas can be cold, so wear fur armor or bring a campfire to stay warm. Another mistake is underestimating the dangers of the area. Always scout the location first to identify threats and clear out any predators before starting to farm.

Advanced techniques include using a Quetzal with a platform saddle to carry the Ankylo while farming. This allows you to hover over the obsidian nodes and harvest them without dismounting, reducing the risk of being attacked. Another optimization is to use a whip to quickly gather obsidian from the ground after itÔÇÖs been harvested by the Ankylo. This can save time and increase your overall efficiency.

Resource requirements for obsidian farming include a strong mount, a metal pickaxe, and a flyer for transportation. If youÔÇÖre using an Ankylo, make sure it has high melee damage to maximize the amount of obsidian harvested per node. For solo players, itÔÇÖs important to plan your route and ensure you have a safe way to transport the obsidian back to your base. Tribe players can divide tasks, with one person scouting and clearing the area while another focuses on farming.

Specific examples of good farming spots include the volcano on The Island, where obsidian nodes are abundant but dangerous. On Scorched Earth, the mountains near the dunes are a great location, though youÔÇÖll need to watch out for sandstorms and predators. On Aberration, the surface biome has plenty of obsidian, but youÔÇÖll need a light pet and hazard gear to survive the radiation. On Extinction, the desert biome near the city terminals is a reliable spot, but be prepared for corrupted creatures.

In conclusion, farming obsidian in ARK requires careful planning, the right tools, and a strong mount. By choosing the best locations, using efficient dinosaurs like the Ankylo, and preparing for the dangers of the area, you can gather large amounts of obsidian to fuel your crafting needs. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, these strategies will help you optimize your farming runs and avoid common pitfalls.