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 weapons. Obsidian is a rare resource that is primarily found in mountainous and volcanic regions across the maps. Understanding where to find it, how to gather it efficiently, and how to prepare for the challenges involved is key to successful farming.

The mechanics of farming obsidian are straightforward. Obsidian nodes are large, black, shiny rocks that can be harvested using tools like a metal pick or a creature with high melee damage, such as an Ankylosaurus. The Ankylosaurus is the most efficient creature for gathering obsidian due to its weight reduction and harvesting bonus for this resource. When using an Ankylosaurus, you can gather large amounts of obsidian quickly, but you must be cautious of the weight limit, as obsidian is heavy. A high-level Ankylosaurus with points invested in melee damage and weight will significantly improve your farming efficiency.

To begin farming obsidian, you need to locate the best spots on the map. On The Island, the most reliable locations are the mountains in the northwest (around 20, 20 coordinates), the volcano (around 40, 60 coordinates), and the mountain in the northeast (around 50, 85 coordinates). These areas are rich in obsidian nodes but are also dangerous due to the presence of predators like Carnotaurus, Raptors, and even the occasional Rex. On other maps like Scorched Earth, obsidian is found in the mountains near the center of the map, while on Ragnarok, it is abundant in the highlands and the volcano region.

Preparation is essential before heading out to farm obsidian. Ensure you have a strong mount like an Ankylosaurus or a high-level Argentavis for transportation. The Argentavis is particularly useful because it can carry the Ankylosaurus, allowing you to move quickly between nodes. Bring plenty of food, water, and medical supplies, as well as tools for repairing your equipment. If you are playing solo, consider building a small outpost near the farming area to store resources and restock supplies. For tribes, coordinating with teammates to protect each other and share the workload can make the process faster and safer.

When farming obsidian, avoid common mistakes like overloading your mount or venturing into dangerous areas unprepared. Always keep an eye on your surroundings and be ready to defend yourself or retreat if necessary. Another mistake is not bringing enough tools or repair materials, as obsidian nodes can quickly wear down your pick or Ankylosaurus saddle. Additionally, do not underestimate the weight of obsidian. Even with a high-weight mount, you may need to make multiple trips or use a Quetzal with a platform saddle to transport large quantities.

Advanced techniques for optimizing obsidian farming include using a Quetzal with a platform saddle to carry an Ankylosaurus. This setup allows you to hover over obsidian nodes while the Ankylosaurus harvests them, minimizing the risk of encountering predators. Another strategy is to use a Tek Stryder with the mining drill attachment on Genesis Part 2, as it can gather obsidian efficiently and has a built-in weight reduction for resources. For tribes, assigning roles such as a scout, harvester, and defender can streamline the process and ensure safety.

Resource requirements for obsidian farming include a strong mount, tools, and transportation methods. If you are using an Ankylosaurus, ensure it has high melee damage and weight stats. For transportation, an Argentavis or Quetzal is ideal. Bring a metal pick as a backup tool, and consider crafting a few extra saddles or tools in case they break. If you are farming in a dangerous area, bring weapons like a longneck rifle or a shotgun for defense.

In conclusion, farming obsidian in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, the right tools, and a strong mount. Focus on the mountainous and volcanic regions of the map, and always be prepared for the dangers that come with these areas. Whether you are playing solo or with a tribe, efficient resource management and coordination are key to success. By following these strategies and avoiding common mistakes, you can gather large amounts of obsidian to fuel your crafting and progression in the game.