What are the best locations to farm oil on Valguero in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Farming oil on Valguero in ARK: Survival Evolved is a crucial task for mid to late-game progression, as oil is a key resource used in crafting advanced items like gasoline, polymer, and various industrial structures. Valguero offers several locations where oil can be gathered efficiently, but the best spots depend on your playstyle, whether you are solo or in a tribe, and the tools or dinos you have available.
One of the most reliable locations for oil on Valguero is the Snow Biome, located in the northwest part of the map. This area is rich in oil nodes, which appear as black rocks on the ground. These nodes can be harvested using a metal pick, an Ankylosaurus, or a Mining Drill. The Snow Biome is also home to oil veins, which can be tapped using an Oil Pump. However, the Snow Biome is dangerous due to the presence of predators like Direwolves, Yutyrannus, and the cold weather, so preparation is key. Bring warm clothing, such as Fur Armor, and consider taming a strong mount like a Rex or a Yutyrannus for protection. If you are in a tribe, setting up a small outpost with turrets or tamed dinos for defense can make farming safer and more efficient.
Another excellent location for oil is the Aberration Trench, found in the southwest part of the map. This area mimics the Aberration DLC and contains oil nodes scattered throughout the trench. The Aberration Trench is less dangerous than the Snow Biome but still has its challenges, such as aggressive creatures like Ravagers and Nameless. A high-level mount like a Spino or a Megalosaurus is recommended for navigating this area. The trench is also a great spot for farming other resources like metal and crystal, making it a versatile location for resource gathering.
For players who prefer a safer and more accessible option, oil can also be found in the underwater caves and lakes scattered across Valguero. These underwater oil nodes can be harvested using a Pick or a Dunkleosteus, a water dino specialized in gathering oil and stone. The underwater caves are relatively safe compared to the Snow Biome and Aberration Trench, but you will need scuba gear or a water-breathing dino like a Basilosaurus to explore them effectively. If you are solo, this method is slower but less risky, especially if you are not yet equipped to handle the dangers of the Snow Biome or Aberration Trench.
When farming oil, it is important to consider your resource requirements and preparation. If you are using an Ankylosaurus or a Mining Drill, make sure to bring enough food and repair materials, as these tools can degrade over time. For tribes, assigning roles can optimize the process, such as having one player focus on gathering while another provides protection or transports resources back to base. Solo players should prioritize safety and efficiency, perhaps using a flyer like an Argentavis to carry heavy loads of oil back to their base.
Common mistakes to avoid include venturing into dangerous areas unprepared, overloading your inventory or dino with oil, and neglecting to defend your base while you are away. Always scout the area first and clear out any threats before starting to farm. Additionally, avoid farming during nighttime in the Snow Biome, as visibility is reduced, and the cold becomes more deadly.
Advanced techniques include setting up an oil pump in the Snow Biome or Aberration Trench for passive oil generation. This requires a significant investment in resources and time but can provide a steady supply of oil without constant farming. Another optimization is using a Tek Dedicated Storage to store large amounts of oil, as it reduces the weight of the resource and makes transportation easier.
In summary, the best locations to farm oil on Valguero are the Snow Biome, Aberration Trench, and underwater caves. Each location has its pros and cons, so choose based on your current progression and resources. Preparation, safety, and efficiency are key to successful oil farming, whether you are playing solo or in a tribe. By following these strategies and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure a steady supply of oil for your advanced crafting needs.
One of the most reliable locations for oil on Valguero is the Snow Biome, located in the northwest part of the map. This area is rich in oil nodes, which appear as black rocks on the ground. These nodes can be harvested using a metal pick, an Ankylosaurus, or a Mining Drill. The Snow Biome is also home to oil veins, which can be tapped using an Oil Pump. However, the Snow Biome is dangerous due to the presence of predators like Direwolves, Yutyrannus, and the cold weather, so preparation is key. Bring warm clothing, such as Fur Armor, and consider taming a strong mount like a Rex or a Yutyrannus for protection. If you are in a tribe, setting up a small outpost with turrets or tamed dinos for defense can make farming safer and more efficient.
Another excellent location for oil is the Aberration Trench, found in the southwest part of the map. This area mimics the Aberration DLC and contains oil nodes scattered throughout the trench. The Aberration Trench is less dangerous than the Snow Biome but still has its challenges, such as aggressive creatures like Ravagers and Nameless. A high-level mount like a Spino or a Megalosaurus is recommended for navigating this area. The trench is also a great spot for farming other resources like metal and crystal, making it a versatile location for resource gathering.
For players who prefer a safer and more accessible option, oil can also be found in the underwater caves and lakes scattered across Valguero. These underwater oil nodes can be harvested using a Pick or a Dunkleosteus, a water dino specialized in gathering oil and stone. The underwater caves are relatively safe compared to the Snow Biome and Aberration Trench, but you will need scuba gear or a water-breathing dino like a Basilosaurus to explore them effectively. If you are solo, this method is slower but less risky, especially if you are not yet equipped to handle the dangers of the Snow Biome or Aberration Trench.
When farming oil, it is important to consider your resource requirements and preparation. If you are using an Ankylosaurus or a Mining Drill, make sure to bring enough food and repair materials, as these tools can degrade over time. For tribes, assigning roles can optimize the process, such as having one player focus on gathering while another provides protection or transports resources back to base. Solo players should prioritize safety and efficiency, perhaps using a flyer like an Argentavis to carry heavy loads of oil back to their base.
Common mistakes to avoid include venturing into dangerous areas unprepared, overloading your inventory or dino with oil, and neglecting to defend your base while you are away. Always scout the area first and clear out any threats before starting to farm. Additionally, avoid farming during nighttime in the Snow Biome, as visibility is reduced, and the cold becomes more deadly.
Advanced techniques include setting up an oil pump in the Snow Biome or Aberration Trench for passive oil generation. This requires a significant investment in resources and time but can provide a steady supply of oil without constant farming. Another optimization is using a Tek Dedicated Storage to store large amounts of oil, as it reduces the weight of the resource and makes transportation easier.
In summary, the best locations to farm oil on Valguero are the Snow Biome, Aberration Trench, and underwater caves. Each location has its pros and cons, so choose based on your current progression and resources. Preparation, safety, and efficiency are key to successful oil farming, whether you are playing solo or in a tribe. By following these strategies and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure a steady supply of oil for your advanced crafting needs.