Where are the best locations to farm obsidian on Extinction in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Obsidian is a crucial resource in ARK: Survival Evolved, especially for crafting advanced items like polymer, electronics, and certain structures. On the Extinction map, obsidian is primarily found in specific biomes, and farming it efficiently requires preparation, the right tools, and a solid strategy. Below is a detailed guide on how to farm obsidian effectively on Extinction.

First, itÔÇÖs important to understand where obsidian spawns on Extinction. Obsidian is most commonly found in the Snow Biome and the Desert Biome. In the Snow Biome, obsidian nodes are scattered across the icy mountains and rocky areas. These nodes resemble large black rocks with a shiny, glass-like texture. In the Desert Biome, obsidian can be found near the edges of the map, often mixed with metal nodes. Both biomes are dangerous, so preparation is key.

To farm obsidian, youÔÇÖll need the right tools. A metal pickaxe or an Ankylosaurus is essential for gathering obsidian efficiently. The Ankylosaurus is particularly useful because it has a high harvesting multiplier for obsidian and can carry a large amount of weight. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, taming an Ankylosaurus should be a priority. For tribes, having multiple Ankylosaurs or even a Magmasaur (which can harvest obsidian at an even higher rate) can significantly speed up the process.

Before heading out, make sure youÔÇÖre well-prepared. Bring plenty of food, water, and medical supplies, especially if youÔÇÖre venturing into the Snow Biome, where the cold can drain your health quickly. If youÔÇÖre using an Ankylosaurus, equip it with a saddle for protection and consider bringing a Cryopod to store it if you need to move quickly or escape danger. Additionally, bring a flyer like an Argentavis or a Snow Owl to transport your Ankylosaurus and carry the obsidian back to your base.

When farming obsidian in the Snow Biome, start by scouting the area for nodes. They are often found on higher elevations, so be prepared to navigate steep terrain. Use your Ankylosaurus to harvest the nodes, and make sure to clear the area of predators like Yutyrannus or Direwolves before you start farming. In the Desert Biome, obsidian nodes are often mixed with metal nodes, so you can gather both resources simultaneously. However, be cautious of threats like Rock Elementals and Wyverns, which are common in this area.

One common mistake players make is not bringing enough storage or weight management solutions. Obsidian is heavy, and even with an Ankylosaurus, you can quickly hit your weight limit. To avoid this, consider bringing a Paraceratherium or a Brontosaurus with a platform saddle to act as a mobile storage unit. Alternatively, you can use a Tek Transmitter to teleport the obsidian back to your base if you have access to Tek Tier.

For advanced players, using a Magmasaur can optimize obsidian farming. Magmasaurs have a unique ability to harvest obsidian at an extremely high rate, making them the best choice for large-scale farming. Additionally, using a Tek Suit can help you navigate the terrain quickly and avoid threats. If youÔÇÖre in a tribe, coordinating with teammates to cover more ground and protect each other from predators can make the process faster and safer.

In terms of resource management, itÔÇÖs important to prioritize what you need. Obsidian is heavy, so only gather what you need for your current projects. If youÔÇÖre planning to craft a lot of polymer or electronics, focus on farming obsidian in bulk and store it in a dedicated storage box at your base. For solo players, consider setting up a small outpost near the farming area to store obsidian temporarily before transporting it back to your main base.

Finally, always be aware of your surroundings. Both the Snow and Desert Biomes are dangerous, and losing your Ankylosaurus or Magmasaur to predators or environmental hazards can set you back significantly. Use your flyer to scout the area before committing to a farming spot, and be ready to retreat if necessary.

By following these strategies, you can efficiently farm obsidian on Extinction and ensure you have the resources needed for advanced crafting and progression in ARK: Survival Evolved.