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

Farming oil on Extinction in ARK: Survival Evolved is a crucial task for mid to late-game progression, as oil is used for crafting advanced items like gasoline, polymer, and various industrial structures. Extinction offers several efficient locations and methods for gathering oil, but understanding the mechanics and preparing properly will make the process smoother and more productive.

Oil on Extinction is primarily found in two forms: oil nodes and oil veins. Oil nodes are small, black rock-like deposits scattered across the map, particularly in the Snow Dome and the Desert Dome. Oil veins, on the other hand, are large, underground deposits that require a pump to extract oil over time. Both methods have their advantages and challenges, so choosing the right approach depends on your current resources and goals.

To farm oil from nodes, head to the Snow Dome or Desert Dome. In the Snow Dome, oil nodes are often found near the edges of the biome, close to the frozen lakes and rocky outcrops. In the Desert Dome, oil nodes are scattered throughout the sandy areas, often near the edges of the biome or around the central canyon. Bring a high-weight dinosaur like a Ankylosaurus or a Magmasaur to carry the oil, as it is heavy and can quickly fill your inventory. A pickaxe or a metal tool is required to harvest the nodes, and using a high-damage tool will yield more oil per node. Be cautious of hostile creatures in these areas, such as Snow Owls, Raptors, or Carnotaurus, and consider bringing a tamed creature for protection.

For oil veins, you will need to locate an oil vein and place an Oil Pump on top of it. Oil veins are found in the Snow Dome and Desert Dome, often marked by bubbling black patches on the ground. To use the pump, you will need to craft it using metal ingots, cementing paste, and electronics. Once placed, the pump will automatically extract oil over time, storing it in its inventory. You can connect the pump to a pipe system to transport the oil to a storage tank or directly to your base. This method is more resource-intensive initially but provides a steady supply of oil without the need for constant manual farming.

Preparation is key for efficient oil farming. Before heading out, ensure you have the necessary tools, such as a high-quality pickaxe or a Magmasaur for harvesting nodes. If using oil veins, gather the materials needed to craft the pump and pipes. Bring a strong mount for protection and transportation, as well as food, water, and warm clothing if farming in the Snow Dome. For tribes, coordinating with members to gather resources and defend the area can make the process faster and safer. Solo players should focus on minimizing risks by avoiding heavily populated areas and using stealth or speed to escape threats.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the dangers of the Snow Dome and Desert Dome. Both biomes are home to aggressive creatures and harsh environmental conditions, so always be prepared for combat and temperature changes. Another mistake is overloading your inventory with oil, as it is heavy and can slow you down. Use a high-weight dinosaur or multiple trips to manage your load. For oil veins, forgetting to check the pump regularly can lead to wasted time and resources, as the pump will stop extracting oil once its inventory is full.

Advanced techniques include using a Tek Suit or a high-speed mount like a Managarmr to quickly travel between oil nodes and your base. For oil veins, consider building a small outpost near the pump to store and process the oil on-site, reducing the need for frequent trips. Using a whip can also help gather oil from nodes more efficiently, as it can harvest multiple nodes at once. Additionally, tribes can set up turrets or defensive structures around oil veins to protect them from hostile players or creatures.

In summary, farming oil on Extinction requires careful planning and preparation. Whether you choose to harvest oil nodes or set up oil veins, understanding the mechanics and potential challenges will help you gather this essential resource efficiently. Always prioritize safety, manage your inventory wisely, and consider using advanced techniques or tribe coordination to optimize your oil farming efforts. With the right strategy, you can ensure a steady supply of oil to fuel your progress in ARK: Survival Evolved.