Survival in ARK: Survival Evolved demands resourcefulness, and oil is one of the most critical energy sources available. This viscous black fluid powers the advanced machinery that defines late-game progression, from industrial generators to high-speed transportation. Understanding how to get oil efficiently separates struggling survivors from those who build formidable bases and dominate the food chain.
Harvesting Oil from Resource Nodes
The most straightforward method involves extracting oil directly from the environment. Large deposits appear as dark, tar-like pools scattered across the landscape, most prominently in the Redwood Forest and around volcanic regions. To harvest this resource, you will need a creature specifically adapted for the task, as primitive tools are utterly ineffective.
Creatures like the Ankylosaurus or the Rock Drake are the go-to choices for this job. The Rock Drake, in particular, is immune to rock damage and can mine the resource nodes at an incredible speed, often extracting the maximum amount of oil in a single pass. Utilizing a creature with the "Gatherer" ability further increases your yield, turning a simple mining trip into a highly efficient operation.
Utilizing the Bloodstalker for Passive Collection
For players who prefer a more strategic, less hands-on approach, the Bloodstalker offers a unique solution. This elusive creature can be tamed and set to "Passive" or "Defensive" mode, after which it will automatically harvest oil from nearby nodes while following you. This allows you to maintain a steady supply of oil without dedicating a slot in your inventory to a mining creature or constantly monitoring a mining rig.
The process involves first locating a Bloodstalker in the dense foliage of the forest biomes, often near water sources. Once tamed, its ability to phase through walls and ignore obstacles makes it an invaluable asset for automating resource collection deep within your base perimeter.
Refining Crude Oil into Usable Fuel
Raw oil, known as Crude Oil, is useless in its unprocessed state. To power your generators and fuel engines, you must refine it into gasoline using an Oil Refinery. This structure requires significant power to operate, so placing it near a network of generators is essential for efficiency.
The refining process consumes a surprising amount of water, making proximity to a water source like a river or ocean highly beneficial. A standard refinery transforms crude oil and water into gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel over a set period. Planning your base layout to minimize pipe runs between the oil node, refiner, and storage can save you considerable time and resources in the long run.
Advanced Extraction with the Oil Tap
Building an Automated Extraction System
Once you have established a base in an area with accessible oil, the next step is to secure a permanent supply. This is achieved by constructing an Oil Tap directly over the oil patch. The structure requires specific construction inputs, including thatch, wood, stone, and metal, but it provides a continuous, passive flow of crude oil into a connected storage container.
Unlike creature harvesting, the Oil Tap works 24/7, allowing you to automate your fuel supply. You will need to build a network of pipes leading from the tap to your storage and refining systems. This infrastructure eliminates the need to constantly send gatherers back and forth, freeing them up for other critical tasks like defense or material collection.
Managing the fluid dynamics is crucial; ensure the oil has a clear path downhill or is pushed using pressurized pipes to prevent backups. A well-designed oil operation runs like a silent factory, supplying the lifeblood needed to power your entire industrial empire.
