Can Ankylosaurus Get Obsidian in ARK? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, absolutely! The Ankylosaurus, often affectionately called the “Anky,” is one of the most effective creatures for harvesting obsidian in ARK: Survival Evolved. While not the only option, its unique abilities and efficient gathering make it a favorite among seasoned players. This article will delve into why the Anky excels at obsidian collection, along with other vital information you need to maximize your obsidian hauls.

Why Ankylosaurus is Ideal for Obsidian Farming

The Ankylosaurus possesses several characteristics that make it particularly well-suited for harvesting obsidian:

• Harvesting Efficiency: Ankylos are designed for resource gathering. When they strike an obsidian node, they extract a significant amount of obsidian compared to other creatures or tools. While a single player might get around 18 obsidian from three nodes, an Ankylo can gather approximately 16 obsidian per obsidian rock, which equates to more than that for the same resource node.
• Weight Capacity: Ankylos have a decent weight capacity, which is further improved with level-ups. This is crucial for farming as obsidian is heavy, allowing you to collect more before needing to return to base and deposit your haul. This greatly saves on the back and forth travel times.
• Resource Focus: Unlike some other creatures that might gather a mix of resources, the Ankylosaurus is highly focused on metal, flint, and obsidian, minimizing unwanted resource clutter.
• Durability and Defense: Ankylos are heavily armored and can withstand many creature attacks, making obsidian farming safer.
• Accessibility: Ankylosaurus are generally easier to acquire and tame compared to other top-tier obsidian gatherers like the Magmasaur or Phoenix.

How to Maximize Obsidian Harvesting with an Ankylosaurus

To effectively farm obsidian with your Ankylo, consider these strategies:

• Level Melee Damage: Increasing your Anky’s melee damage directly translates to more obsidian gathered per hit. This is the most important stat to invest in for a harvesting Ankylo.
• Utilize the Correct Locations: Certain areas are rich in obsidian deposits. The most frequently mentioned locations are volcanic regions and arctic areas. Whitesky Peak and the Volcano are prime spots for obsidian on most ARK maps. On Fjordur, the volcanic island of Balheimr is a great place to start.
• Be Prepared: Carry a metal pickaxe or a mantis in your inventory for use when your Ankylo is encumbered and you need to gather more for transport.
• Tame a High-Level Anky: Start with the best Ankylosaurus you can find; higher-level wild dinos have better base stats.
• Be Mindful of Aggression: Volcano areas often harbor dangerous creatures. Plan your routes carefully and consider bringing backup for added security.
• Bring a Transport Dino: If you plan on heavy hauls of Obsidian, bring a flier like an Argentavis to lift your Anky back to your base to drop off the harvest for long runs.

Other Dinos Capable of Harvesting Obsidian

While the Ankylosaurus is a top-tier choice, it is not the only creature capable of gathering obsidian. These are a few alternatives to consider:

• Magmasaur: A highly effective obsidian gatherer with a good weight capacity. However, taming the Magmasaur is much more challenging than an Ankylo.
• Phoenix: Another excellent gatherer, but even more challenging to tame than the Magmasaur and also has limited use for carrying other resources.
• Mantis: Equipped with a metal pickaxe, the Mantis can be a good alternative if you don’t have an Anky. The downside is that a Mantis requires a metal pickaxe and the mantis itself is not particularly durable.
• Dunkleosteus: Has good gathering capability. This underwater creature can also be used to help gather obsidian from underwater volcanos.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the topic of Ankylosaurus and obsidian collection in ARK: Survival Evolved:

1. What tools can harvest obsidian besides dinos?

Beyond dinos, a metal pickaxe and a Mantis with a metal pickaxe equipped can be used to harvest obsidian. However, their efficiency is considerably lower compared to creatures like the Ankylosaurus. A diamond pickaxe can be used on formed obsidian from lava flows.

2. Is a stone pickaxe suitable for mining obsidian?

No, a stone pickaxe is ineffective against obsidian and will break relatively quickly without yielding any obsidian. You need at least a metal pickaxe for basic harvesting, and you will still be far less efficient than using an Ankylosaurus.

3. What is the best map for finding obsidian?

Several maps have abundant obsidian, but Fjordur’s Balheimr island and the volcanic and arctic regions of most maps tend to be the richest. Specific locations like Whitesky Peak and the Volcano on The Island are well-known farming spots.

4. Can I craft obsidian in ARK?

No, obsidian cannot be crafted. It must be harvested from naturally occurring nodes found primarily around volcanic areas and arctic regions. However, you can create obsidian by pouring water over lava, which can then be mined with a diamond pickaxe.

5. Does a Doedicurus gather obsidian?

While the Doedicurus can gather obsidian, it is not as efficient as the Ankylosaurus or Magmasaur, as the Doedicurus can only gather obsidian from specific rock types, and they are generally better at gathering stone.

6. How does melee damage affect obsidian harvesting with the Ankylosaurus?

Increasing the Ankylosaurus’s melee damage directly enhances the amount of obsidian it gathers from each node, making it more efficient.

7. Can an Ankylosaurus carry a lot of obsidian?

Yes, Ankylosaurus are known for their high weight capacity. This can be increased further with level-ups, making them suitable for carrying large quantities of obsidian.

8. Is obsidian heavy in ARK?

Yes, obsidian is a relatively heavy resource. This is why a dino with a good carrying capacity, like the Ankylosaurus, is so essential.

9. How do I get a lot of obsidian fast in ARK?

The fastest way is to use an Ankylosaurus in a high-yield obsidian area, leveling your Ankylo’s melee damage, and using a flier to transport your Ankylo back and forth to your base. If you cannot get an Ankylo, a Magmasaur is also a highly efficient method of gathering obsidian.

10. What is the primary use of obsidian in ARK?

Obsidian is crucial for crafting high-tier technology, advanced weapons, and tools.

11. Can I convert lava into obsidian in ARK?

Yes, by pouring water onto lava, you create obsidian. However, this obsidian can only be mined using a diamond pickaxe.

12. How do I get a Diamond pickaxe?

Diamond pickaxes are not found in Ark. The reference to a Diamond pickaxe is meant for Minecraft, and does not relate to ARK: Survival Evolved.

13. What are the best dinos for harvesting crystal?

The Tek Stryder, Metal Pickaxe, Mantis, Ankylosaurus, Magmasaur, Gacha, and Phoenix are good at harvesting Crystal.

14. Can a Wyvern pick up an Ankylosaurus?

No, Wyverns are not strong enough to pick up an Ankylosaurus. The Argentavis is a flyer that can lift an Ankylo.

15. Does increasing an Ankylo’s melee damage increase metal collection?

Yes, increasing an Ankylo’s melee damage will also increase the amount of metal it harvests from metal nodes, making it very useful for gathering a wide variety of materials.

Conclusion

The Ankylosaurus is a powerhouse when it comes to obsidian harvesting in ARK: Survival Evolved. Its unique attributes, including its harvesting efficiency, weight capacity, and general durability, make it an invaluable asset for players looking to amass this crucial resource. By following the tips and strategies outlined above, you can maximize your obsidian hauls and efficiently fuel your technological advancements in the world of ARK. Remember to prioritize leveling melee damage, choosing suitable locations, and always being prepared for potential hazards when embarking on your obsidian farming expeditions.