Finding your way around Ragnarok isn't just about avoiding the Wyverns. It's about not running out of Sparkpowder when you're halfway through a massive metal smelt. If you've been playing ARK: Survival Ascended or the classic Evolved, you know Ragnarok is huge. Like, "I forgot where I parked my Argentavis" huge.
Most people just stare at a blurry screenshot of a map and hope for the best. But honestly, if you really want to thrive, you need to know the specific pockets where the ARK Ragnarok resource map actually pays off. It’s not just about the big shiny nodes; it’s about knowing which beach has the most Trilobites or where the Black Pearls are hiding in the kelp.
The Metal and Obsidian Goldmines
You'd think the Volcano is the only place for Obsidian, right? Wrong. Well, okay, it is the best place, but it's also a death trap if you aren't careful. If you head to the volcano’s north side, you’ll find those distinctive black rocks scattered all over the charred ground. But there's a safer alternative.
If you aren't feeling like dodging Lava Elementals, check out the "Eye" landmark near the Blue Obelisk around 16, 22. It’s a relatively chill spot with decent metal nodes and some Obsidian tucked away on top. It’s perfect for a mid-game base because you aren't constantly being harassed by Allosaurs.
For the hardcore grinders, the Desert is actually a sleeper hit for Metal. People hate the heat, but the rocky outcrops near the Grotto have enough iron to build a fortress. If you’ve got a Quetzal or a high-weight Argent, making runs to the desert can be way more efficient than fighting for space in the Highlands.
Best Coordinates for the Big Three:
- Metal: 20.5, 29.1 (Skeleton Canyon cave) is a goldmine. There are roughly 10+ rich nodes right above it.
- Obsidian: 8.0, 5.0 and 0.0, 8.0 near the volcano are the densest, but watch for the "nasties" like Megalania.
- Crystal: 75, 45 is a great early-game hill. It’s not the biggest haul, but it’s enough to get your first Spyglass without dying.
The Black Pearl Struggle
Black Pearls are the ultimate "I need this but I hate getting it" resource. On Ragnarok, you have a few options that don't involve wrestling a Mosasaur.
Viking Bay is the classic spot. You can find them at 22.1, 33.7 in small clusters. The catch? Eurypterids. Those creepy crawlies will knock you out faster than you can say "Torpor." Always bring a Crossbow or a Pike and keep your eyes peeled.
If you're feeling adventurous, there's a deep trench at 4.7, 49.0. It’s loaded with pearls, but it’s deep. Like, really deep. You’ll need a Basilosaurus or a Tuso to make this trip worth it. For those who prefer shallow water, the West Coast near 67.0, 21.0 has scattered clusters that are much easier to grab on a quick swim.
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Organic Polymer and Silk
Don't waste time crafting regular Polymer if you don't have to. Ragnarok makes Organic Polymer surprisingly easy to get if you know the tricks.
The most "traditional" way is hitting the Mantis in the Desert or the Volcano. Grab a Chainsaw—it’s significantly more efficient than a metal hatchet. However, the real pro move is the stranded Basilosaurus corpses on the northern beaches. You can hack these apart for massive amounts of spoiled meat and Organic Polymer. It’s basically a free starter kit for Narcotics and Ghillie armor.
As for Silk, everyone thinks you have to hunt Lymantria. You don't. Go to the Highlands. Look for the small, purple viny flowers. They’re everywhere once you spot the first one. Use a Sickle on them, and you’ll have more Silk than you know what to do with in five minutes.
Hidden Gems: Sulfur and Honey
Sulfur is a weird one. You need it for Rock Elementals or Flame Arrows, but it's not exactly everywhere. Look for the small rocks with yellow streaks. The best spots are 24, 71 and 84, 32. They look like regular stones but with a sickly yellow tint.
Honey is another resource that can be a pain. If you don't want to tame a Bee, go to 32, 30 or 51, 38. There are wild Bee Hives there. Just... maybe bring a Dire Bear. They’re immune to bee stings and can harvest the honey without destroying the hive. It’s a game-changer for taming those sweet-toothed dinos.
Navigating the Interactive Maps
Look, the official wiki maps are great, but they can be a bit clunky on mobile. If you're using an interactive ARK Ragnarok resource map, always remember that cave nodes usually show up on top of the surface map. If you go to a coordinate and see nothing, look for a cave entrance nearby.
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Also, resources like Oil Veins require an Oil Pump. You can find these veins at 83, 28 and 82, 80. Don't just show up with a pickaxe; you won't get anything but a sore arm.
Quick Tips for Efficiency:
- Chainsaws are king: Use them on Mantis for Poly and trees for Wood.
- Dunkleosteus for underwater: They mine Metal and Oil nodes underwater like beasts.
- The Highlands are "Easy" for a reason: Great for Silk, Carrots, and Savoroot, but watch out for the occasional Giga.
Honestly, Ragnarok is one of the most generous maps in the game. You've just got to stop following the crowd to the same three spots and start exploring the corners.
To get the most out of your next run, start by taming a high-level Argentavis near the Redwood peaks. Having that extra carry weight makes hitting the distant Metal and Obsidian nodes in the Desert or Volcano much more viable for a solo player. From there, set up a small refinery outpost near the 16, 22 landmark to process your materials on-site before flying them back to your main base.