ARK: Aberration introduces a unique and challenging environment that sets it apart from other expansions in the ARK: Survival Evolved universe. With its bioluminescent caverns, radioactive zones, and unstable terrain, Aberration demands strategic resource gathering more than any other map. To survive and thrive in this dangerous underground world, understanding the Aberration resource map is essential. This guide explores key areas, resource node locations, and tips to help players efficiently gather everything from metal and gems to element ore and congealed gas balls. Whether you’re a solo survivor or part of a tribe, knowing where to look can make the difference between life and death.
Understanding ARK Aberration’s Terrain
Three Main Zones
The Aberration map is divided into three major regions, each with unique characteristics and resources:
- The Green Zone Also known as the Fertile Zone, it’s the safest area, filled with lush vegetation and basic resources.
- The Blue Zone The Bioluminescent Zone contains mid-tier dangers and resources, such as crystal and blue gems.
- The Red Zone The Element Zone is the most dangerous, with extreme radiation and rare resources like red gems and element ore.
Players should gear up according to each zone’s hazards. A hazmat suit is required for surviving the radiation in the red zone, while climbing picks and zip-lines are useful for vertical traversal throughout the map.
Key Resources and Where to Find Them
Metal and Obsidian
Metal is abundant in various zones across Aberration. In the Fertile Zone, players can mine metal nodes near coordinates 25, 45 and 35, 55. These nodes are near the river and safe for early-game collection. For more dense metal deposits, head to the Bioluminescent Zone, especially around 45, 25. Obsidian is rarer but can be found alongside metal in high elevation areas and deeper biomes.
Crystal
Crystal nodes are commonly found in the Blue Zone. Look for glowing white formations in caves and cliffsides around coordinates 50, 30 and 40, 25. It’s a valuable resource for making electronics, scopes, and other advanced items. Use a metal pickaxe for best yields.
Gems: Green, Blue, and Red
- Green Gems Abundant in the Fertile Zone. Found on the ground and in small clusters near rivers and cliff edges. Ideal coordinates include 35, 50 and 40, 60.
- Blue Gems Located in the Bioluminescent Zone. Often guarded by hostile creatures. Coordinates such as 48, 34 and 52, 26 offer rich nodes.
- Red Gems Only found in the Red Zone, typically in radioactive areas. Look near 60, 30. Bring a hazard suit to survive the environment.
Element Ore and Element Shards
Element Ore is one of the most sought-after resources in Aberration. It spawns in the Red Zone, within areas of high radiation and danger. Look for glowing black rocks with purple streaks around coordinates 70, 40 and 65, 50. Collect these with a metal pick or a high-level ankylo for better efficiency. Once refined, Element Ore becomes Element, which is crucial for crafting Tek gear and charging batteries.
Congealed Gas Balls
This resource is used in crafting gas balls, charge batteries, and hazard suit components. You’ll need to locate gas veins to extract them. These can be found scattered throughout the Blue and Red zones. Install a gas collector on a gas vein at locations like 55, 32 or 60, 28. Once installed, the collector will passively gather gas balls over time.
Fungal Wood
Unlike regular maps where wood is harvested from trees, Aberration’s fungal wood comes from mushroom-shaped trees and large glowing fungi. These can be found across all zones but are most abundant in the Fertile Zone. Coordinates like 35, 40 offer dense clusters of fungal trees. Use a hatchet or a mammoth for efficient collection.
Nameless Venom
This resource is critical for raising Rock Drake babies. Nameless Venom can be harvested by killing Nameless creatures, which spawn in dark and unlit areas of the Blue and Red zones. Coordinates such as 57, 27 are good ambush spots. Bring a light pet like a Bulbdog to manage the spawns effectively, as Nameless only appear in darkness.
Silica Pearls
Silica Pearls can be tricky to locate in Aberration, as there are no large oceans. However, they can be found in underground riverbeds and lake bottoms. Check near 30, 45 and 25, 35 in the Fertile Zone. They appear as shiny, white clams on the river floor. Use a scuba mask or a Kaprosuchus mount for easier underwater collection.
Tips for Efficient Resource Farming
Use the Right Dinos
Certain creatures greatly improve resource collection:
- Ankylosaurus Best for metal, crystal, and obsidian.
- Doedicurus Efficient for stone and obsidian.
- Castoroides Ideal for wood and fungal wood.
- Rock Drake Excellent mobility for reaching difficult resource spots.
Establish Resource Outposts
Instead of traveling long distances with heavy loads, build small outposts near resource-rich areas. Include beds, storage, smithies, and charge stations. This allows quick transport via fast-travel and resource stockpiling. Use zip-lines and glider suits to make travel safer and faster between points.
Travel Prepared
Aberration is a hazardous map. Always bring these essentials when gathering:
- Hazard suit (for radiation zones)
- Climbing picks and glider wings
- Charge lantern or pet (to repel Nameless and Reapers)
- Weapons and spare gear in case of creature attacks
Best Base Locations Near Resources
Fertile Lake (35, 50)
Ideal for beginners. Close to metal, green gems, fungal wood, and water. Also near cave entrances for early exploration.
The Spine (45, 35)
Located in the Blue Zone, this spot provides access to blue gems, crystal, and congealed gas. Be cautious of dangerous creatures like Ravagers and Megalosaurus.
Elemental Vault (65, 45)
Deep in the Red Zone, this area offers rich veins of element ore and red gems. Great for endgame bases, but requires advanced equipment and defense strategies.
The ARK Aberration resource map is dense and filled with valuable materials for every stage of gameplay. From early-game essentials like green gems and fungal wood to high-end resources like red gems and element ore, knowing where to find each item can give players a serious edge. By mastering Aberration’s geography, using the right tools and creatures, and building smartly placed outposts, survivors can make the most out of this unforgiving but rewarding environment. With patience and preparation, even the darkest corners of Aberration can become a prosperous home base.