So, You Need That Slippery Black Gold?
Ah, Conan Exiles. A land of sun-baked deserts, frosty peaks, and an insatiable need for... oil. It's the lifeblood of your lamps, the grease for your gears, and the secret ingredient for many a dastardly potion.
But how do you get your barbarian paws on this precious resource? Many exiles will tell you the "easy" ways. They'll mumble about efficiency and production lines.
However, we're here to offer a different perspective. A truly enlightened, slightly unhinged, and perhaps even unpopular opinion on the matter.
Forget the spreadsheets, friends. Let's talk about getting messy.
The Fishy Business: A Tad Too Tame?
Most newcomers, fresh from their crucifying experience, stumble upon the idea of Fish Traps. Plop them into any body of water, wait a bit, and presto! You get fish. Lots and lots of fish.
Then you toss those wriggly critters into a Fluid Press. Out comes a delightful stream of Oil and some savory fish fillets. It's a classic starter method, truly.
It's also, let's be honest, a bit… pedestrian. Where's the primal scream? The heart-pounding chase? The risk of being devoured by something with too many teeth?
Building a dozen fish traps and waiting feels less like a mighty barbarian adventure and more like running a very peculiar seafood processing plant. A noble endeavor, perhaps, but not exactly peak Conan.
The Slimy Surprise: Now We're Talking!
If you prefer your Oil with a side of combat, then the Exiled Lands have plenty to offer. Head to the putrid swamps or the murky caves. Look for anything that oozes.
Those giant, grumpy Salamanders? They're practically walking oil barrels. A few swift swings of your trusty axe, and boom, you’re swimming in gooey goodness. And maybe a bit of blood.
Giant Spiders also yield a surprising amount of Ichor, which, while not pure Oil, is a valuable ingredient for later alchemical processes. So, go on, get bug-splattering!
This method feels more authentic, doesn't it? You're not just waiting; you're actively hunting, risking life and limb for your precious resources. It's gloriously inefficient, and that's the point.
"Why build a factory when you can just smash a giant lizard?" - A true Barbarian, probably.
The Industrialist's Dream: Easy, But Is It Fun?
Eventually, many Exiles succumb to the siren song of automation. They discover the magic of placing Oil Pumps directly onto active oil nodes. There are several spots around the map where the ground just, well, weeps Oil.
Set up your pump, power it with some fuel, and watch the liquid gold flow. It’s consistent, it’s efficient, and it requires almost no effort once it's established.
This is the method for the truly dedicated base-builder. The one who wants a steady supply without ever breaking a sweat or facing down a monstrous beast.
But where's the thrill? Where's the story you'll tell around the campfire? "I sat in my fortress and watched a machine do all the work," just doesn't have the same ring to it.
It's undeniably effective, and for large-scale crafting, almost a necessity. Yet, part of you might feel a tiny bit hollow. Like you've cheated the barbarian spirit just a little.
The Alchemical Artistry: Mixing for Magic
Beyond the direct acquisition, there's always the path of alchemy. Your trusty Fluid Press isn't just for fish, oh no. It's a versatile beast.
Gather large quantities of plant-based materials like seeds. Toss them into the press, and you’ll get Oil. Not as much as from a mighty salamander, but it adds up.
More importantly, once you get your hands on an Alchemist thrall, a whole new world opens up. These clever folks can transmute Ichor and other slimy bits into valuable Oil.
Having a skilled Alchemist working tirelessly in your base feels distinctly more sophisticated than just smashing things. It’s the evolution of resource gathering, turning base materials into something more refined.
This is for the discerning exile, the one who understands that brains can be as mighty as brawn. Plus, watching your thrall work is its own kind of entertainment.
The True "Unpopular Opinion" on Oil
Here’s the rub, the truly controversial stance. The absolute best way to get Oil in Conan Exiles isn't about the fastest method or the biggest numbers.
It's about the adventure. It's about the journey. It's about embracing the harsh, unforgiving world of Hyboria.
Sure, you *could* set up a massive farm of fish traps. You *could* build an elaborate system of Oil Pumps. And yes, those are efficient, productive ways to keep your settlement humming.
But are they fun? Do they make you feel like a mighty barbarian, a survivor against all odds? Or do they just make you feel like a particularly stressed-out factory manager?
Our unpopular opinion? The most satisfying oil is the oil you bled for. The oil you tore from the carcass of a giant swamp monster. The oil that required you to venture into dangerous lands.
That's the Oil that tells a story. That's the Oil that truly feels earned. It's not just a resource; it's a trophy of your prowess.
So next time you're thinking about building another fish trap, pause. Consider grabbing your weapon. Look for a murky cave or a toxic swamp. Go forth and slay something slimy!
You’ll get your Oil, yes. But more importantly, you’ll get a story. And isn’t that what being an exile in Conan’s world is all about?
