Palworld Crude Oil: Find, Extract & Use It
To get Crude Oil in Palworld, you must first reach Technology Level 40 to unlock the Crude Oil Extractor, then find an oil field node (dark, bubbling patches of ground) and build a base nearby so the extractor can run automatically. Once extracted, Crude Oil is refined into Plasteel and used for late-game weapons, armor, and base structures, making it essential for endgame progression.
What Crude Oil Is Used For
Crude Oil is a raw resource introduced in the Sakurajima update. It is not used directly for crafting; instead, it is processed in a Refinery into Refined Oil (sometimes called Plasteel in older guides). Refined Oil is a component in:
- Late-game firearms and ammunition (e.g., the Assault Rifle, Rocket Launcher)
- High-tier armor and helmets
- Advanced base structures like the Large Generator and Electric Furnace
- Some Pal gear and saddles
Without Crude Oil, you cannot craft most items beyond the mid-game, so securing a steady supply is a major milestone.
Where to Find Crude Oil Nodes
Crude Oil nodes are found in specific biomes, primarily in the desert regions and the volcanic areas added with the Sakurajima update. Look for dark, oily patches on the ground that emit a subtle shimmer or bubbling effect. The most reliable locations are:
- The Desert (northwest of the map, around coordinates 400, 200)
- The Volcanic Zone (southeast, near the Sakurajima island)
- Scattered nodes in the Mount Obsidian area
Each node is a fixed spawn point; they do not move. You can mark them on your map for easy return trips.
How to Extract Crude Oil
Extraction requires a Crude Oil Extractor, which you unlock at Technology Level 40 (requires 3 Technology Points). The extractor is a large machine that must be placed directly on top of an oil node. Here is the step-by-step process:
- Reach Level 40 and unlock the Crude Oil Extractor in the Tech Tree.
- Craft the extractor using the required materials (typically 50 Ingots, 20 Circuit Boards, and 10 Ancient Civilization Parts).
- Travel to an oil node location and place the extractor on the node. The node must be within your base’s build radius.
- Connect the extractor to a Power Source (e.g., a Generator or Large Generator) using the build menu’s electrical wiring.
- Assign a Water-type Pal (like Jormuntide or Relaxaurus) to the extractor to speed up production.
- Collect the Crude Oil from the extractor’s inventory periodically.
The extractor produces Crude Oil automatically as long as it has power and is not over-encumbered. It does not require any input resources, only electricity.
Refining Crude Oil into Plasteel
Once you have Crude Oil, you need a Refinery (unlocked at Level 40 as well) to convert it into Refined Oil (often called Plasteel in the community). The recipe is:
- 5 Crude Oil → 1 Refined Oil
The Refinery also requires power and a Water Pal to operate. It produces Refined Oil at a rate of about 1 per 30 seconds when powered. You can store both Crude Oil and Refined Oil in chests, but the Refinery has a small internal buffer.
Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting
Many players struggle with extraction because of a few common pitfalls:
- Placing the extractor on the wrong spot: The extractor must be centered on the node; if it is slightly off, it will not work. Look for the dark patch and aim for its center.
- Not enough power: The extractor consumes 50 MW of electricity. A standard Generator (which provides 50 MW) works, but if you have multiple extractors, you need additional generators or a Large Generator.
- No Water Pal assigned: Without a Water Pal, the extractor works at a much slower rate. Assign one to maximize output.
- Base radius too small: If the node is just outside your base, you cannot build the extractor. You may need to move your base or use a second base near the node.
If the extractor is not producing, check the power supply first, then confirm the placement, and finally ensure you have assigned a Pal.
Comparison: Mining vs. Purchasing
There is no way to buy Crude Oil from vendors; you must extract it. However, you can also obtain Refined Oil as a drop from certain high-level Pals (like the Ice King or the Fire Dragon) or from chests in dungeons, but these are rare and unreliable. Extraction is the only sustainable method for large quantities.
Costs and Efficiency
The main costs are the initial technology points and the materials for the extractor and refinery. Once built, the ongoing cost is electricity and the opportunity cost of a Water Pal slot. For efficiency, build a dedicated oil base with:
- 2-3 extractors (if you find multiple nodes nearby)
- 1-2 generators (depending on extractor count)
- A Refinery and a few Water Pals
Each extractor produces about 1 Crude Oil every 10 seconds, so a single extractor yields ~6 Crude Oil per minute. With 5 Crude Oil per Refined Oil, that is just over 1 Refined Oil per minute. For endgame crafting, you will want at least 2 extractors running continuously.
Safety and Maintenance
There are no safety hazards in extraction, but be aware that oil nodes are often in high-level areas with aggressive Pals. Build defensive walls and place a few combat Pals on your base to protect your equipment. Also, the extractor and refinery have durability; they do not break but can be damaged by raids, so repair them when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I find Crude Oil anywhere else?
A: No, Crude Oil only spawns at those specific node locations. You cannot mine it from rocks or trees.
Q: Why is my extractor not working?
A: Check that it is on a node, has power, and has a Water Pal assigned. Also, make sure it is within your base radius.
Q: How much power does the extractor need?
A: It requires 50 MW, which is exactly what one standard Generator provides. If you have two extractors, you need two generators or one Large Generator.
Q: Can I move an extractor once placed?
A: Yes, you can pick it up from the build menu, but it will stop producing while in your inventory. You must place it on another node to resume.
Q: What is the best Pal for oil extraction?
A: Water-type Pals with high Work Speed, like Jormuntide or Relaxaurus, are the best. They increase the extraction speed significantly.
Q: Is Refined Oil the same as Plasteel?
A: Yes, in the game files it is called Refined Oil, but many players call it Plasteel because it is used to craft plastic-like items. They are the same item.
Related
Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.