In "99 Nights in the Forest," new items and mechanics frequently appear, which aren't always obvious to players in terms of their functionality. One such element in the game is the Oil Drill, which plays a crucial role in supplying your base with oil.

In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about how the Oil Drill works in "99 Nights in the Forest" and how to use it effectively.

What is the Oil Drill in 99 Nights in the Forest?

In "99 Nights in the Forest," the Oil Drill is a special machine that extracts oil from the ground. Once installed, it consistently produces barrels of oil—a resource far more reliable and long-lasting than wood for maintaining a campfire.

Unlike wood, which requires constant trips into the forest to chop down trees, oil provides a long-lasting fire, freeing up time for exploring the environment, engaging in battles, upgrading the base, and other tasks.

When your campfire burns brightly, enemies become less aggressive, and the nights are significantly safer. The Oil Drill ensures you no longer have to choose between gathering wood at dusk and risking encounters in the dark.

How to Unlock the Oil Drill in 99 Nights in the Forest 

You can't create the Oil Drill right away. First, you need to upgrade the Crafting Bench to its maximum level:

• Level 1: Available from the start of the game.
• Level 2: Requires x1 Scrap and x5 Wood.
• Level 3: Requires x15 Scrap and x15 Wood.
• Level 4: Requires x30 Wood, x20 Scrap (or Bolts), and x2 Cultist Gems.

Cultist Gems are the hardest to obtain as they only drop from enemy cultists, who can be dangerous if they attack in large numbers and you lack the necessary equipment.

Once you unlock the fourth level of the Crafting Bench, the recipe for the Oil Drill will appear in the crafting menu.

How to Create the Oil Drill in 99 Nights in the Forest 

After unlocking the blueprint and accessing the Oil Drill, you need to gather the necessary resources to build the mechanism:

• ×25 Wooden Logs — can be obtained by chopping down trees.
• ×35 Scrap/Bolts — can be found in barns, boxes, or among scrap metal.
• ×1 Cultist Gem — a rare item that drops from cultist enemies.

Once you've gathered everything, return to the Level 4 Crafting Bench, interact with the table, and create the Oil Drill.

Then, place the Oil Drill in an open and safe area near the base where enemies can't destroy it. It's best to do this when you already have at least some walls.

How the Oil Drill Works in 99 Nights in the Forest

The Oil Drill operates passively, meaning it works on its own. Once installed, it automatically extracts oil from the ground and produces one barrel of oil every in-game day (~8 minutes). You don't need to interact with it constantly—it functions independently. This automation makes it so valuable, as it provides a fuel source for the campfire without the daily need to gather wood.

Oil barrels burn longer than wood, so your survival process won't become a tedious routine of forest trips with an axe.

Oil barrels should be used in the campfire just like wood, but the fire lasts much longer, making them more advantageous and better than wooden logs.

Why the Oil Drill is Important in 99 Nights in the Forest

As mentioned, the Oil Drill is an important automated tool that provides you with a primary source of long-lasting fuel for maintaining the campfire, significantly reducing the need for unnecessary wood-chopping actions. This frees up time to be used more beneficially.

With the Oil Drill and oil barrels, you gain:

• Constant campfire light that deters monsters like the deer;
• Extra time for hunting, crafting, or exploring without the fear of having to rush home to chop wood;
• Reduced risk of night ambushes and the campfire going out.

This change in resource management allows you to focus on long-term progress rather than fighting for basic needs every night.

Tips for Maximizing the Benefits of the Oil Drill

Once you acquire the Oil Drill, treat it as one of your most valuable resources. Protect it with fences or base walls, as enemies can damage the setup. Stockpile oil barrels even when you still have wood, as they will become invaluable during the toughest nights. Use the oil strategically—during the longest nights or when expecting a massive attack, so the fire never goes out at a crucial moment.