Gothic 1 Remake Obsidian Locations: Where to Find and How to Use the Rare Crafting Material

Based on preview build and original game mechanics. Final game details may change upon release.

In the brutal, unforgiving world of Khorinis, your weapon is your best friend. And if you want the sharpest blade in the Colony come Chapter 4, you need Obsidian. This jet-black shard of volcanic rock is the key to forging the strongest melee weapons in Gothic 1 Remake. But unlike the original 2001 game, the remake's revamped crafting system makes this material essential, not optional. The catch? Obsidian is tucked away in the most dangerous corners of Orc territory, hidden near rivers of molten rock and guarded by creatures that would rather eat you than let you loot.

This guide breaks down every confirmed spawn location, the best early farming spot, and the one mistake that could waste hours of your time: confusing Obsidian with the completely unrelated Obsidian Core trophy. Let's get to the rock.

Obsidian vs. Obsidian Core, Don't Make This Mistake

Before you head out, understand that there are two distinct items with nearly identical names in Gothic 1 Remake. One is a black rock shard used to craft top-tier weapons. The other is a trophy dropped by Fire Golems and given as a quest reward by the necromancer Xardas.

Obsidian (the crafting material) is a dark, rough piece of volcanic glass. You find it on the ground near lava flows, inside chests, or on corpses. It is used exclusively for smithing, most notably the Obsidian Sword, which requires Palladium Scraps and Petrified Wood.

Obsidian Core is a separate item entirely. It is a trophy (level 100, worth 250 Ore) that can be looted from Fire Golems. It is also a quest reward from Xardas during his main quest line. Its only use is in alchemy: combine it with other ingredients to craft a Potion of Supremacy, granting a permanent +6 to Strength and +6 to Dexterity.

Multiple online sources conflate the two, leading players to farm Fire Golems for hours hoping to get weapon materials. Do not fall for that trap. Obsidian Core will not help you craft a sword. Obsidian shards are what you need.

The Best Farming Spot, Lava River in Southeastern Orc Territory

If you only visit one location for Obsidian, make it this one. The primary farming spot is a lava river in the southeastern Orc Territory, accessible from Chapter 3 onward. From the Old Camp's North Entrance, follow the road east until you reach the border of the Orc lands. Keep your eyes peeled for a distinct black rock wall where lava cascades into a small lake.

At the foot of that wall, three shards lie directly on the ground. You can scoop them up without much combat if you are careful. A few Razors patrol the immediate area, along with the occasional Orc Dog and Orc Warrior. The shards are clustered together, so you can often grab all three after eliminating just a couple of the smaller creatures. Ranged weapons help thin the herd before you approach.

But wait, there is more. Dive into the lake where the lava hits the water (yes, you can swim there) and look at the bottom. You will find additional shards resting on the lake bed. This makes the lava river spot the most reliable source of multiple pieces in a single visit. The environmental clue is simple: rough black rock patches near lava flows. The game deliberately avoids quest markers, so these visual hints are your breadcrumbs.

All Known Obsidian Spawn Locations (Open World & Chests)

According to the comprehensive inventory compendium on Wikily.gg, Obsidian spawns at nine fixed open-world locations and inside five chests across the game world. Here is a breakdown of the key regional highlights:

The lava river location remains the most efficient for farming multiple shards quickly, but exploring these other spots will help you gather enough Obsidian to craft multiple weapons or upgrade items.

Crafting the Obsidian Sword, What You Need and When

Once you have gathered a handful of shards, here is what to do with them. You can craft the Obsidian Sword, one of the best melee weapons in Chapter 4. The table below summarizes the required materials and where to find them:

The crafting process requires a Smelting Furnace and access to a Blacksmith. You also need to have levelled your Smithing skill to the appropriate tier. Blacksmiths in the Old Camp and the Swamp Camp can forge the sword for you if you provide the materials.

The weapon becomes top-tier in Chapter 4, when enemies get tougher and your old iron sword starts bouncing off Orc armor. Collect your Obsidian early, ideally starting in Chapter 2 with the Orc Cemetery corpse and the lava river in Chapter 3, to have enough for Chapter 4 without a frantic late-game rush.

Pro Tips for Efficient Obsidian Farming

• Chapter timing matters: You can find limited Obsidian as early as Chapter 2 (the Orc Cemetery corpse), but the primary lava river spot opens in Chapter 3. Start collecting early. The more you have by Chapter 4, the smoother your upgrade path will be.
• No mini-map? Use your eyes: The game deliberately withholds quest markers and mini-maps. Rely on environmental clues: lava flows, dark rock outcrops, and telltale black patches near water. These are your breadcrumbs.
• Prepare for combat: The lava river area is guarded by Razors (fast, agile creatures), Orc Dogs, and Orc Warriors. Bring a ranged weapon to thin them out before you loot. A bow or crossbow lets you pick off the smaller threats from a distance.
• All spawns are fixed: Every Obsidian location is the same on every playthrough. There is no random drop chance. So if you find a shard in a chest on one playthrough, it will be there on another. Use this to plan your route.
• Do not confuse with Obsidian Core: Again, the Core is from Fire Golems. Ignore them for weapon crafting. Focus on ground loot and chests.

The Colony Rewards the Patient Explorer

Obsidian is not just a crafting component. It is a test of your willingness to explore the most dangerous corners of Khorinis without a quest marker. The lava river spot is the star of the show, but the other eight open-world locations and five chests offer enough shards to forge a full arsenal.

By targeting the lava river and knowing the distinction between Obsidian and Obsidian Core, you can save hours of wandering and avoid a frustrating farming loop. Gothic 1 Remake rewards players who pay attention to its environmental storytelling. Those black rock patches near lava flows are not decoration. They are invitations. Now that you know where to look, the only thing standing between you and the Obsidian Sword is a trip into Orc territory.

Quick Reference

• Best early spot: Orc Graveyard corpse (Chapter 2)
• Best bulk farm: Lava River (Chapter 3+)
• Key confusion to avoid: Obsidian ≠ Obsidian Core
• Required for: Obsidian Sword (Chapter 4), needs Palladium Scraps and Petrified Wood