What are the best ways to farm basilosaurus blubber for base building in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Farming basilosaurus blubber in ARK: Survival Evolved is essential for crafting certain items and structures, particularly those related to insulation and underwater survival. Basilosaurus blubber is harvested from basilosaurus, a large, passive aquatic creature found in the ocean. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to efficiently farm basilosaurus blubber for base building and other purposes.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics involved. Basilosaurus are typically found in the deeper parts of the ocean, often near underwater caves or around the edges of the map. They are passive creatures, meaning they wonÔÇÖt attack unless provoked. However, they are often accompanied by mantas, which can be aggressive. Basilosaurus blubber is obtained by killing a basilosaurus and harvesting its body using a tool like a metal hatchet or a tamed creature with high melee damage, such as a megalodon or a mosasaur. The amount of blubber you get depends on the harvesting toolÔÇÖs efficiency and the creatureÔÇÖs level.

To begin farming basilosaurus blubber, youÔÇÖll need to prepare adequately. First, ensure you have a strong aquatic mount, such as a tamed megalodon, mosasaur, or even a basilosaurus itself. These creatures will help you navigate the ocean safely and deal with any threats. Equip your mount with a saddle for added protection and carry a good harvesting tool, like a metal hatchet or chainsaw, for maximum efficiency. ItÔÇÖs also wise to bring scuba gear or a Lazarus chowder to extend your underwater breathing time.

When youÔÇÖre ready, head to the ocean biome. Basilosaurus are commonly found in areas like the Western Plains or the Eastern Trench on The Island map. Use your mount to scout the area and locate a basilosaurus. Once you find one, approach carefully, as they are often surrounded by mantas. If youÔÇÖre on a strong mount, you can engage the mantas first to clear the area. Then, focus on the basilosaurus. Use your mountÔÇÖs attacks to kill it, and once itÔÇÖs down, dismount and harvest the body with your tool. A metal hatchet or chainsaw will yield the most blubber.

There are several important tips to consider when farming basilosaurus blubber. First, always be aware of your surroundings. The ocean is filled with dangerous creatures like alpha megalodons, jellyfish, and eels, which can quickly overwhelm you. Stick to your mount and avoid venturing too deep unless youÔÇÖre well-prepared. Second, bring a cryopod if youÔÇÖre using a basilosaurus as your mount. Basilosaurus are slow on land, so having a cryopod allows you to quickly store and deploy your mount as needed. Third, consider bringing a tamed otter or other insulation-boosting creature to help with the cold temperatures in deeper waters.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the dangers of the ocean and not bringing enough supplies. Always carry extra food, water, and medical brews in case of emergencies. Another mistake is using low-level mounts or tools, which can make the process slower and more dangerous. Ensure your mount is well-leveled and equipped with a good saddle to maximize its effectiveness.

For advanced techniques, consider using a tamed basilosaurus to farm blubber. Basilosaurus are immune to the effects of jellyfish and eels, making them ideal for ocean exploration. They also have a high health pool and decent damage output, allowing them to handle most threats. Additionally, you can use a chainsaw for harvesting, as it provides the highest yield of blubber. If youÔÇÖre in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to cover more ground and protect each other from threats.

Resource requirements for this task include a strong aquatic mount, a metal hatchet or chainsaw, scuba gear or Lazarus chowder, and possibly cryopods for convenience. Preparation is key, so make sure you have everything you need before heading out.

In solo play, farming basilosaurus blubber can be more challenging due to the lack of backup. Stick to safer areas and avoid engaging multiple threats at once. In a tribe, you can divide tasks, with some members scouting and others harvesting, making the process faster and safer.

Specific examples include farming basilosaurus in the Western Plains of The Island map, where they are plentiful but often surrounded by mantas. Another example is the Eastern Trench, where basilosaurus can be found near underwater caves, but the area is more dangerous due to the presence of alpha creatures.

In conclusion, farming basilosaurus blubber requires careful preparation, a strong aquatic mount, and efficient harvesting tools. By following these strategies and tips, you can gather the blubber needed for your base building and other crafting needs while minimizing risks. Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid common mistakes to ensure a successful farming session.