What are the best ways to gather black pearls for advanced base building in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Black pearls are one of the most valuable resources in ARK: Survival Evolved, especially for advanced base building and crafting high-tier items like Tek structures and weapons. Gathering black pearls efficiently requires careful planning, the right tools, and sometimes the help of tamed creatures. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to gather black pearls effectively.

Black pearls are primarily obtained from certain creatures and specific locations. The most common sources are Eurypterids (sea scorpions), Trilobites, Ammonites, and Alpha Mosasaurs or Tusoteuthis (giant squids). Eurypterids are the most reliable source for black pearls, but they are dangerous and often found in deep ocean areas. Trilobites and Ammonites are easier to kill but yield fewer pearls. Alpha Mosasaurs and Tusoteuthis are rare but provide a large amount of black pearls when defeated.

To gather black pearls efficiently, youÔÇÖll need to prepare properly. First, ensure you have a strong water mount, such as a Basilosaurus, Megalodon, or Mosasaurus. These creatures are essential for surviving the dangers of the ocean, including Eurypterids and other hostile creatures. A Basilosaurus is particularly useful because it has high health, good damage output, and immunity to the stun effects of jellyfish and Eurypterids. Additionally, bring a good set of scuba gear or Lazarus Chowder to extend your underwater breathing time.

When hunting Eurypterids, head to the deeper parts of the ocean, especially around underwater caves or trenches. Eurypterids are often found in groups, so be prepared to fight multiple at once. Use your water mount to attack them, as they can deal significant damage and inflict torpor, which can knock you out if youÔÇÖre on foot. After killing an Eurypterid, harvest its body using a metal pick or a tamed creature with high melee damage, such as a Megalodon or a Mosasaurus. This will yield the most black pearls.

For Trilobites and Ammonites, you can find them in shallow waters or along the coastlines. These creatures are passive and wonÔÇÖt attack, but they are quick and can be hard to catch. Use a fast water mount or a ranged weapon to kill them before they escape. Harvest their bodies with a pick or a tamed creature to collect black pearls, though the yield will be lower compared to Eurypterids.

If youÔÇÖre feeling adventurous, you can hunt Alpha Mosasaurs or Tusoteuthis. These creatures are extremely dangerous and require a well-prepared team or a powerful water mount. Alpha Mosasaurs are found in the deep ocean and can be identified by their glowing red aura. Tusoteuthis are rare but can be found in the open ocean. Both creatures drop a significant amount of black pearls when killed, but the fight will be challenging. Make sure to bring a strong mount, plenty of healing items, and possibly a team to assist you.

One common mistake players make is underestimating the dangers of the ocean. Eurypterids, jellyfish, and other hostile creatures can quickly overwhelm an unprepared survivor. Always bring a strong water mount and avoid venturing too deep without proper gear. Another mistake is not using the right tools for harvesting. A metal pick or a high-melee creature will yield more black pearls than other tools or mounts.

For advanced techniques, consider using a tamed Otter. Otters have a unique ability to harvest black pearls from dead creatures more efficiently than other methods. Simply have the Otter on your shoulder and use it to harvest the bodies of Eurypterids or other creatures. This can significantly increase your black pearl yield. Additionally, if youÔÇÖre playing on a map like Ragnarok or Valguero, you can find black pearl nodes in specific underwater caves. These nodes can be harvested with a pick or a metal hatchet, providing a steady source of black pearls without the need to fight dangerous creatures.

Resource requirements for black pearl gathering include a strong water mount, scuba gear or Lazarus Chowder, and a metal pick or high-melee creature for harvesting. If youÔÇÖre hunting Alpha Mosasaurs or Tusoteuthis, youÔÇÖll also need a well-prepared team and plenty of healing items.

For solo players, focus on hunting Eurypterids or Trilobites with a strong water mount. Avoid engaging Alpha Mosasaurs or Tusoteuthis unless youÔÇÖre confident in your abilities. For tribes, coordinate with your team to take down larger creatures like Alpha Mosasaurs or Tusoteuthis, as the rewards are worth the effort.

In summary, gathering black pearls in ARK: Survival Evolved requires preparation, the right tools, and a good strategy. Focus on hunting Eurypterids in the deep ocean, use a strong water mount, and consider advanced techniques like using an Otter for harvesting. Avoid common mistakes like underestimating ocean dangers and using inefficient harvesting tools. With the right approach, youÔÇÖll have a steady supply of black pearls for your advanced base building needs.