What are the best ways to gather pearls for advanced base building in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Gathering pearls in ARK: Survival Evolved is essential for advanced base building, as they are used to craft electronics, which are required for many high-tier structures and items. Pearls are primarily found underwater, making them a resource that requires careful planning and preparation to collect efficiently. Below is a detailed guide on how to gather pearls effectively, covering mechanics, strategies, tips, and considerations.
Pearls are found in two forms: Silica Pearls and Black Pearls. Silica Pearls are the more common type and are used for most electronics, while Black Pearls are rarer and used for advanced crafting. Silica Pearls are typically found in shallow underwater areas, often near rocks or coral, while Black Pearls are found in deeper, more dangerous waters or dropped by certain creatures like Trilobites, Eurypterids, and Deathworms.
To gather Silica Pearls, you will need to venture into underwater areas. The most straightforward method is to swim and manually collect them, but this is slow and risky due to underwater predators. A better approach is to use a tamed aquatic creature. Creatures like the Ichthyosaurus, Megalodon, or Beelzebufo are excellent for early-game pearl gathering, as they are relatively easy to tame and provide mobility and protection. For more advanced players, the Anglerfish is the best option, as it has a special ability that increases the number of pearls harvested from each node.
Before heading out, ensure you have the necessary equipment. Scuba gear or Lazarus Chowder is essential for extended underwater exploration, as it provides oxygen and reduces the risk of drowning. Bring a strong aquatic mount, preferably one with high health and damage to fend off predators like Plesiosaurs or Megalodons. Additionally, carry a few Cryopods in case you need to quickly store or deploy your mount in emergencies.
When gathering pearls, prioritize areas with high concentrations of nodes. On The Island map, the best locations are the underwater caves and the rivers in the Snow Biome. On other maps like Ragnarok or Valguero, Silica Pearls are abundant in specific underwater regions. Use your mount to break the pearl nodes, and collect the pearls quickly. Be mindful of your oxygen levels and the stamina of your mount, as running out of either can be fatal.
For Black Pearls, the process is more challenging. These are found in deeper waters or dropped by specific creatures. The best method is to hunt Eurypterids in the ocean or Deathworms in the desert. Using a strong mount like a Tusoteuthis or a Basilosaurus is recommended, as these creatures can handle the threats in these areas. Alternatively, you can farm Black Pearls by killing Alpha Mosasaurs or Alpha Tusoteuthis, though this requires a well-prepared team and powerful tames.
Common mistakes to avoid include venturing into dangerous areas unprepared, neglecting oxygen management, and underestimating underwater predators. Always scout the area first and ensure your mount is strong enough to handle potential threats. Additionally, avoid overloading your inventory, as this can slow you down and make escaping predators more difficult.
Advanced techniques include using a Tek Suit for underwater exploration, as it provides unlimited oxygen and enhanced mobility. Another optimization is to set up an underwater base or taming pen near pearl-rich areas, allowing for quick and safe access to resources. For tribes, coordinating with multiple players can speed up the gathering process, with some members focusing on defense while others collect pearls.
In solo play, efficiency is key. Use an Anglerfish for maximum pearl yield and always have an escape plan in case of danger. For tribes, consider assigning roles, such as one player gathering pearls while another guards against threats. This division of labor can significantly increase productivity.
In summary, gathering pearls in ARK requires preparation, the right tools, and a strong aquatic mount. Focus on high-yield areas, manage your oxygen and stamina, and always be ready to defend against predators. With these strategies, you can efficiently gather the pearls needed for advanced base building and crafting.
Pearls are found in two forms: Silica Pearls and Black Pearls. Silica Pearls are the more common type and are used for most electronics, while Black Pearls are rarer and used for advanced crafting. Silica Pearls are typically found in shallow underwater areas, often near rocks or coral, while Black Pearls are found in deeper, more dangerous waters or dropped by certain creatures like Trilobites, Eurypterids, and Deathworms.
To gather Silica Pearls, you will need to venture into underwater areas. The most straightforward method is to swim and manually collect them, but this is slow and risky due to underwater predators. A better approach is to use a tamed aquatic creature. Creatures like the Ichthyosaurus, Megalodon, or Beelzebufo are excellent for early-game pearl gathering, as they are relatively easy to tame and provide mobility and protection. For more advanced players, the Anglerfish is the best option, as it has a special ability that increases the number of pearls harvested from each node.
Before heading out, ensure you have the necessary equipment. Scuba gear or Lazarus Chowder is essential for extended underwater exploration, as it provides oxygen and reduces the risk of drowning. Bring a strong aquatic mount, preferably one with high health and damage to fend off predators like Plesiosaurs or Megalodons. Additionally, carry a few Cryopods in case you need to quickly store or deploy your mount in emergencies.
When gathering pearls, prioritize areas with high concentrations of nodes. On The Island map, the best locations are the underwater caves and the rivers in the Snow Biome. On other maps like Ragnarok or Valguero, Silica Pearls are abundant in specific underwater regions. Use your mount to break the pearl nodes, and collect the pearls quickly. Be mindful of your oxygen levels and the stamina of your mount, as running out of either can be fatal.
For Black Pearls, the process is more challenging. These are found in deeper waters or dropped by specific creatures. The best method is to hunt Eurypterids in the ocean or Deathworms in the desert. Using a strong mount like a Tusoteuthis or a Basilosaurus is recommended, as these creatures can handle the threats in these areas. Alternatively, you can farm Black Pearls by killing Alpha Mosasaurs or Alpha Tusoteuthis, though this requires a well-prepared team and powerful tames.
Common mistakes to avoid include venturing into dangerous areas unprepared, neglecting oxygen management, and underestimating underwater predators. Always scout the area first and ensure your mount is strong enough to handle potential threats. Additionally, avoid overloading your inventory, as this can slow you down and make escaping predators more difficult.
Advanced techniques include using a Tek Suit for underwater exploration, as it provides unlimited oxygen and enhanced mobility. Another optimization is to set up an underwater base or taming pen near pearl-rich areas, allowing for quick and safe access to resources. For tribes, coordinating with multiple players can speed up the gathering process, with some members focusing on defense while others collect pearls.
In solo play, efficiency is key. Use an Anglerfish for maximum pearl yield and always have an escape plan in case of danger. For tribes, consider assigning roles, such as one player gathering pearls while another guards against threats. This division of labor can significantly increase productivity.
In summary, gathering pearls in ARK requires preparation, the right tools, and a strong aquatic mount. Focus on high-yield areas, manage your oxygen and stamina, and always be ready to defend against predators. With these strategies, you can efficiently gather the pearls needed for advanced base building and crafting.