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 saddles. 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 found in the ocean, with the most common sources being Eurypterids (sea scorpions), Ammonites, and certain deep-sea creatures like Tusoteuthis and Alpha Mosasaurs. Eurypterids are the easiest to farm, but they are dangerous due to their torpor-inducing attacks. Ammonites are passive and drop black pearls when harvested, but they are rarer. Tusoteuthis and Alpha Mosasaurs drop large amounts of black pearls but are extremely dangerous and require advanced preparation to defeat.

To start gathering black pearls, youÔÇÖll need a strong water mount. The best options are a high-level Basilosaurus, a Megalodon, or a Tusoteuthis. Basilosaurus is highly recommended because it has high health, immunity to jellyfish and eels, and can carry a lot of weight. A Megalodon is faster but more vulnerable to threats, while a Tusoteuthis is powerful but harder to tame. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, a Basilosaurus is the safest choice. For tribes, a coordinated team with multiple water mounts can farm black pearls more efficiently.

Before heading into the ocean, prepare your mount with a good saddle and stock up on healing items like cooked meat or custom recipes. Bring a crossbow or harpoon gun with grappling hooks in case you get dismounted. YouÔÇÖll also need a pickaxe or a metal hatchet to harvest black pearls from Eurypterids and Ammonites. If youÔÇÖre targeting Tusoteuthis or Alpha Mosasaurs, bring strong weapons like a longneck rifle or a compound bow, along with plenty of ammo.

When farming Eurypterids, look for them in shallow ocean areas or near underwater caves. They often spawn in groups, so be cautious. Use your mount to kill them quickly, then dismount and harvest their bodies with a pickaxe or hatchet. Each Eurypterid can drop 5-20 black pearls, depending on your harvesting skill and the creatureÔÇÖs level. Ammonites are less common but can be found in deeper waters. They are passive, so you can harvest them without fighting. Each Ammonite can yield 10-30 black pearls.

For advanced players, hunting Tusoteuthis or Alpha Mosasaurs is the most efficient way to gather black pearls. Tusoteuthis can drop 50-100 black pearls, while Alpha Mosasaurs can drop 200 or more. However, these creatures are extremely dangerous and require a well-prepared team. Use a high-level Basilosaurus or a pack of Megalodons to take them down. Focus on dodging their attacks and dealing consistent damage. Once defeated, harvest their bodies with a chainsaw or a high-damage weapon for maximum yield.

One common mistake is underestimating the dangers of the ocean. Even with a strong mount, you can easily get overwhelmed by packs of hostile creatures like jellyfish, eels, or Megalodons. Always keep an eye on your surroundings and avoid areas with too many threats. Another mistake is not bringing enough healing items or tools. Running out of supplies in the middle of a black pearl run can leave you stranded or dead.

Advanced techniques include using a tamed Otter to increase your harvesting efficiency. Otters have a passive buff that increases the amount of resources you gather, including black pearls. You can also use a Tek Suit to explore the ocean more safely, as it provides oxygen and mobility. For tribes, setting up an underwater base near black pearl hotspots can save time and resources. Use a platform saddle on a Mosasaurus or a Basilosaurus to create a mobile harvesting station.

Resource requirements for black pearl farming include a strong water mount, a good saddle, healing items, and harvesting tools. If youÔÇÖre targeting Tusoteuthis or Alpha Mosasaurs, youÔÇÖll also need strong weapons and ammo. For solo players, focus on Eurypterids and Ammonites to avoid unnecessary risks. Tribes can tackle larger threats for greater rewards.

In summary, gathering black pearls in ARK: Survival Evolved requires preparation, the right tools, and a strong water mount. Focus on Eurypterids and Ammonites for solo farming, and consider hunting Tusoteuthis or Alpha Mosasaurs for larger yields. Always be cautious of ocean dangers and bring plenty of supplies. With the right strategy, you can gather enough black pearls to build advanced Tek structures and craft powerful items.