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 preparation and strategy to collect efficiently. Below is a detailed guide on how to gather pearls effectively, covering mechanics, strategies, 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, Ammonites, 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. The best early-game option is the Ichthyosaurus, which is fast and easy to tame. For more advanced players, the Anglerfish is highly recommended because it has a special ability that increases the number of pearls harvested from each node. The Megalodon or Mosasaurus can also be used for protection while gathering.
Before heading out, ensure you have the necessary equipment. Scuba gear or Lazarus Chowder is essential for extended underwater exploration. Bring a strong aquatic mount, preferably one with high health and damage to fend off predators. If you are playing solo, consider bringing a backup mount or a bed to respawn nearby in case of emergencies. For tribes, coordinate with members to cover more ground and protect each other from threats.
When gathering pearls, focus on 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, large lakes and ocean floors are rich with pearls. Use your mount to quickly move between nodes and avoid dangerous creatures like Cnidaria or Electrophorus, which can stun you or your mount.
A common mistake is underestimating the dangers of underwater exploration. Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid overextending. If you are playing solo, it is safer to gather in smaller batches and return to your base frequently. For tribes, assign roles such as gathering, scouting, and defense to maximize efficiency and safety.
Advanced techniques include using a Basilosaurus, which is immune to the stun effects of Cnidaria and Electrophorus, making it an excellent choice for pearl gathering in dangerous areas. Additionally, setting up an underwater base or taming a Tusoteuthis can provide a safe haven and storage for your resources. If you are on a map with access to Tek gear, the Tek Suit allows for underwater breathing and increased mobility, making pearl gathering much easier.
Resource requirements for pearl gathering include a strong aquatic mount, scuba gear or Lazarus Chowder, and weapons for defense. Preparation is key, so stock up on food, water, and medical supplies before heading out. For tribes, consider bringing a Paracer or other large land mount to transport resources back to your base.
In summary, gathering pearls in ARK requires careful planning and the right tools. Use a strong aquatic mount, prioritize safety, and focus on high-yield areas. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, coordination and preparation will ensure a successful pearl-gathering expedition. By following 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, Ammonites, 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. The best early-game option is the Ichthyosaurus, which is fast and easy to tame. For more advanced players, the Anglerfish is highly recommended because it has a special ability that increases the number of pearls harvested from each node. The Megalodon or Mosasaurus can also be used for protection while gathering.
Before heading out, ensure you have the necessary equipment. Scuba gear or Lazarus Chowder is essential for extended underwater exploration. Bring a strong aquatic mount, preferably one with high health and damage to fend off predators. If you are playing solo, consider bringing a backup mount or a bed to respawn nearby in case of emergencies. For tribes, coordinate with members to cover more ground and protect each other from threats.
When gathering pearls, focus on 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, large lakes and ocean floors are rich with pearls. Use your mount to quickly move between nodes and avoid dangerous creatures like Cnidaria or Electrophorus, which can stun you or your mount.
A common mistake is underestimating the dangers of underwater exploration. Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid overextending. If you are playing solo, it is safer to gather in smaller batches and return to your base frequently. For tribes, assign roles such as gathering, scouting, and defense to maximize efficiency and safety.
Advanced techniques include using a Basilosaurus, which is immune to the stun effects of Cnidaria and Electrophorus, making it an excellent choice for pearl gathering in dangerous areas. Additionally, setting up an underwater base or taming a Tusoteuthis can provide a safe haven and storage for your resources. If you are on a map with access to Tek gear, the Tek Suit allows for underwater breathing and increased mobility, making pearl gathering much easier.
Resource requirements for pearl gathering include a strong aquatic mount, scuba gear or Lazarus Chowder, and weapons for defense. Preparation is key, so stock up on food, water, and medical supplies before heading out. For tribes, consider bringing a Paracer or other large land mount to transport resources back to your base.
In summary, gathering pearls in ARK requires careful planning and the right tools. Use a strong aquatic mount, prioritize safety, and focus on high-yield areas. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, coordination and preparation will ensure a successful pearl-gathering expedition. By following these strategies, you can efficiently gather the pearls needed for advanced base building and crafting.