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, and tips.
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 mid to late-game, the Anglerfish is highly recommended because it has a special ability that increases pearl yield when harvesting. The Megalodon and Mosasaurus are also good options for protection while gathering, as they can fend off hostile creatures.
Before heading out, prepare by crafting Scuba gear or Lazarus Chowder to extend your underwater breathing time. If you are using a creature, ensure it has high health and stamina to handle potential threats. Bring a Cryopod if you plan to transport your creature to different locations quickly. Additionally, carry a few beds or sleeping bags to set up respawn points near pearl-rich areas in case of emergencies.
When gathering pearls, focus on areas with high concentrations, such as the rivers and lakes in The Island map or the underwater caves in other maps. On The Island, the best locations for Silica Pearls are the underwater caves and the rivers in the Snow Biome. On Ragnarok, the underwater trench near Viking Bay is a prime spot. For Black Pearls, the deep ocean trenches and the Wyvern Trench on Scorched Earth are ideal.
A common mistake is underestimating the dangers of underwater exploration. Always scout the area first to identify threats like Cnidaria, Electrophorus, or Alpha creatures. Avoid overloading your inventory or your creatureÔÇÖs inventory, as this can slow you down and make escaping difficult. Another mistake is not bringing enough oxygen or food, which can lead to drowning or starvation.
For advanced techniques, consider building an underwater base or taming a Basilosaurus. The Basilosaurus is immune to the stun effects of Cnidaria and Electrophorus, making it an excellent choice for safe pearl gathering. You can also use a Tek Suit for underwater mobility and protection, though this requires defeating bosses to unlock. If you are in a tribe, coordinate with teammates to cover more ground and protect each other from threats. Solo players should focus on taming a strong aquatic creature and using stealth to avoid danger.
Resource requirements for pearl gathering include Scuba gear or Lazarus Chowder, a strong aquatic mount, and tools like Cryopods or beds. Preparation also involves leveling up your creatureÔÇÖs health and stamina, as well as ensuring you have enough food and oxygen for extended trips.
In summary, gathering pearls in ARK requires careful planning, the right tools, and a strong aquatic mount. Focus on high-yield locations, avoid common mistakes, and use advanced techniques like underwater bases or Tek Suits for optimal efficiency. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, prioritize safety and resource management to ensure successful pearl gathering for your advanced base-building needs.
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 mid to late-game, the Anglerfish is highly recommended because it has a special ability that increases pearl yield when harvesting. The Megalodon and Mosasaurus are also good options for protection while gathering, as they can fend off hostile creatures.
Before heading out, prepare by crafting Scuba gear or Lazarus Chowder to extend your underwater breathing time. If you are using a creature, ensure it has high health and stamina to handle potential threats. Bring a Cryopod if you plan to transport your creature to different locations quickly. Additionally, carry a few beds or sleeping bags to set up respawn points near pearl-rich areas in case of emergencies.
When gathering pearls, focus on areas with high concentrations, such as the rivers and lakes in The Island map or the underwater caves in other maps. On The Island, the best locations for Silica Pearls are the underwater caves and the rivers in the Snow Biome. On Ragnarok, the underwater trench near Viking Bay is a prime spot. For Black Pearls, the deep ocean trenches and the Wyvern Trench on Scorched Earth are ideal.
A common mistake is underestimating the dangers of underwater exploration. Always scout the area first to identify threats like Cnidaria, Electrophorus, or Alpha creatures. Avoid overloading your inventory or your creatureÔÇÖs inventory, as this can slow you down and make escaping difficult. Another mistake is not bringing enough oxygen or food, which can lead to drowning or starvation.
For advanced techniques, consider building an underwater base or taming a Basilosaurus. The Basilosaurus is immune to the stun effects of Cnidaria and Electrophorus, making it an excellent choice for safe pearl gathering. You can also use a Tek Suit for underwater mobility and protection, though this requires defeating bosses to unlock. If you are in a tribe, coordinate with teammates to cover more ground and protect each other from threats. Solo players should focus on taming a strong aquatic creature and using stealth to avoid danger.
Resource requirements for pearl gathering include Scuba gear or Lazarus Chowder, a strong aquatic mount, and tools like Cryopods or beds. Preparation also involves leveling up your creatureÔÇÖs health and stamina, as well as ensuring you have enough food and oxygen for extended trips.
In summary, gathering pearls in ARK requires careful planning, the right tools, and a strong aquatic mount. Focus on high-yield locations, avoid common mistakes, and use advanced techniques like underwater bases or Tek Suits for optimal efficiency. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, prioritize safety and resource management to ensure successful pearl gathering for your advanced base-building needs.