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.

First, itÔÇÖs important to understand where black pearls can be found. Black pearls are primarily obtained from certain creatures, such as Eurypterids (sea scorpions), Ammonites, and Tusoteuthis (giant squids). They can also be harvested from dead Trilobites, but in much smaller quantities. Additionally, black pearls can be found in specific underwater locations, such as the deep ocean or certain caves, often in clusters of black pearl nodes. Knowing these sources is crucial for planning your gathering strategy.

To gather black pearls efficiently, youÔÇÖll need the right tools and tames. A high-level tamed Megalodon, Mosasaur, or Basilosaurus is highly recommended for underwater exploration and combat, as these creatures can handle the dangerous predators in the deep ocean. A Basilosaurus is particularly useful because it has high health and immunity to the stun effects of jellyfish and eels. For land-based gathering, a high-level Ankylosaurus or Mantis equipped with a pickaxe can help you harvest black pearls from nodes in caves or specific map locations.

When gathering black pearls from Eurypterids, be prepared for a fight. Eurypterids are aggressive and can deal significant damage, especially in groups. Using a strong underwater tame like a Basilosaurus or Tusoteuthis can make this process much safer. Killing Eurypterids will yield black pearls, but the amount varies depending on the creatureÔÇÖs level. For Ammonites, youÔÇÖll need to kill them and harvest their bodies, which also provide other valuable resources like oil and silica pearls. Tusoteuthis, on the other hand, can be tamed and used to harvest black pearls from other creatures more efficiently.

For black pearl nodes, youÔÇÖll need to locate them in specific underwater areas or caves. These nodes are often found in dangerous locations, so having a strong underwater tame and scuba gear or a Lazarus Chowder for extended underwater breathing is essential. Use a pickaxe or a tamed Ankylosaurus to harvest the nodes. The amount of black pearls you get depends on your harvesting efficiency, so using a high-damage tool or a creature with high melee damage is recommended.

One common mistake is underestimating the dangers of underwater environments. The deep ocean is home to dangerous predators like Megalodons, Plesiosaurs, and even the dreaded Leedsichthys. Always bring a strong tame and be prepared for combat. Another mistake is not bringing enough supplies, such as food, water, and healing items, especially if youÔÇÖre venturing into caves or deep ocean areas. Running out of resources in these locations can be fatal.

Advanced techniques include using a tamed Tusoteuthis to harvest black pearls from other creatures more efficiently. Tusoteuthis have a unique ability to grab smaller creatures and harvest resources directly from them, making them ideal for gathering black pearls from Eurypterids and Ammonites. Additionally, using a tamed Otter can increase your harvesting efficiency, as Otters have a passive buff that increases the yield of certain resources, including black pearls.

Resource requirements and preparation are key to a successful black pearl gathering expedition. YouÔÇÖll need scuba gear or Lazarus Chowder for underwater exploration, strong weapons and armor for combat, and a high-level tame for protection and harvesting. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, consider taming a Basilosaurus, as itÔÇÖs one of the safest options for underwater exploration. For tribes, coordinating with multiple players and tames can make the process faster and safer.

Specific examples include the underwater caves on The Island map, where black pearl nodes can be found in abundance. On the Ragnarok map, the deep ocean trenches near the Viking Bay area are rich in black pearls. On the Aberration map, black pearls can be found in the radioactive zone, but this area is extremely dangerous and requires careful preparation.

In conclusion, gathering black pearls in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, the right tools, and strong tames. Understanding the sources of black pearls, preparing for the dangers of underwater environments, and using advanced techniques like taming a Tusoteuthis or Otter can significantly improve your efficiency. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, proper preparation and strategy are essential for successfully gathering this valuable resource.