What are the best ways to gather leech blood for advanced base building in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Gathering leech blood in ARK: Survival Evolved is essential for advanced base building, particularly for crafting items like Lesser Antidote, which is used to cure Swamp Fever, and for certain crafting recipes like the Fishing Basket. Leech blood is a rare resource that can only be obtained from leeches, which are found in swampy areas on various maps. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to efficiently gather leech blood, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

Leeches are hostile creatures that attach themselves to players or tamed dinosaurs when they enter the water in swamp biomes. Once attached, they drain health over time and can only be removed by either jumping into shallow water or having another player or dinosaur attack them. When killed, leeches drop leech blood, but the drop rate is not guaranteed, so you may need to kill multiple leeches to gather enough blood for your needs.

To start gathering leech blood, youÔÇÖll need to prepare adequately. First, ensure you have a strong mount, preferably a carnivorous dinosaur like a Carnotaurus, Sabertooth, or even a Rex. These dinosaurs can easily kill leeches and protect you from other swamp dangers like Sarcosuchus or Titanoboas. Alternatively, you can use a Baryonyx, which is highly effective in water and can stun leeches with its tail spin attack. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, having a strong mount is crucial for survival in the swamp.

Next, equip yourself with armor, weapons, and medical supplies. Swamp biomes are dangerous, and youÔÇÖll likely encounter other hostile creatures. Bring a crossbow or longneck rifle to deal with threats from a distance, and carry plenty of stimulants or stimberries to counteract the torpor effects from Titanoboa bites. Additionally, bring a few Lesser Antidotes in case you contract Swamp Fever, which is common in swamp areas.

Once youÔÇÖre prepared, head to a swamp biome. On The Island map, the swamp is located in the central and southern regions. On other maps like Ragnarok or Valguero, swamps are also present but may be in different locations. When you arrive, dismount your dinosaur and enter the water cautiously. Leeches will quickly attach to you or your mount. If youÔÇÖre on foot, they will attach to you directly, draining your health. If youÔÇÖre on a mount, they will attach to the dinosaur instead.

To remove leeches, jump into shallow water or have your dinosaur attack them. Once the leeches are detached, kill them to collect leech blood. Be aware that leeches can also attach to your dinosaur, so keep an eye on its health and remove any leeches promptly. If youÔÇÖre using a Baryonyx, its tail spin attack can stun and kill leeches efficiently, making it an excellent choice for this task.

One common mistake is underestimating the dangers of the swamp. Players often enter without proper preparation and are overwhelmed by the combination of leeches, Titanoboas, and other predators. Always bring a strong mount and adequate supplies to avoid this. Another mistake is not bringing enough storage. Leeches drop other resources like raw meat and hide, which can quickly fill your inventory. Bring a few storage containers or a pack animal to carry extra items.

For advanced techniques, consider using a tamed Otter. Otters have a unique ability to passively collect leech blood when they kill leeches, making them a valuable companion for this task. Additionally, if youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to cover more ground and protect each other from swamp threats. One player can focus on gathering leech blood while others guard against predators.

In terms of resource requirements, youÔÇÖll need a strong mount, weapons, armor, and medical supplies. If youÔÇÖre crafting Lesser Antidote, youÔÇÖll also need other resources like Narcotic, Charcoal, and Spoiled Meat. Plan your trip carefully and ensure you have enough supplies to last the entire expedition.

In summary, gathering leech blood requires preparation, caution, and the right tools. Use a strong mount, bring adequate supplies, and be aware of the dangers in the swamp. With the right strategy, you can efficiently gather leech blood for your advanced base-building needs.