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

Gathering basilosaurus blubber in ARK: Survival Evolved is essential for advanced base building, particularly for crafting items like the Tek Generator, which requires blubber as a key resource. Basilosaurus blubber is obtained by hunting and harvesting basilosaurus, a large aquatic creature found in the ocean. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to efficiently gather basilosaurus blubber, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

Basilosaurus are passive creatures that spawn in the ocean, typically in deeper waters. They are not aggressive but will defend themselves if attacked. To harvest blubber, you need to kill a basilosaurus and use a tool like a metal hatchet or a chainsaw to gather the resource. The amount of blubber you get depends on the toolÔÇÖs harvesting efficiency, with chainsaws yielding the most blubber per kill. Basilosaurus also drop oil and prime fish meat, making them a valuable resource for both base building and survival.

To begin, youÔÇÖll need to prepare for an ocean expedition. Craft or tame a strong aquatic mount, such as a Megalodon, Mosasaurus, or Tusoteuthis. These creatures are well-suited for ocean travel and combat, allowing you to safely hunt basilosaurus. Equip your mount with a saddle for protection and increased stats. Bring along tools like a metal hatchet or chainsaw, as well as scuba gear or Lazarus Chowder to extend your underwater breathing time. Additionally, pack some food, water, and medical supplies to sustain yourself during the hunt.

Once youÔÇÖre ready, head to the ocean and search for basilosaurus. They are often found in groups, so you may encounter multiple at once. Approach cautiously, as basilosaurus are surrounded by mantas, which can be aggressive. Use your mount to clear out the mantas before focusing on the basilosaurus. Attack the basilosaurus with your mountÔÇÖs abilities or weapons, but be mindful of its health. Basilosaurus have a lot of health and can deal significant damage if not handled carefully. Once the basilosaurus is defeated, dismount and use your harvesting tool to gather the blubber.

One important tip is to avoid killing basilosaurus in shallow water, as their bodies can glitch and become unreachable. Always hunt them in deep water to ensure you can harvest the blubber. Additionally, basilosaurus are a renewable resource, so avoid overhunting in a single area to allow them to respawn. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, consider setting up a small underwater base or taming a basilosaurus for easier access to blubber. Tamed basilosaurus can be used to passively gather blubber over time, though this method is slower than hunting.

For tribes, coordinating ocean hunts can be more efficient. Assign roles, such as one player clearing mantas while another focuses on the basilosaurus. Tribes can also set up underwater outposts with storage and crafting stations to streamline the process. Advanced players may use Tek gear, such as the Tek Suit, to enhance underwater mobility and combat effectiveness. However, this requires significant progression and resources.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the oceanÔÇÖs dangers, such as alpha predators or jellyfish, which can stun and kill you. Always scout the area before engaging basilosaurus and be prepared to retreat if necessary. Another mistake is using low-tier tools, which yield less blubber. Always use the best available tools to maximize your harvest.

In summary, gathering basilosaurus blubber requires preparation, the right tools, and a strong aquatic mount. Hunt basilosaurus in deep water, clear out mantas, and use efficient harvesting tools to maximize your yield. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, careful planning and execution will ensure a steady supply of blubber for advanced base building.