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 or killing basilosaurus, a passive aquatic creature found in the ocean. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to efficiently gather basilosaurus blubber, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

Basilosaurus are large, whale-like creatures that inhabit the ocean biome. They are passive and will not attack unless provoked, making them relatively easy to hunt. However, they are often accompanied by mantas, which can be aggressive and pose a threat during the hunt. Basilosaurus blubber is obtained by harvesting the corpse of a basilosaurus using tools like a metal hatchet or a tamed creature with high melee damage, such as a Spinosaurus or a Megalodon. The amount of blubber obtained depends on the harvesting tool or creature used, with higher melee damage yielding more resources.

To begin, youÔÇÖll need to prepare for an ocean expedition. Equip yourself with scuba gear or a Lazarus Chowder to extend your underwater breathing time. Bring a strong aquatic mount, such as a tamed Megalodon, Spinosaurus, or even a Basilosaurus itself, as these creatures are well-suited for ocean combat and resource gathering. Additionally, carry a crossbow or harpoon gun for ranged attacks, as well as a metal hatchet for harvesting. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, ensure your mount has high health and damage stats to handle any threats, such as mantas or other predators. In a tribe, coordinate with teammates to divide roles, such as one player focusing on combat while another handles harvesting.

When searching for basilosaurus, head to the deeper parts of the ocean, as they are commonly found in these areas. Use your mount to scout the ocean floor and locate a basilosaurus. Once you find one, approach cautiously to avoid aggroing nearby mantas. If mantas are present, eliminate them first to reduce the risk of being overwhelmed. Engage the basilosaurus with your mount or ranged weapons, targeting it until it is defeated. Be mindful of its health, as it has a significant amount and may take some time to bring down.

After killing the basilosaurus, use your metal hatchet or a high-damage mount to harvest its corpse. A metal hatchet is generally more efficient for solo players, while a tamed creature like a Spinosaurus can speed up the process in a tribe setting. Each basilosaurus yields a substantial amount of blubber, but the exact quantity depends on your harvesting efficiency. Aim to kill multiple basilosaurus in one trip to maximize your blubber collection.

One common mistake is underestimating the dangers of the ocean biome. Always be prepared for unexpected threats, such as alpha predators or large groups of mantas. Another mistake is using low-quality tools for harvesting, which reduces the amount of blubber obtained. Always use a metal hatchet or a high-damage mount to ensure maximum efficiency. Additionally, avoid overextending your oxygen supply by staying underwater for too long without scuba gear or Lazarus Chowder.

For advanced players, consider taming a basilosaurus to assist in future hunts. A tamed basilosaurus is immune to the effects of jellyfish and electric eels, making it an excellent companion for ocean exploration. It can also help you gather blubber more efficiently by killing other basilosaurus and harvesting their corpses. Another optimization is to set up an underwater base or taming pen near basilosaurus spawns, allowing for quick access to resources and reducing travel time.

Resource requirements for this task include scuba gear or Lazarus Chowder, a strong aquatic mount, a metal hatchet, and weapons for combat. Preparation is key, as the ocean biome is one of the most dangerous areas in the game. Ensure your mount is well-leveled and equipped with a saddle for added protection. If playing in a tribe, assign roles to streamline the process, such as one player handling combat while another focuses on harvesting.

In summary, gathering basilosaurus blubber requires careful preparation, efficient harvesting tools, and a strong aquatic mount. By following these strategies and avoiding common mistakes, you can efficiently collect blubber for advanced base building. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, the ocean biome offers both challenges and rewards, making it a crucial area for resource gathering in ARK: Survival Evolved.